Share your strengths with us!
The Community Development Learning Initiative is a network for community-minded folks. We welcome anyone who wants to learn, find inspiration or take action within the world of community development. Our small team relies on those within our network to undertake all of our work.
Joining the network is unique to each person:
Some join a monthly group like the Learning and Action Teams listed below.
Others want to work on a project or working group that brings them into contact with others in the community development world and offers them the ability to offer skills and talents while working at their own pace.
And some want to attend gatherings and events we host when they are able.
All of these and more are ways to be part of the CDLI network!
Join One of our Learning & Action teams that help guide our work!
Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Learning and Action Team (LAT)
The ABCD LAT is a group of people active in their communities and community development practitioners who are seeking to use asset-based community development approaches in our community efforts. From asset mapping, to block connectors, to the core of a strengths-based approach, this group meets monthly to deepen our learning together and build our connections with others.
We meet second Friday, of every month from 10:30AM - 12:00PM to learn more register with the Growing Our Asset-Based Community Development.
Anti-Racism and Decolonization (AR&D) Learning and Action Team (LAT)
The AR&D LAT emerged in the summer of 2020 to hold space to deepen learning and action around anti-racism and decolonization efforts in our communities. It is made up of a combination of community development practitioners and community members, and together this group undertakes work to host conversations and develop resources relating to anti-racism and decolonization.
Part of AR&D LAT is the Creating Just Futures where group members put their learnings into action for the Calgary community.
Specific volunteer opportunities
CDLI Mini Summit 2026 Working Group
Each year CDLI hosts an online Mini Summit to provide an opportunity for community minded folks to share, connect, inspire and learn. This summit is free of charge and open to anyone to attend.
In order to offer this summit it takes the work of 4-8 people in a working group - let us know if you have about 12 hours total between January and July to support this opportunity for all community minded folks.
Previous attendance at Mini Summit NOT required! Find out what Mini Summit 2023 looked like here and what Mini Summit 2024 looked like here. Each year a working group of folks like you come together to plan the theme, structure and updates to Mini Summit (implementing the feedback from previous years).
Message us if you have some skills you could offer for this event!
CDLI partnership Table 2025
CDLI is a network which operates by community, for community. The Partnership Table convenes 2-4 times per year to inform the strategic of CDLI by consensus. The partnership table is made up of members of the LAT’s as well as other past or current partners/members. It may also include other leaders of community development such as academics.
The Partnership Table is a great opportunity to get to know other CD practitioners/leaders/community members and make big impact in the sector. Time commitment ranges from 3 hours minimum/year to 8+/year for those interested in doing the maximum collaborative support.