Sustainable community development: from what's wrong to what's strong | Cormac Russell | TEDxExeter

How can we help people to live a good life? Instead of trying to right what's wrong within a community Cormac argues we need to start with what's strong. We need to help people discover what gifts they have and to use those gifts to enrich those around them.
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At TEDxExeter 2016 our speakers encapsulated the idea of movement, that grappling with humanity’s toughest questions requires first a vision, a dream, and then action.
Video Production Chromatrope (chromatrope.co.uk/)
Production Manager Andy Robertson ( / familygamertv )
Cormac Russell is Managing Director of Nurture Development, the leading Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) organisation in Europe, and faculty member of the ABCD Institute at Northwestern University, Illinois.
He works with local communities, NGOs and governments on asset-based community development and other strengths-based approaches, in four continents.
Cormac served on the UK Government’s Expert Reference Group on Community Organising and Communities First during its term in 2011-12. His book “Asset Based Community Development (ABCD): Looking Back to Look Forward” was published in 2015.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@profngurewamwachofi3243]

This is simply the best summary of how we can make the world a better place by recognising the self in the other.

[@ebenaezerappies3353]

What a gem of a presentation! I'm busy with a community development research proposal in South Africa and your words gave me a total new perspective on my project and what 'helping' communities should entail.

[@nurtureprogramme]

Ebenaezer Many thanks for your kind words. I am delight to hear my talk resonated for you. Warm wishes, Cormac

[@JulianaAchi]

Me too. How did your research go?

[@umargadosidiki8547]

I'm doing similar research in northern Ghana. It has actually change my world view.

[@DeekayLabron]

Hi how did it go with your proposal am busy with a community development degree I could do with your input or help from what you have gathered am in South Africa.

[@gayemoonieya219]

I'm teaching a course on community development to social work students. This talk nails it on every level. So good! Thank you. I am making them all watch and then we will discuss it.

[@baraaalmansour1800]

"we are becoming the change we seek" ...thanking you from Syria

[@imeldaambelye972]

This is GOLD! Just the answer I have been looking for to confirm my thinking ! Thank you

[@deutschraven]

Everything about this makes me excited to be alive and get involved. Well done.

[@adibaislam7618]

I am currently studying city equity and well-being. Your words have totally changed my perspective towards the development of the community. thank you so much!!!!

[@kobypeneyra5093]

I am an architecture student with a subject that deals Community Development and this presentation have shaped up my perspectives and interest towards it. Thank you!

[@2000bobita]

Now I understand why I also questioned the act of helping, what another AHA moment following my Coaching studies, thank you

[@namuganzaracheal1944]

It’s an interesting lesson lest start from where we’re are to look out on the resources we have in the communities then we stop saying what’s wrong to what’s strong

[@mohammadmizanurrahmansenio531]

Thanks for delivering speech on sustainable community development Mr.Russell.

[@hildayarker7096]

Excellent TED talk by the brilliant Cormac Russell posted in 2016, I may be late to the party but worth the journey.

[@neetachalke5796]

After 27 years in the sector, I needed these pearls to revisit what one began with and to keep the spirit up. Thankyou

[@rosiedelacruz3152]

I am a faculty in the graduate school of a certain College in Davao City teaching Nursing in Community Development subject. This presentation inspired me and my students to engage in community development activities as a Development Worker. Indeed, it brought us to a new perspective in doing development work in communities

[@zawukanyalyton9129]

This was so good. I think it is the best approach to community development

[@naturallyhigh442]

Looking for a video that summarizes Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) Approach! Here you go! I totally love this presentation, totally mind blowing

[@nurtureprogramme]

Many thanks for your kind words;) BW Cormac

[@ralvinceoikwao]

Greetings from the Solomon Islands. A great message of inspiration. Your words are evident in many developing countries today. This concept needs to shared with all people in all works of life. Can you come to the Solomon Islands and share your wisdom. Continue the wonderful work. May God bless you.

[@amandaamourashford]

Impeccable, beautiful. Thank you.

[@sued2340]

Brilliant! Thank you for sharing this Cormac.

