5 Small Things That Make People Feel Welcome in Community Spaces
We tend to think of welcome as something that happens at the door — a smile, a sign, a land acknowledgement at the top of a meeting. And those things matter. But welcome is sustained or broken in the small, accumulated moments that follow. The way a room is arranged. Whether someone makes eye contact when you walk in. Whether your dietary needs were considered when the food was ordered.
For anyone who has ever walked into a space and immediately felt like they didn't quite belong, you know: the details are everything.
What Does a Community Project Manager Actually Do?
Community work attracts some of the most passionate, driven people you'll ever meet. People who care deeply about the places they live, the populations they serve, and the change they're trying to make. That passion is a gift — and it can also be a liability.
What Belonging Gaps Cost Your Community
Belonging gaps have real costs — in health care, civic participation, and local economies. Here's what the research says, and why it matters for your community.
7 Best Practices for Community Project Management That Builds Belonging
Managing a community project doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. These seven best practices will help you plan with purpose, adapt with confidence, and build momentum that lasts long after the project ends.
Why Community Is About Connection, Not Perfection: Lessons From The Hope Pride Festival
This past weekend, Thrive & Connect was honoured to sponsor and help organize the third annual Hope Pride Festival. The plan was simple: share a picnic dinner, then unwind with a cozy movie night. We had the screen, the projector, complimentary shaved ice from Envision Financial — and most importantly, the joy of being together.
And then… the technology failed us.
From Listening to Action: How School District 78 is Advancing Equity Through Student-Led Dialogue
Discover how School District 78 empowered student voices to lead anti-discrimination efforts and shape inclusive policy through meaningful dialogue.
Why Community‑Led Initiatives Create Lasting Change
Every powerful movement begins not in a boardroom, but on the ground—with people who live and breathe the challenges they’re trying to solve. I think often to one of my favourite scenes from the movie Rustin, when Bayard Rustin inspires a group of young activists to think big, think bold.
What Are Third Spaces & Why Do We Need More Of Them?
In a world that often pulls us between home and work, third spaces offer something essential: connection. Coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, third spaces are informal public places where people gather—not to work or live, but to be in community.
Building Stronger Communities: The Power of Collaboration in Community Development
Strong communities are built through intentional collaboration—where shared vision and collective effort transform challenges into lasting impact. In community development, collaboration is not just helpful; it’s essential. Today, let’s explore why collaboration is so vital, how it strengthens communities, and practical ways to foster meaningful partnerships.