2026 CDS Annual Conference

The Blandin Community Learning Network fostered leadership and network development in eight small, rural communities. Offering structured activities for leaders to increase their capacity to learn together, both internally and across communities, and to take action toward stronger communities. This 12+ month program is an example of how using an asset-based approach centered around the Community Capitals Framework and aligned with many of the CDS Principles of Good Practice, can build the capacity of rural leaders to leverage existing strengths for community change and capacity building. 


We invite you to hear our story about the Blandin Community Learning Network, a program designed to invite community leaders to come together to learn, dream, and take action. The program is a unique model intended to foster leadership and network development both within and across communities using an asset-based approach. 


Structured in three interconnected phases, the program used the Community Capitals Framework (CCF) as its core foundation. Launched in October 2024, the first phase of the program focused on participants identifying their existing community assets and engaging in conversations that challenged thinking about what’s possible. 


Over the next five months, leaders from eight communities took part in online learning group sessions (Phase 2) focused on cultural, human, political and social capitals where they continued to explore assets in their communities and build connections with people within and across their communities. This led to the Phase 3 of the program which incorporated Strategic DoingTM where everyone explored ways to use assets to ‘spiral up’ areas in communities where they could navigate change together.


We’ll share how we scaffolded the program using the CDS Principles of Good Practice to motivate and challenge people, and invited reflective practice. We’ll illustrate how participants developed a transformation mindset by leveraging existing strengths and resources. Finally, we’ll provide insights into maximizing community driven practice by facilitating learning within communities to support ongoing growth and action for a collective future.