[@jamescox664]

An amazing presentation of simple truths, lost to many through only following political discourse. Hope to engage in useful community activity and development in a Connemara village when I return to my ancestors heartland. Thank you for such thoughtful insights.

[@V4D2]

This is simply an outstanding presentation. Truthful..as much as from the heart as thoroughly written to make sure the message was passed with certain potency. And the poignancy of the theme..and the story. Suddenly, one travels 1000miles ..before asking "_Can I help you?" ... Or.. thinks twice before thinking our need to help is not at least as strong as the need to be helped. In deed..it is a journey of interpersonal growth, of true community, and whoever thinks of helping as an altruistic gesture....well....he or she is being purely Ego driven. So let us ..undoubtedly find our strong points...our character. Together. As the weaknesses will surely fade away, when not given too much attention. What a privilege ..being able to watch this presentation.

[@agnesndetaramo7209]

Thank you, great presentation.

[@marlenesabiooliva7667]

Thank you very much for your presentation. God bless!

[@youngsonnyasulu2189]

This is ABCD summed up in simple words. Thank You !

[@abdimohamed355]

what a useful presentation, it is quite touchy deep down in my heart, I can,t believe how I feel , this is a collective responsibility leave no behind, we have to mobile and engage communities and build capacities at grassroots level

[@aliteiacs]

OMG such wonderful presentation. For sure a gift to the society. It changes everything. Including the way I work. Amazing. Thank you very much.

[@profdavidclark]

Absolutely fantastic talk!

[@auntykiki8161]

Brilliant talk. Thank you.

[@kayequinanola7487]

Great speaker and very clear! Have watched this twice for my study in school! I really enjoyed this! Well done!

[@cathrinesharp5853]

Thank you. You summed up in a short time everything I have been learning and hearing while doing a Post Grad Cert in CD. I live in Queensland, Australia and would be interested in when you will be coming to Australia and where the hubs would be set up. Well done and thanks.

[@doomguy8884]

I'm here for a TAFE module, but found this to be a very insightful and inspiring talk.

[@austinanthony4016]

"Give a man a fish, he is fed for a day. Teach a man to fish and he is fed for a lifetime."

[@rejoicejones]

This was the best talk on community development

[@rodon.]

SO TRUE-- BIG TALK

[@Angela-xw1sv]

This was absolutely an outstanding presentation on every level! The message was thought provoking and has given me a new outlook on how I will approach my work in the community. Also, the delivery of this presentation was executed beautifully!

[@dineshnagwekar3173]

Wow! Wow! Wow! What a presentation! Sir, we want hundreds of thousands of leaders & speakers like you to impact millions, who can motivate themselves to make a positive change in life of billions around the world, so that we will sustain humanity on this planet. God bless you! Keep it up! Thank you! Regards, Jai Hind!

[@daveconroy6859]

Finally got around to listening to this immaculate presentation. Superb on every level.

[@nurtureprogramme]

Thanks Dave, I''m truly humbled by your kind words, thank you! Best wishes, Cormac

[@vikluther]

Truly inspiring

[@pimmento1]

This is so right! Thank you for the talk...

[@nurtureprogramme]

Many thanks Lesley. Really pleased it resonated for you! BW Cormac

[@88spmb1]

insightful. An excellent reference for my recent assignment on community strength

[@Vishnu.Das.M]

Very insightful. I am working on building a solution to make a change and this really inspired me to look at it in a very different perspective. Grateful 🌻

[@moharoun2642]

@Cormac Russell... I really hope many get to see this. It has inspired me to develop a video around the conversation of 'changing a country, starting with individuals bringing forth their talents...you just broadened my view...and magnified tenfold the infinite potential in my community...thank you

[@nurtureprogramme]

Many thanks Mo, it's so great to hear that the message is affirming to your efforts. Very warm wishes, Cormac

[@briannacooper2628]

utterly fabulous.

[@2000bobita]

Brilliant!!! Thank you

[@user-yd3md1qj6q]

YES! YES! YES! ❤❤❤

[@jrigebilinski5605]

Wow so insightful i enjoyed every second thank you!!!

