Mini Summit 2026 Localizing Impact with Project Design, Development and Implementation

The virtual part of Mini Summit 2026 took place on June 24th, 2026. This session titled Localizing Impact with Project Design, Development and Implementation Session Overview: Community projects can be a catalyst for how people engage, connect and commit to contributing meaningfully to their locality. The Community Development Learning Initiative (CDLI) is implementing a project called Building Connected Communities (BCC) in partnership with 11 local grassroots organizations with funding from the City of Calgary. With support from CDLI, each organization is hosting a Community Connector to foster relationship building and deepen a sense of belonging using the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) framework. In this session participants found insight on how the BCC project team has structured systems and designed approaches for navigating the complexity of operationalizing a short term, deeply relational social project. The BCC team shared the approaches used in project development and team building while embedding decolonial practice into workplace culture. The BCC project is modelling the power of experiential learning, relationality, intentional connection, community contributions and stewardship, all while centering meaningful local impact. Participant Take Aways: Working with diverse communities includes asking yourself "How do community workers navigate different opinions, perspectives and conflict?" and "How can communities collaborate despite differing experiences and needs?" Differing perspectives should be viewed as assets rather than barriers. Strong communities create spaces where multiple voices are welcomed. Community work required listening before solving. Conflict can create learning opportunities when handled through dialogue. Building networks within networks makes communities stronger. Connecting organizations, sharing resources, creating accessible opportunities and making participation free wherever possible.