Tyson and Ariam along with the students from the Urban Studies class!
Hi!
Welcome to the Exploring Communities blog. We are excited about this project and we know some of you are probably curious about what it is and what we will be doing, so we wanted to take you along as we story-tell this adventure. Below are some commonly asked questions that you may have. Be sure to keep checking this blog, as we will be frequently updatingit with stories, pictures, including guest blog posts from students, community members, and more!
1. What is Exploring Communities?
In an effort serve our member communities, the Federation of Calgary Communities (the Federation) in collaboration with the Urban Studies class from the University of Calgary is offering a new community program, formerly Community Visioning, known as Exploring Communities. Exploring Communities focuses on creating a community asset map by identifying demographics, services, needs, and/or amenities unique to every community as well as engaging with the board of the community association. In doing so, this asset map will help community associations better understand and serve their residents.
This is our first interdisciplinary project at the Federation which will look at community building as a whole. Team leads on this project are: Ariam, Tyson, and Carrie.
2. What is a Community Asset Map?
A community asset map is an opportunity to understand the structure of every community (physically, socially, and economically), assess its needs and assets, and understand how that community compares to the rest of Calgary.
A successful community asset map will:
- Identify the markers that make a community unique (i.e. pathways, parks, social services)
- Identify values important to the community.
- Enable students to understand the role that communities and community associations play in Calgary.
3. Who are the participating communties?
In our inaugural year of introducing Exploring Communities, the Federation of Calgary Communities will be embarking on an adventure to “Explore the East”. The communities that have been chosen represent the east of Calgary and offer their own set of opportunities. The communities for the 2017 Exploring Communities-Celebrating the East are: Whitehorn, Erin woods, Southview, and Calgary Chinatown.
4. How do I apply?
Unfortunately, we have picked our communities for the year but don't worry we will place a call out for participating communities next year. Stay updated with our blog for the announcement.
5. What's next?
Following Exploring Communities, three of the chosen commutnies will join Carrie, Tyson, and Ariam on a resident-led community project. The community projects will be based on the work done in Exploring Communities and in specific on the community asset map.
