We are pleased to offer free places on a new training course to support those delivering community development activity in Birmingham. Called ‘Six Themed Conversation Programme for Community Development Practice’, the training takes place in early 2022. If you would like to be considered for a free place on the course, please get in touch with David Coffin at [email protected]

Full programme details below

Programme Dates - 19th January -  2nd /16th February - 2nd / 16th /30th March 2022

Programme Overview

The programme is intentionally designed to nurture and support community development practice through six themed conversations. Each of the conversational themes invites community development practitioners to reflect on the subtle elements of being alongside communities by considering the present strengths.

This conversational approach enables participants to explore and discover insights as to how we value relationships, collaboration and partnerships as a foundation to grow community. The objective is also to deepen knowledge, confidence and authenticity in community development practice.  Participants joining the six conversation programme have an opportunity to reflect on their practice, share experience, and grow ideas with other practitioners.

The programme takes place online every two weeks, and participants are invited to commit to all six conversational sessions. The programme is facilitated in a relational way, encouraging dialogue, skills, and knowledge to be shared between participants, forming connections that move beyond the programme.

Conversation themes are concurrent with each other and build on each other over the programme.

Conversations - What does a good life conversation look like
Relationships  - How do we grow good relationships.
Curiosity - Being intentional as to who, what, when, how and why.
Generosity & Collaboration - What is present to collaborate with others.
Noticing & Recording - Noticing and valuing the small.
Storytelling - Articulating the narrative of growing community.

The programme is delivered using Zoom, with participants required to have zoom access to participate. The programme facilitation will also ensure a safe space for all participants to contribute.  Practitioners are required to sign up for the full programme and we will host a maximum number of 20 participants for the duration of the programme.

Learning outcomes

Participants can reflect on their practice and grow ideas with other practitioners to develop a community of practice.

• To deepen a strength-based practice.
• To value the elements which enable trust to grow in building community.
• To articulate the strengths of their community.