Community-Driven Development: The Asset-Based Approach

May 2 - 20, 2005

The asset-based approach to development is an innovative alternative to conventional needs-based approaches. In spite of the wide variety of "participatory approaches" to development, the community development process is, in far too many places, still being "driven" by NGOs and other external players and not the community members themselves.

The purpose of this Certificate Program is to develop the capacity of senior development practitioners to employ asset-based approaches to development that recognize the everyday experience, wisdom, skills and capacity that exist in all communities. Fostering active citizen engagement, building a stronger civil society and creating local economic opportunity are central to the asset-based approach.

CONTENT
Approaches such as Appreciative Inquiry, Asset-Based Community Development, the Asset-Building Framework and the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach can assist communities to mobilize, restore and further develop their internal assets as a means of addressing fundamental issues such as poverty and injustice.

Participants will learn how to assist community members to identify and mobilize the skills of individuals, the capacities of local associations, the assets of businesses and institutions, as well as local natural resources toward community building activities and economic development initiatives. At every step of the way the focus will be on ensuring that the development process is and remains "community-driven."

The Certificate will begin with a series of case studies to expose participants to a range of applications of participatory methodologies around the world. These cases and the experience of participants will be discussed and critiqued. This will be followed by exposure to a variety of asset-based approaches and techniques. The course will culminate in the practical application of an asset-based tool in a local community.

OBJECTIVES
As a result of this program, participants will be able to:

• Select, design and apply tools for identifying and mobilizing community assets
• Critically evaluate various methods and approaches in terms of their potential to strengthen the capacity of community members to control and sustain the development process
• Understand a broad range of asset-based approaches to community development
• Understand their own behaviour and attitudes and how these elements affect their capacity to facilitate community-driven development

RESOURCES
The Coady Institute is able to offer its participants access to:

• State-of-the-art computer technology
• A library specializing in community-based development
• Comfortable residences
• All university resources, including newly constructed recreation and athletic facilities, campus library and renovated dining hall
• Many on-campus activities including guest lecture series, socials, intramurals, theatre and music

WHERE IS THE PROGRAM OFFERED?
The Coady's Certificate Program in Community-Driven Development: The Asset-Based Approach is offered at the Institute's facilities on the historic campus of St. Francis Xavier University. The campus is nestled in the heart of Eastern Canada's scenic coastal town of Antigonish, Nova Scotia. With a population of almost 6000, Antigonish boasts a diverse heritage, rich in Scottish, Aboriginal, French and African-Canadian ancestry.

FEES
All program costs are quoted in Canadian dollars and subject to revision. Partial bursaries for tuition are available through the Institute and are awarded on the basis of need. Candidates are fully responsible for covering the cost of their own travel and living expenses.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• A good working knowledge of English
• Mid to senior level position in a community-based organization, people's organization, government department, intermediary organization, NGO or equivalent
• At least five years of experience in community-based development
• Considerable experience with participatory approaches to community-based development and exposure to participatory rural appraisal (PRA) or participatory learning and action (PLA) techniques
• A university degree (preferred)
• Minimum secondary school certificate

APPLY
Applications should be received by March 14, 2005.

For further information please contact:

The Admissions Officer
Coady International Institute
St. Francis Xavier University
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, Nova Scotia
Canada
B2G 2W5

Application Form  (MS Word)

COADY INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE
Education, Innovation and Action

The Coady International Institute of St. Francis Xavier University has been promoting community self-reliance since it opened its doors over 40 years ago to educate community leaders from around the world. Established in 1959, the Coady Institute is world-renowned as a centre of excellence in community-based development.

The Institute was named in honour of Rev. Dr. Moses Coady, a prominent founder of the Antigonish Movement - a people's movement for economic and social justice which began in Nova Scotia during the 1920s.

Over the past four decades, the global reach of the Institute has grown immensely. More than 4,000 development organization leaders from over 130 countries have taken part in the Institute's campus-based programs.

The Coady is able to remain at the forefront of innovation within the field of community-based development by adapting and evolving to meet the changing needs of development practitioners. The Institute is a learning organization - dedicated to identifying, developing and disseminating knowledge on effective development practice. As a leader in the study and practice of community-based development, we provide relevant programs that help others make a positive difference in their own communities.