[@johnrafferty7781]

This guy is Fantastic hear the heart and the words of him.

[@SirDuplechan]

You get it. This is one of the best presentations I have ever heard.

[@judithkamber2839]

Wonderful talk. For years I've based my consulting on the fabulous work of Peter Block, Appreciative Inquiry and Strengths based organizations. Cormac nails it.

[@nurtureprogramme]

Many thanks Judith, so pleased to hear it resonated for you. Warm wishes, Cormac

[@labanmtware5535]

Waoooh! Been working in sustainable development, and this just realigns my approaches, and reinforces some approaches!

[@EricRHowell]

I have been excited to have dialogue in my work to explore how ABCD can be infused in Participatory Budgeting through a Comprehensive Planning Process in USA. Encouraging words here sir. Thank you for leading in many ways.

[@carolinetorres8802]

This is awesome and should be mandatory in all schools!!

[@evetteybarra22]

This touched me it is pure

[@sallymoyae3203]

I'm glad this video landed on my page, as a Community development specialist; this is very insightful.Addressing the root of the problem to realise real change.Thank you Cormac.

[@sharnafernandez9151]

What an insightful presentation. I am currently Heading the Department of Social Development in the Western Cape and you have answered so many questions I have been grappling with since assuming this role. Dignity, wellbeing, loneliness and charity amongst others. We are indeed the people we have been waiting for! Thank you so much for the wisdom!

[@jennaskyewatson6585]

I am currently studying at SACAP in the Western Cape and came across this comment. Fellow Social field South African! Loved your comment.

[@silvakhatcheriankreuzer110]

Each sentence is a jewel, thank you for time, time is the most expensive gift we have. After listening to you I am more confident with my vision which turned into dream and action, I am working with my friend to make changes in Armenia through our NGO

[@silvakhatcheriankreuzer110]

@@nartech_la5125 Is your reply idirected to me?

[@michaelsteinbruck9294]

Really well done. Thanks for this.

[@nurtureprogramme]

Many thanks for your kind comment Michael. BW Cormac

[@johnrafferty7781]

when this person seeks nothing for his wisdom and talent i start to realise that he is right! i need to change not just my life but others so thank you Cormac.I have so much to offer around the new world PC Building and advice,all i need is an open door.

[@johnmangan4355]

Cormac, a really telling presentation. I am doing a Diploma course on Community Developement and you have just knocked my thinking sideways. I am an elder statesman now and how I wish I had discovered this path earlier in life. Thank you is not good enough.

[@nurtureprogramme]

Hi John, thanks for reaching out. Delighted that this approach resonated for you. Very best of luck with your studies and in promoting the idea that inside out change is the most sustainable. Best wishes, Cormac

[@catherinewalsh3083]

Loved this talk. Thanks.

[@dattigarbaaliyu6031]

As a Student of Community Development really I learned a lot from you

[@pickynicky6265]

Just about to start my business plan. For a community cafe ❤️ this is the whole concept of my cafe ❤️ so amazing to hear you talk tonight ❤️ power to the people ❤️ with much gratitude X

[@irmagraaf3017]

Hey, hello! I am inspired and curious to know how your cafe is doing! By any change that you have an update?😊

[@mmendi1114]

now that we have endangered communities we understand their importance and are focusing on them again...

[@deanchambers5552]

Excellent.

[@tommyholistic7685]

Hi Cormac, this video is so great. Thank you for these words. I am currently privileged to be living on an eco farm in Ibiza, studying an apprenticeship in Community Development. I played this talk earlier and then again to my fellow students. Really inspiring to us all. "There is no them and us, there's only us ... We are the people we've been waiting for," raised hairs on the back of our necks! Thanks again, and I look forward to finding out more about Asset-Based Community Development after watching this video :-)

[@nurtureprogramme]

Many thanks Tommy, be great to learn more about your eco village, could you email me some links: [e-mail]? Please thank the other members of your community who took time to watch and reflect, I am humbled. Best wishes, Cormac

[@kennethowino7038]

This is good. I teach Diploma students (Community Development) and i think this will be beneficial to them.

