"Working with the Process"

Community development is a process; a way of engaging the community. Many communities are already participating in this process, but sometimes they do not use the term "community development". ACE Communities is geared to supporting communities in this process.

In any case, the community of High Level is "working with the process". Adam Clarkson, Manager of Recreation Services mentions that "ACE has been great for our community. It's gotten the community involved, and we've been able to celebrate our successes and accomplishments." Here, the significant piece is celebrating as a community in order to be connected in meaningful ways.

"To us, it doesn't matter what we get people involved in; what's important to us is that people are involved in the community." Carrie Denkiw, Health Promotion Liaison. In other words, the process and engagement, rather than the end product is key.

When communities focus on the process of asking what residents want and need through meaningful conversations, then residents will feel included as part of the community.

Learning Never Stops

In Kitscoty, one of the residents who is active in participating in the Active, Creative, Engaged Community Initiative has commented several times on how he views the ACE Initiative. Ed Korchinski remarked "In terms of ACE, it is not just belonging to an organization, it is having experienced teachers, you can say, and two years of college we have to go to and are learning other skills we didn’t have. We get a graduation cap once our two years is done; no different than college- and need to take what you’ve learned and action it.”

When Ed spoke about two years of "college" he was referring to the two year partnership that communities have with ACE. Through the two year partnership various supports are provided, including a coach. Ed has taken this partnership and re-worked it to reflect how learning never stops for himself or a community. He continued his discussion and added "It is more meaningful belonging to the organization of ACE and helps us to be more dedicated. My vision of belonging to ACE is to pass on what we’ve learned.” Indeed, community leadership and community development focuses on inviting others and sharing the strengths, successes, and stories. And, Ed, along with other community leaders in Kitscoty, definitely demonstrate this important part of sharing and inviting.

Ideas from the Roots

Leaders within ACE Communities are applying a variety of strategies for engaging citizens.

Here's a few of their ideas:

- Engage children in schools

- Hold a breakfast event for commuters

- Send Christmas cards to all those who have indicated they want to be involved “Call to Action” people

- Set up an email Tree

- Send random letters to community members.

- Invite buddies to get involved and help plan.