Why take this course?
It's time for a paradigm shift. A traditional 'problem-based' approach has proven to be largely ineffective in tackling the complex challenges of the 21st century. We need a new approach to addressing problems, one that draws on the strengths of the people facing them.
A strengths-based approach harnesses the power of collaboration and recognises the potential contribution of all. Sharing ideas from different perspectives, asking questions and stimulating new frames of reference or practices, are essential to achieving positive change that is relevant, locally led, successful and sustainable.
What will you learn?
- why a strengths-based approach is relevant now
- process and practice of a strengths-based approach
- philosophical underpinnings that inform and drive this approach
- how change happens and the theory of change in a strengths-based approach
- examples of practice and lessons learned from practitioners with decades of experience across wide-ranging areas including community development, climate change, international development and sustainability
- explore and consider applying a strengths-based approach in your own field of work.
Who is this course for?
- government policy-makers, contractors and program managers
- community development workers
- social change advocates
- consultants and advocates for social change
- international development practitioners as well as Australian-based workers.
Course format/features
Experiential learning will be central, since embodying a strengths-based approach is about an inner orientation and philosophy to build from existing assets and strengths.
Speakers and facilitators
Keren Winterford, Research Director, ISF
Dr Keren Winterford provides research and consultancy services for numerous government and non-government agencies in the development sector. Her areas of expertise include gender and social inclusion, local level advocacy, citizen participation, participatory practice, community development, training and facilitation, research, and research in collaboration, partnership, project design, monitoring and evaluation. Since 1998 Keren has worked in over 20 countries in Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, South America, former Soviet countries and Indigenous Australia within research, NGO and consultancy sectors. In 2013 Keren completed her PhD titled: A strengths perspective on social accountability: informing citizen and state action for improved services and development.
Deborah Rhodes, Consultant in International Development, Leadership Strategies Pty Ltd
Deborah provides facilitation, training and consultancy services for those who seek to achieve positive changes for people, communities and organisations, particularly in cross-cultural contexts. She leads and supports groups of people to conceptualise, design, deliver, monitor and evaluate programs and activities. For her practice, she combines understanding from varied disciplines, such as community development, organisational change, international development, cultural studies and evaluation. She has deep expertise in working cross culturally on issues related to capacity and change. This reflects extensive practice in many countries as well as research and teaching experience. Deborah has been team leader for multiple program designs and evaluations, as well as adviser in the area of capacity development in diverse sectors. With over 35 years of experience, Deborah mentors mid-career practitioners and contributes advice to various organisations involved in international development. She is an Associate Researcher with the Institute of Human Security and Social Change at La Trobe University.
Chris Dureau, Consultant in International Development, Matrix International Development Inc
Chris is an experienced practitioner of international development related to strengthening local governance capacity for improved service delivery, rural development, rural infrastructure, civil society strengthening, specifically promoting collaborative governance, community driven development around primary education and health care, WASH related programs and natural resource management. Chris has worked in disaster and civil conflict response environments and conducted research on what constitutes peace building post conflict. Chris has more than 30 years’ experience in all stages of the project cycle.