We often feel isolated by the problems and challenges we face. When we gather and think together…..we find common solutions and mutual support. For those interested in pursuing this direction the Travis County HHS & VS Research and Planning Division and the Center for Community-Based and Nonprofit Organizations at Austin Community College have created a year long Community Problem Solving Initiative.

Community Problem Solving Informational Flyer

The Community Problem Solving Initiative is an educational program rather than people coming together to solve actual problems.

Vision of Initiative: To strengthen our local community through meaningful participation in shared problem solving.  The Initiative offers a range of experiences that foster learning, critical thinking, and application of key principles needed to effectively solve shared community problems.

Initiative Goals: To provide a common language and knowledge base around the process of community problem solving.  To faciliate opportunities that encourage the exploration and interpretation of knowledge.  To foster opportunities for community members to apply knowledge and take action to solve problems together.

Initiative Partnership: The Travis County HHS & VS Research and Planning Division and the Center for Community-Based and Nonprofit Organizations at Austin Community College  (www.nonprofitaustin.org)

Initiative Workshops: The Initiative schedule has been selected through August 2009.  Click on the Learning Opportunities link to register for sessions.  The Initiative will host one workshop per month that will focus on an aspect of the quarterly objective.  To culiminate the learning experience for the quarterly objective the Initiative will host a speaker forum.

Speaker Forum: Specially selected guests will be invited to share with the group, in a moderated interview type format, personal stories of learning, challenge and accomplishment in solving big problems.  After a moderated interview process participants will then hear and learn from each other in a moderated discussion about solving community problems. (dates; November 18, February 17, May 12, August 18). Click on the Learning Opportunities link to register for sessions.

Definition of Community Problem Solving: A process through which a diverse community of people come together to define shared problems and/or issues, identify functional solutions, and jointly apply resources to solve the defined problems/issues.