Association

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...

The Highlands neighbourhood lies in northeast Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, overlooking the North Saskatchewan River valley. It’s a mature neighbourhood of Foursquare and various Arts and Crafts style homes, large lots, big trees and beautiful river views, all close by central Edmonton. Annexed by Edmonton in 1912,...

What would make Cincinnati a great city? To explore that question, more than 100 folks from around town gathered with Peter and John to learn about “The Abundant Community.” There is growing buzz around town about civic engagement and how we...

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...

Most Thursday evenings I spend in the garden at Ward and Chandler.* Usually I am by myself, puttering. Last night was different. If you had come by the garden yesterday you would have seen neighbors “shopping” among the rows. In...

Introduce the person to others by first describing his/her gift. Ask the person to tell you about people they have met who they think have a similar gift. Ask the person to tell you a story about a...

“We are not just what we eat but how we eat,” says John Schwenkler, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Mount St. Mary’s University, in a recent article on nourishing America from The Philanthropic Enterprise’s Trends in Innovation series. Americans...

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...