[@trizawawuda2527]

Kenneth Owino hae am also called for this particular course in technical university of Mombasa but am so nervous my worry comes when it comes to finding of a job can u help or something plz

[@franklinfalco9069]

Government has a small role to play in social change. Of course experts can't solve our problems for us but a smart government knows what it can and can't do.

[@GusAlston]

Really interesting & extremely eloquent. I shall be quoting you in the charity business plan that I am currently writing, as I try to communicate & embed this approach in our work.

[@ScottishMensShedsAssociation]

This is certainly one of the main reasons why Men's Sheds are gaining such a grass roots following. Thanks for bringing it into the main stream focus.

[@nurtureprogramme]

Thank you! I'm a great fan of the Men's shed movement and an chuffed you enjoyed this. All the best Cormac

[@johnzeigler9879]

Thanks Cormac for speaking truth to POWER

[@nurtureprogramme]

Many thanks John, BW Cormac

[@globalunityconsciousness]

Thank you

[@sunshineee2]

Ub undeniably the best.

[@syedharirshah8154]

fantastic presentation, a reality of my own experience, working over 30 years. Development brought infrastructure, but lost the happiness, prosperity and values.

[@nurtureprogramme]

Many thanks Syed;) BW Cormac

[@Rai121399]

Learned a lot!!!

[@terrymcternan6917]

This is a fantastic analysis of the current situation of my community of Ferguslie Park. Literal industries built around us in which we play no significant part and indeed the part we do play is mere tokenism. 40 years of professionals parachuted in telling us what we need to make our lives better. I am 41 so for my while life I have saw the various manifestations of regeneration, any initiative has a beginning, a middle and an end, there appears to be no end in sight. The commercialisation and industrialisation of our communities social challenges must come to an end. My experience suggests true community empowerment will always be trumped by professional self preservation. Those four wheel drives and mortgages elsewhere in the country won't pay for themselves you know!

[@angelagill6527]

😊

[@angelagill6527]

Fantastic and spot on

[@MySinglemom]

amazing presentation!

[@4helenbailey]

So loved this... Oh how we could change the world if only more people thought like this... yearning to learn more on how to engage in this at grass roots level... Thank you :)

[@nurtureprogramme]

Many thanks for your kind words Helen. I agree with you an Asset Based Community Development perspective offers us so many possibilities that an deficit approach simply cannot. BW Cormac

[@danieltjalloh671]

A great presentation am Jalloh from Sierra Leone

[@vijaygarv]

So many people (including me) are here to get assistance for a project

[@Tr1sh4Lynn]

Or it's required viewing for a grad course. *ahem* :D

[@dr.inkwell1070]

I'm here because I'm trying to go door to door, and build a strong, tightly knit community in my neighborhood with my neighbors that I dont ever talk to. I'm thinking about just yelling over the fence when i see them, and talking to them about having everyone on the block grow a garden or something anf maybe giving them some veggie seeds, or something as a gesture of good faith. I like to imagine that nobody wants to be the bad guy, and rob/murder another family for their foor and water, and if people see that there's hope for another way, I would like to assume that everyone would chose to put effort into love, and strength. And I think that everybody having a garden in their front yard, can give people hope. In my mind, at the very least, they will save my house for last, or at leaat feel guilty about killing obbing my family for food\water if SHTF. I have enough food and water to last my family a few months/a year, but I dont want to live day after day in constant perpetual fear of my neighbors. And I dont want anyone to suffer around me. But at the same time I dont have enough resources to feed/support my whole town. But at the same time people are taught to believe that they should be dependant/trusting on the government for everything, and anyone that prepares with food and water for their family doesnt trust the Almighty Govt. and is therefor a "terrorist" and paranoid. And at the same time, everyone wants to survive, so building a strong LOVING community is the only way for the human race to survive long-term. And that's a fact.

[@petrusgimbad946]

Brilliant

[@bahrainsolar]

Each one of us is capable of succeeding in life.. All it takes is believing in self strengths..

