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.
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