The iceberg model is a valuable tool for encouraging the systems thinking that is important for seeing an issue or challenge as part of a larger system.

By asking you to connect a single or occuring event or issue to patterns of behavior, systems structures, and mental models, the iceberg allows you to see the structures underlying the event. Just like an iceberg, 90% of these structures are hidden below the surface. However, if you can identify them and connect them to the events you are seeing, you may be able to develop lasting solutions that target the whole system rather than short term, reactive solutions.

The graphic below was developed by the Academy for Systems Change and based on the work of Donella Meadows. 

We all need to think ourselves as a leader because, contrary to what most people think, a formal title doesn't make you a leader. It is instead much more about one's traits and actions. 

Our Futures is a game that encourages you to imagine new ways to involve people in thinking about the future. It can be played by anyone but is particularly relevant for futures professionals, artists, designers and technologists, as well as anyone with responsibility for engaging or consulting the public. Players (individuals or teams) compete to devise scenarios for new types of participatory futures activities that combine emerging technologies and a focus on tackling 21st century challenges, such as biodiversity loss or extreme weather events.

This ‘Impact Gaps Canvas’ is a tool to help you ask the questions you might want to consider for addressing a problem, issue, or challenge. By asking questions related to the challenge landscape (questions about the problem and its impact as well as what might be holding the current status quo in place) and the solutions landscape (what is already being tried and what has or hasn’t worked) you can then identify gaps where the solutions are failing to meet the problems.

Do you know, or are you a young adult (18-29 years) who lives in rural Ontario and wants to make a difference in their community? We may be a bit biased because we're involved in this initiative but it is an exceptional opportunity providing free access to community leadership learning and coaching (value of $4800). Learn more and apply at this link: https://www.ruralontarioinstitute.ca/changemakers

Just a reminder of an online course starting on Monday that that will benefit both you and your community. If you have previously completed one of our Phase One courses (Community Building Fundamentals or Rural Community Building Fundamentals) you will find Community-Led Development (Phase Two) especially interesting as we are applying an innovative flipped classroom approach that is sure to provide a practical, reflective and deep learning experience. 

Course Opens April 27, 2020 (first online webinar is May 4th)

More information at this link.

If you've been given the gift of time, you might be interested in investing it in online learning and growth that will benefit both you and your community. While all of these certified courses have costs attached, there are also some subsidies and/or discounts available that are described once you click through to each link. If you're not familiar with our courses, check out these testimonials from our participants. If you have previously completed one of our Phase One courses (Community Building Fundamentals or Rural Community Building Fundamentals) you will find Community-Led Development  (Phase Two) especially interesting as we are applying an innovative flipped classroom approach that is sure to provide a practical, reflective and deep learning experience. 

If you want to begin the new decade with learning opportunities and growth as a future-focused leader better able to serve as a catalyst for change, the information below may be of interest. All of these learning opportunities will share inspirational learnings and practical strategies to help you strengthen capacity for innovation and transformative change. 

If you're looking for learning opportunities to help you better serve as a catalyst for change, the information below may be of interest. All of these learning opportunities will share inspirational learnings and practical strategies to help you strengthen capacity for innovation and transformative change. 

We're also interested in hearing from you about knowledge and learning practices relating to community building

Community Building is the Secret Sauce for leaders committed to making a difference. 

Our training can help you and your organization Multiply, Mobilize and Maxmize to address virtually any complex issue in your community and the innovation and transformative change it will require.  Its not too late to register as all webinars are recorded. Course begins September 30, 2019 at 1:00 PM EST.  

Our training can help you Multiply, Mobilize and Maxmize your community impact. Courses begin September 30, 2019. Our communities need leaders who understand and can serve as agents of change, who can apply systems thinking,

We live in complex, fast-paced, constantly changing times. On some level, its no surprise to find training has become less of a priority. It may be the result of us equating learning with formal and sometimes irrelevant learning delivered by

Join us for this FREE webinar at this link 

Are you an experienced community builder with a passion and expertise in a specific area? Do you have experience as a trainer or instructor? Are you interested in learning more about the potential of online learning? If so, this free webinar will be of interest to you. Today's future-ready community leaders at all levels are responding to complex health, social, economic, and environmental challenges. If we are to esnsure future-ready leaders, they will typically require new skills, knowledge, attitudes, and curated practical tools and resources. This growing need is increasing demands for convenient, affordable, just-in-time, practice-based learning opportunities delivered by instructors with with boots-on-the-ground experience.

