Sustainable community development: from what's wrong to what's strong | Cormac Russell | TEDxExeter

How can we help people to live a good life? Instead of trying to right what's wrong within a community Cormac argues we need to start with what's strong. We need to help people discover what gifts they have and to use those gifts to enrich those around them.
--
At TEDxExeter 2016 our speakers encapsulated the idea of movement, that grappling with humanity’s toughest questions requires first a vision, a dream, and then action.


Cormac Russell is Managing Director of Nurture Development, the leading Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) organisation in Europe, and faculty member of the ABCD Institute at Northwestern University, Illinois.

He works with local communities, NGOs and governments on asset-based community development and other strengths-based approaches, in four continents.

Cormac served on the UK Government’s Expert Reference Group on Community Organising and Communities First during its term in 2011-12. His book “Asset Based Community Development (ABCD): Looking Back to Look Forward” was published in 2015.

[ebenaezerappies]

What a gem of a presentation! I'm busy with a community development research proposal in South Africa and your words gave me a total new perspective on my project and what 'helping' communities should entail.

[profngurewamwachofi]

This is simply the best summary of how we can make the world a better place by recognising the self in the other.

[rosiedelacruz]

I am a faculty in the graduate school of a certain College in Davao City teaching Nursing in Community Development subject. This presentation inspired me and my students to engage in community development activities as a Development Worker. Indeed, it brought us to a new perspective in doing development work in communities

[austinanthony]

"Give a man a fish, he is fed for a day. Teach a man to fish and he is fed for a lifetime."

[gayemoonieya]

I'm teaching a course on community development to social work students. This talk nails it on every level. So good! Thank you. I am making them all watch and then we will discuss it.

[naturallyhigh]

Looking for a video that summarizes Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) Approach! Here you go! I totally love this presentation, totally mind blowing

[baraaalmansour]

"we are becoming the change we seek" ...thanking you from Syria

[VD]

This is simply an outstanding presentation.
Truthful..as much as from the heart as thoroughly written to make sure the message was passed with certain potency.
And the poignancy of the theme..and the story.
Suddenly, one travels 1000miles ..before asking "_Can I help you?" ...
Or..
thinks twice before thinking our need to help is not at least as strong as the need to be helped.
In deed..it is a journey of interpersonal growth, of true community, and whoever thinks of helping as an altruistic gesture....well....he or she is being purely Ego driven.
So let us ..undoubtedly find our strong points...our character. Together. As the weaknesses will surely fade away, when not given too much attention.

What a privilege ..being able to watch this presentation.

[kobypeneyra]

I am an architecture student with a subject that deals Community Development and this presentation have shaped up my perspectives and interest towards it. Thank you!

[ralvinceoikwao]

Greetings from the Solomon Islands. A great message of inspiration. Your words are evident in many developing countries today. This concept needs to shared with all people in all works of life. Can you come to the Solomon Islands and share your wisdom. Continue the wonderful work. May God bless you.

[deutschraven]

Everything about this makes me excited to be alive and get involved. Well done.

[hildayarker]

Excellent TED talk by the brilliant Cormac Russell posted in 2016, I may be late to the party but worth the journey.

[bobita]

Now I understand why I also questioned the act of helping, what another AHA moment following my Coaching studies, thank you

[namuganzaracheal]

It’s an interesting lesson lest start from where we’re are to look out on the resources we have in the communities then we stop saying what’s wrong to what’s strong

[tracynnnn]

* Find what's strong, not what's wrong (Asset based community development)
** Do not define people by their weaknesses
* Do not do change unto others, allow them to find change in themselves
* There's no greater way in feeling ownership than by creating

[carolinetorres]

This is awesome and should be mandatory in all schools!!

[bacclally]

IM SO GLAD I FOUND THIS!! We are working on a educational and community development research proposal and this changed my perspective on how to help a certain community --thank u lots!

[sharnafernandez]

What an insightful presentation. I am currently Heading the Department of Social Development in the Western Cape and you have answered so many questions I have been grappling with since assuming this role. Dignity, wellbeing, loneliness and charity amongst others. We are indeed the people we have been waiting for! Thank you so much for the wisdom!

[sallymoyae]

I'm glad this video landed on my page, as a Community development specialist; this is very insightful.Addressing the root of the problem to realise real change.Thank you Cormac.

[tommyholistic]

Hi Cormac, this video is so great. Thank you for these words.
I am currently privileged to be living on an eco farm in Ibiza, studying an apprenticeship in Community Development. I played this talk earlier and then again to my fellow students. Really inspiring to us all.
"There is no them and us, there's only us ... We are the people we've been waiting for, " raised hairs on the back of our necks!
Thanks again, and I look forward to finding out more about Asset-Based Community Development after watching this video :-)