How do communities innovate to increase their impact on complex issues in their communities? Four communities from distinct health authorities are working to grow their impact through the inaugural healthy communities learning and leadership cohort called ‘Growing Impact’. The process is facilitated by BC Healthy Communities Society (BCHC) on behalf of the PlanH program.
The City of Kelowna, City of Surrey, the Cowichan Valley Regional District and the District of Squamish are participating in the cohort offered through the PlanH Healthy Communities Capacity Building Fund’s Growing Impact Stream. Together they are leading the way in creating the conditions that enable healthy people and healthy places.
Growing Impact Curriculum
BCHC staff and associates have developed a unique Growing Impact curriculum tailored to the cohort and delivered to each community. Each community has now participated in the first two-day learning session. The sessions are in addition to tailored coaching and an online community of learning and practice.
During the sessions participants were challenged to explore personal capacities for change as well as how to develop shared ownership and leadership to create lasting change. One participant reflected on the curriculum:
“It was a great introduction with complex problems navigation…it broadened my perspective on all the things we need to pay attention to. Which leads nicely to the critical importance of inclusive engagement and collaboration.” – Participant in Growing Impact Learning event
Communities in the leadership cohort will spend the next six months benefiting from coaching from BCHC. They will also have an opportunity to connect with other Growing Impact communities through a facilitated community of learning and practice. Coaching and community support are in addition to a grant of up to $15,000 to each community provided through the Healthy Communities Capacity Building fund.