Upon completion of this informal and interactive webinar, participants will:

• an overview of online learning; 
• what we learned about what works best online; 
• potential steps for developing and delivering your own online training.  

It can be overwhelming to stay on top of the latest community building resources that will assist you in becoming future-ready. We're making it easier by serving as your Community Curator 

Best known for developing the Theory of General Relativity, Albert Einstein once stated that innovation is combinatorial. 

As he suggested, combinatorial is about

CLIENT UPDATES:

As an important client of the Campus for Communities of the Future, we wanted to let you know we've been tweaking our community building courses in order to remain relevant and practical. We've done it by standing on the shoulders of some amazing change agents across the country, most of whom are clients like yourself who continue to utilize our training and provide valuable feedback. 

BEGINS JUNE 15, 2020

IMPORTANT NOTE: This Rural Change Makers course is one component of a pilot program that is being provided for young adults age 18-29 by the Rural Ontario Institute. Successful applicants are fully subsidized as the result of generous contributions by the Government of Ontario, the Campus for Communities of the Futures and other sponsors. For more information about the full project contact Vicki Dickson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The ROI Rural Change Makers course provides training and certification for young adults age 18-29 who want to make a difference by serving in a formal or informal community leadership role in their rural or remote community. The overall program is designed to "grow the capacity of young adults to serve as changemakers able to strengthen rural community development by providing leadership opportunities through sustainable, experiential learning". Ultimately the program will prepare young adults to mobilize action in their community, structured around an identified priority in their region. The training provided within this course component is suitable regardless of the background and interest of participants e.g. health, social services, economic development, education, justice, libraries, elected officials, recreation, agricultural, arts, co-operatives, environment, faith communities etc. While other self-selected options for more informal learning will be provided for participants as upcoming separate components, this course will provide the fundamental skills, knowledge, and tools that will position young adults for success as future-focused community leaders.  It will be especially relevant for those who are working with other stakeholders to address complex issues and are committed to facilitating the social innovation and transformation needed for their organizations and communities. 

Upon completion of this certificate, participants will be better able to:

• serve as a catalyst for positive community change and growth;
• engage citizens and partner stakeholders by applying a community development approach, and;
• demonstrate personal growth as a community leader. 

Course Description 

(April 26 2021 Start)

We live in a world of unprecedented change, volatility, and complexity. Individual, community, environmental, and economic well-being will require individuals, organizations, government, and businesses motivated and prepared to serve as catalysts for interdisciplinary, innovative, and future-focused approaches. Ultimately, the transformative change that will be essential requires a different kind of leadership. Most importantly, it will require everyone at all levels - with or without a title - to be part of the innovation and collaboration. This kind of change will often be one driven by "fourth sector" leaders able to combine the best of the public sector (governments), private sector (for-profits), and social sector (non-profits). This Fourth Sector will require leaders who are willing and able to work across sectors to tackle complicated challenges that the other three sectors have been unable or unwilling to solve.

Course Description 

(Starts Monday, April 26 2021)

We live in a world of unprecedented change, volatility, and complexity. Individual, community, environmental, and economic well-being will require individuals, organizations, government, and businesses motivated and prepared to serve as catalysts for interdisciplinary, innovative, and future-focused approaches. Ultimately, the transformative change that will be essential requires a different kind of leadership. Most importantly, it will require everyone at all levels - with or without a title - to be part of the innovation and collaboration. This kind of change will often be one driven by "fourth sector" leaders able to combine the best of the public sector (governments), private sector (for-profits), and social sector (non-profits). This Fourth Sector will require leaders who are willing and able to work across sectors to tackle complicated challenges that the other three sectors have been unable or unwilling to solve.

We live in complex, fast-paced, constantly changing times. On some level, its no surprise to find training has become less of a priority. 

Learn how Participatory Video can be used to engage participants in identifying and analyzing key issues and opportunities in their community. 

We're excited to share with you our new learning portal here at Campus for Communities of the Future!