[@JulieAnnRacino]

We have new state departments that opened, and the focus by title of the departments are to community and personal problems (e.g., substance abuse)...These departments are asked to have hearings about their departments, their services, their roles with the public, and why it is that our taxpayer funds are being invested in that way (i.e., opiod crisis, of prescription medications) as opposed to such basic needs as maintenance or replacement of World War II infrastructure in fields such as transportation (e.g., bridges highways, high speed rail, subway and tramsystems). I refer professionals today to places such as Policy Link and metropolitan development areas to assure that the needs of the "disenfranchised" (that is to be no one today in the US) can be taken into account. Julie Ann Racino, August 2017

[@exposurepoint-9000]

Exquisite Presentation..

[@pickynicky6265]

Wow ❤️ brilliant X this is just what I needed tonight ❤️ ❤️ as n amazing talk X

[@jessegee179]

This makes me think of the way occupational therapy has changed. Much of what we do is to assist carers, and that is good, but it has become more important than empowering the patient.

[@judyabramson1010]

truly inspirational, i love the picture painted by these words

[@nurtureprogramme]

Thank you so much for your kind words, I am so pleased that my talk has resonated for you and affirmed your community building efforts. Best wishes, Cormac

[@JulieAnnRacino]

Our community groups in the disability fields include Judith Snow from Canada who recently passed (first into the community from the rehabilitation facility approach), John O'Brien and Connie Lyle O'Brien and our community psychologists, "misleading as above" our CEO classes in the community on friendships with children (as opposed to the actual public plan being reviewed as "required by law")...leaders such as Jeff Strully of Kentucky (Seven Counties) and California. Julie Ann Racino August 2017

[@puterimaizurah1636]

*raise hand too

[@RevDrBrian1]

Make sure you get to the Illawarra when you come to Australia.

[@nurtureprogramme]

Thanks Brian, in Oz again throughout August, love to hear more about your community. BW Cormac

[@theobaldshumba2273]

I am working on a community development project for my community in Zimbabwe

[@V59971]

Pamberi newe

[@Wannabedoxedbby]

God bless you 🙏🏼

[@kindnesslove2271]

Awesome

[@Dozantv]

Waooooo.Thank you

[@AnitaYadav-pm9yg]

Touched.... I am working on women empowerment by applying concept of self help and asset based development and I agreed on the opinion given by Cormac We feel more empower always because we believe on abundant power , potential and ability of community and women . If we just invest in building what the community have , then we can see better, sustainable and self reliant community

[@AnitaYadav-pm9yg]

as future , Thanks Cormac

[@nurtureprogramme]

Many thanks Anita, so pleased that this resonated for you. Warm wishes, Cormac

[@dustystahn3855]

Why not work with men and children too? Aren't the part of the community?

[@julezmassicott9231]

Thank you! What book resources would you recommend to a 'want to be' community builder? Please and thank you.

[@zakirhossain6222]

I see 5 building blocks listed on one of the slides (between 5:30th and 6th minute into the lecture) but the speaker mentioned 6 building blocks or assets that one need to explore in developing a community. I would appreciate if some one could tell me the sixth asset that the speaker wants to point out. Thanks.

[@ewaoconnor7978]

Amen 😇

[@jessicahiggins6982]

Does anyone have the reference for the john mcknight and jodie cressman study he mentions at 4:14? May just be my bad spelling but would like to read the original research.

[@lauralove1119]

He said there were six building blocks that make change happen and only listed five. Did I miss something?

[@yena777]

Nice.

[@CreativeityUnlimited]

Great stuff and although you've been in Gt Britain recently the message doesn't seem to be getting to the South. Cambridge and East Anglia for existence. As you know community development theory and practice in this country, perhaps not Scotland, is largely ignored these days. Especially when oldies like myself, and others, are still, around.

[@nurtureprogramme]

Tks Peter, there certainly is lots more to be done. C

[@paillavola816]

When we ask a man to cross a street because we think across the street is better for him, did we ask what is his views of the opposite side of the street? Then does he really want to cross the sfreet? Does he really want our help? Thank you for the fundamental principle that should guide all aid and development programs. User-cenfered program design