I’m afraid at any given time I flit from one book to another and between several from one week to the next, and typically there’s little that’s common across them. So I was pleasantly surprised when I saw a...

Being a freelance has unusual perks — like being able to choose your office space for the day on a whim. Lately, I’ve been trying to plant myself in “third places” — spots that lend themselves to interaction among community...

Listen or download Running time: 00:73:00 Tami Simon: You're listening to Insights at the Edge. In this episode, I speak with Peter Block. Peter Block is an author, consultant, and resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, whose work focuses upon chosen accountability and...

While we do not wish problems on anyone, we do see problems as a gift that brings people together even though people may be on opposing sides when they gather. Our role is to help them focus on the...

We welcome yesterday’s launch of NHS England’s Guidance for Participation and Inclusion which begins to lay a foundation for transformational change. The central challenge for participation and inclusion more generally is how can we promote citizen-led innovation that stays local, but over...

In his groundbreaking study of American associational life (Bowling Alone, 2000), Robert Putnam found that until the late 1960s, Americans' participation in associational life steadily increased. Beginning in the 70s, this participation began a decline that continues to this...

John McKnight video by Social Innovation Generation John explains why all big change grows from the small stuff in local communities.       Video by Social Innovation Generation used with permission. Home page image: Jenny Downing.

There's a reason dictators around the world and through time have viewed associations as conspiracies. John reflects on associational life as the most powerful force neighborhoods have to produce positive change and build community.   Related:    John McKnight on Associations (video)   Home page...

Last week, I drove with friends and colleagues from Indianapolis to Cincinnati to attend the three-day Connecting4Community (“C4C”) conference, “a powerful gathering of master and apprentice change agents and social entrepreneurs across sectors and communities, from around the world.” I came for...

Alisdair Smith’s experience at an event co-led by thought leaders Peter Block and John McKnight in Cincinnati last year hit him at the cellular level, he says. The Vancouver resident is now planning a similar gathering for two downtown neighbourhoods in his...