On October 9, 2024, Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) hosted its 3rd annual Building Inclusive Communities Forum, bringing together nearly 150 attendees, including leaders from 30 grassroots organizations, community developers, and officials from across sectors. The event provided a platform for dialogue and collaboration to create a more inclusive and cohesive society.
With a strong focus on building community resilience using the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, the forum became a vital space for networking, knowledge sharing, and capacity building. Attendees explored strategies to empower Edmonton’s most vulnerable communities, highlighting the strengths within these communities and mobilizing resources to address systemic barriers.
The day began with a land acknowledgment and an opening prayer, honoring the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples. Aftab Khan, Executive Director of AHC, delivered the opening remarks, setting the stage for a day filled with meaningful dialogue. He also acknowledged the financial support provided by the Canadian Race Relation Foundation (CRRF) for the event.
Keynote speaker Dr. Jonathan Massimi’s keynote addressed building resilience in vulnerable communities through ABCD as a major draw, offering insights into how communities can leverage their strengths to overcome challenges. His address was followed by breakout sessions that delved into topics such as systemic racism, asset mapping, resource mobilization, and sustainability. These interactive discussions empowered participants to engage deeply with the ABCD framework, fostering ideas on using existing community assets to address vulnerabilities.
A dynamic panel discussion followed, moderated by Alphonse Ahola, Executive Director of FRAP, on how current socio-cultural and economic conditions impact the determinants of well-being for residents of Edmonton. The panelists—Barhet Woldemariam (Centre for Race and Culture), Leanne Hedberg (Social Innovation Institute at MacEwan University), Vanessa Zembal (Edmonton Social Planning Council), and Joanne Currie (Edmonton Community Foundation)—provided a range of perspectives on how social, cultural, and economic factors influence well-being and community resilience in Edmonton.
One of the forum’s key moments was the plenary session, “Empowering Youth Leaders through Community Action,” which celebrated the contributions of young people in Edmonton’s anti-racism efforts. The session spotlighted the power of youth leadership and the importance of investing in young changemakers.
The forum ended with Erick Estrada and Helen Rusich, members of AHC’s Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC), reinforcing the importance of collaboration and community-driven solutions. They urged attendees to continue fostering networks and spaces where all residents can thrive, noting that building inclusive communities requires sustained effort and dedication.
The forum successfully showcased the power of community-led initiatives, reaffirming AHC’s commitment to creating inclusive spaces, empowering grassroots organizations, and promoting long-term well-being for all. It was a day marked by collaboration, action, and shared vision, reminding everyone present that, together, we can build a more inclusive and resilient Edmonton.
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