A morning in Parksville…

I had the opportunity to open up a conversation with a variety of Homeshare providers, a service provider, and a parent, from the Parksville area. The session proved be an invaluable opportunity for these community members to share what is happening and, at points, challenge one another in the true spirit of inclusion. When our conversations create a level of tension, we are provided the opportunity to look more closely at how we approach our work and the way in which we see our communities.

Connecting people to their community looks different from person to person, family to family. The momentum in which a person connects to his/her community may be in direct relationship to what the needs are and the history is for the person. It is important to remember that every person will require their own process for inclusion; there is no time limit. Placing unreasonable time constraints towards connecting a person to relationship or an opportunity can, in the end, become a primary barrier. Go with the flow…let the person lead the process.

Take a close look at the persons goals. Is there a basis for momentum that is relevant for the person in the present. Are we holding on to goals that, at least for now, are not being achieved. It’s important to realize that we need t be OK with the concept of goal completion, renewal or discontinuation. Goals are a basis for momentum for both the person, family, and the Connector/care provider.Without regularly revisiting a persons goals we may also be losing out on the opportunity to empower a person and his/her network through celebration. It feel good to succeed, lets aim to connect people to experience of success as much as possible. Shoot for the stars!

I was extremely inspired to hear about a care giver / family group that meets once per month. The group was started in 1996 by a few caregivers as a way to open up conversations about their common experiences, services and respite needs.  Family members we invited into this group a few years ago. Being a parent, family member or homeshare provider can be very isolating, difficult work;  it is wonderful to hear about this group of people getting together and becoming a network of support for one another. This group actively strives to enhance relationships between caregivers and families and is supported by the Parksville and District Association for Community Living. A great example of a way that the Parksville  community volunteers its time to come together in the spirit of relationship and interdependence.

I am looking forward to getting back to Parksville on February 8th.

Dialog in Port Hardy…

The first of many training opportunities through the North Island Connector Project, funded through Community Living BC, (www.communitylivingbc.ca) occurred in an area of North Vancouver Island which includes Port Alice, Port McNeil and Port Hardy. Approximately 3 hours North of the Comox Valley, the “Tri-Port” region is quite isolated and faces a variety of challenges as the result of being a remote community. (access to ongoing training, funding, available community resources, transportation, employment opportunities, to name a few) However, these communities are rich with a sense of community spirit and optimism.

Much of the work being done is already community based in nature. There is no “facility” based service delivery model that can, in many situations, be a hinderance to an inclusion inspired focus. The work is occurring within the community, which resonated for me as an advocate for community focused momentum. (Many of my previous conversations have been with larger organizations that are working towards an increased community presence for people receiving services.)

It was extemely inspiring to hear stories from the “Connectors” and “Community Leaders”; People are connected/connecting to their community in a variety of ways. A young man is starting his own candle making business, people are connecting to their resources (though a lack of tangible resources is a defined reality within this region), people are watching out for one another in meaningful ways and there is a focus towards furthering the work that is already, in so many ways, already happening.

It was amazing to speak with people about the positive and negative realities that smaller communities face and share some insights and strategies to assist the allies/advocates to further reflect upon their connectedness with not only the person; but families, networks, community, and one another.

- Are we starting the journey with the belief that all communities possess the opportunity for people to learn and grow together?

- Are we acknowledging the importance of families and existing networks of support?

- Is momentum based in the gifts and interests that individuals have and bring to their community?

- Does a focus exist that inspires momentum?

- Do we recognize the potential of this communities Natural Supports?

- Are we equipped with approaches that inspire “working our self of a job”?

- Are we facilitating the process of “fade” into our work, and thus providing the person and their community the opportunity to associate in interdependent ways?

I was truly inspiring to see such a collage of community stakeholders come out to the sessions. Attendance was amazing not only in numbers, but in the passion that exists to make the Tri-Port region more inclusive and welcoming to all of its members.

Thank you to all who came out over the two days! As your facilitator I left greatly inspired by the work that is happening and the true passion that exists to move ahead in new, at points challenging, ways.

BCT gathering momentum in 2011!

During 2010, I had the opportunity to continue my work with the Friendship Project and North Island Connector Project. These were under a host site arrangement with Out of School Care Services in Courtenay BC. With that being said, I did not have much opportunity to focus on Bringing Community Together in 2010 as my energies were spoken for. WIth 2011 upon us, I am now refocusing my attention towards the possibilities that BCT could offer individuals, families, networks and organizations.

Over the next few months, I will be travelling Vancouver Island to facilitate training and dialog that focusses on Community Connection and the possibilities that exist within our communities for diverse residents. A part of this work is speaking with Homeshare providers and organizations. Very exciting!

I am currently in Port Hardy and eager to open up conversation tomorrow.

All the best in 2011 for everyone!