A Year of Connection: Reflections from My Journey as a Community Connector

When I first stepped into the role of Community Connector with the Shawnee Evergreen Community Association (SECA), I wasn't entirely sure what the year would look like. I knew my role was part of Building Connected Communities (BCC), a City of Calgary-funded initiative rooted in Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), and that my work would focus on building relationships and helping residents connect. What I didn't know was how many inspiring conversations, unexpected opportunities, and incredible people I would encounter along the way.

At its core, ABCD is built on a simple but powerful idea: every person has something valuable to offer. Instead of focusing on what's missing in a community, ABCD encourages us to discover and build on the strengths, talents, relationships, and resources that already exist.

As a Community Connector, my role has been to listen, learn, and help bring those strengths to light.

Over the past year, that has meant countless conversations at community events, walks through the neighbourhood, informal chats in parks, and one-on-one meetings with residents. It has meant asking questions like: What do you love about this community? What skills or interests would you like to share? What would help you feel more connected to your neighbours?

The answers have been as diverse as the people who live here.

One of the things I've come to appreciate most about Shawnee Evergreen is the incredible wealth of knowledge, experience, and generosity that exists right here in our neighbourhood. Throughout the year, residents shared talents in areas ranging from photography and gardening to research, small business, music, and community leadership. 

Sometimes these connections happened through planned activities. Other times they emerged through chance encounters and simple conversations. A casual chat could reveal a hidden talent, spark a new idea, or connect two people who otherwise may never have met. These moments reinforced one of the most important lessons I've learned: community building often starts with something as simple as saying hello.

This year also provided opportunities to bring neighbours together in new ways. During the summer, Salsa in the Park transformed a local green space into a gathering place where residents could enjoy music, dance, and conversation. 

This spring, we hosted a Gardening Workshop that brought together participants from several communities to learn from knowledgeable guest speakers. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants sharing how much they appreciated the opportunity to learn from one another and connect around a shared interest.

The Garden Hub also became the focus of SECA's first branded Jane's Walk this spring. Residents joined us to explore the space, discuss community gathering opportunities, and share ideas about gardening and neighbourhood connections. It was wonderful to see people come together to learn more about their community while building relationships with fellow residents. Several participants expressed excitement about seeing a Jane's Walk take place locally and appreciated the chance to connect with neighbours in a meaningful way.

More recently, my focus has shifted toward community asset mapping. One of the goals of the BCC project is to leave behind a robust community asset map that reflects not just physical places, but also the people, skills, organizations, businesses, and connections that make Shawnee Evergreen unique.

This summer's Picnic at the Park engagement activities and ongoing conversations will continue to support that work. Through interactive mapping activities, storytelling, and community conversations, residents will help identify the places they value, the skills they possess, and the opportunities they see for strengthening the neighbourhood.

What excites me most about the asset map is that it is being built by the community itself. The final product isn't predetermined. Instead, it will be shaped by the stories, experiences, and insights shared by residents. In many ways, the map is less about geography and more about relationships.

As I look ahead, I am also focusing on identifying and supporting natural connectors within the community - those people who instinctively bring neighbours together, welcome newcomers, share information, and create opportunities for involvement. These individuals play a vital role in community life, and supporting their efforts helps ensure that resident-led initiatives continue to grow long after the Community Connector role ends.

Looking back on the past year, I am struck by how much can happen when people are given the opportunity to share their gifts and connect with one another. Most importantly, I've been reminded that strong communities are built one relationship at a time.

Thank you to everyone who stopped to chat, attended an event, shared an idea, participated in a walk, completed a survey, volunteered their time, or simply said hello. Every interaction has helped strengthen the fabric of Shawnee Evergreen.

The journey continues, and I look forward to discovering even more of the people, places, and possibilities that make this community such a special place to call home.