Tutors - Nandor Tanczos and Finn Mackesy

This workshop explores the tools, techniques, strategies and technologies that empower communities and active citizens to create the change they want to see in the world. It also explores how individuals and communities can respond effectively to uncertainty through immediate change, capturing and harnessing positive opportunities as they arise. This workshop will combine effective community empowerment theories and models with an interactive, hands-on introduction to grass roots facilitation, group dynamics and community development and resilience. We will investigate social and economic models that actively regenerate all forms of capital (natural, built, social, cultural and financial) and seek solutions to enhance community wellbeing and resilience. This workshop is ideal for community leaders, Transition group member, social entrepreneurs, community development workers, and anyone interested in learning new and effective skills to work successfully empowering communities.

Course content

Introduction to - Community advocacy and development; Personal, Household and Community Resilience; Civil defence and emergency planning; Auckland bioregional context – Recognising risk, hazard and vulnerability;. Working effectively with groups; Facilitating dialogue, Decision making, and Conflict resolution; Local economic solutions including Genuine Progress Indicators; Local and bioregional economic development; and Local, national and international best practice.

Learning objectives

• Develop an understanding of active citizenship
• Develop an understanding of effective tools, technologies and strategies that enhance community participation, resilience, well being and wealth
• Develop a greater understanding of risk management and assessment tools and strategies for improving resilience
• Develop an understanding of effective governance structures and decision making processes that empower community participation and active citizenship
• Identify opportunities and challenges to applying the day’s learning