DiverseCity Blog

Building Blocks in the Public Interest: stronger communities

Apr 15, 2013 |

by Alejandra Bravo

“We recognize, value, and tap into the knowledge within communities and organizations. The work we do is a process of uncovering, stimulating, and building on the inherent strengths and knowledge of these groups. We aim not to supplant their capacity but rather enable them to develop and expand it. Public Interest respects the sharing of those skills by creating ‘open source’ tools for social change. We are happy to share the models and methods we develop for use in our projects with others doing similar work. We continually research best practices in social and public policy and promote these models in our work with clients.” – Public Interest

Building Blocks group at tableAs we originally conceived of a train-the-trainer program for Building Blocks that would reach hundreds across the Greater Toronto Area with a civic literacy curriculum, Public Interest became a natural partner. A consultancy for social good, it has worked on innovative outreach strategies for public sector and non-profit organizations since 2002. Public Interest develops productive partnerships between community members, governments, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations.

Developing talent from within communities is integral to the way it delivers projects. It helps community members create the tools and skills they need to gather information and mobilize others in their efforts to bring about change.

Sean Meagher presentingOur relationship with Public Interest is built on shared values. Building Blocks is focused on working with leaders in diverse, low income communities to creatively find solutions to local challenges. Public Interest’s work helps people overcome language, culture and race barriers that have prevented full participation in civic processes and having a voice in decision-making. When Public Interest President Sean Meagher and Program Manager Effie Vlachoyannacos came on board, they quickly became part of the backbone of the Building Blocks program.

They developed a curriculum focused on the perspective of residents looking to influence how governments make decisions. They trained and coached 29 Building Blocks leaders from 15 communities who, in turn, trained others and led action projects in their communities.

Watch Sean describe what it meant to be working with Building Blocks, followed by a Building Blocks leader, Beatriz Alas from the North York Community House, on the impact of his training.

Related:


CollaborAction: why we started Building Blocks, where we’re going next

Apr 12, 2013 |

On March 20, 2013 we had a lively learning exchange, showcasing local leadership success stories. Our participants connected with and learned from each other. Participants left with ideas and practical information to build civic literacy and promote engagement and participation in your community.

Thanks to our enthusiastic and interested participants, CollaborAction trended on twitter in Toronto!

It was a fantastic afternoon. (more…)


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