September 12, 2016. For immediate release

Renowned US community development expert to speak in Wanaka

Global community development expert Jim Diers will visit Wanaka next week to talk about what it means to build a successful community.

Wanaka’s own community development initiative, LINK Upper Clutha, is bringing Diers to town next Thursday (September 22) for a public seminar on building a community based on its existing strengths.

Seattle-based Diers, who serves on the faculty of the Asset-Based Community Development Institute, will share stories of successful community development projects where people have collaborated across their usual silos to benefit local economies, improve morale and support struggling neighbourhoods.

He will encourage residents to express their hopes for Wanaka’s future in the face of growth and empower people and organisations to take action during an interactive evening at the Lake Wanaka Centre.

The free event is open to all residents in the Upper Clutha, LINK facilitator Kathy Dedo says.

“It’s for anyone who cares about the community we live in, regardless of their job or role. We’re all citizens of this place, and Jim will help us collaborate in new and unexpected ways.

“As we undertake our own research and engagement to connect people and uncover community-led priorities, LINK Upper Clutha is asking: ‘What is community development, what does it mean in Wanaka, and why should we care?’ Jim’s talk will help us find the answers together,” Dedo adds.

“We are delighted that Jim is visiting Wanaka and we look forward to hearing what he has to say about building on our existing strengths to create an inclusive and connected community. Some of our Steering Group have experienced his workshops before, and walked away inspired, encouraged and committed to action.”

Diers says: “I am so excited to visit Wanaka again. The exponential growth in the Upper Clutha presents great opportunity and challenge, and I hope to help empower the community to take action for itself, and have fun along the way.”

Event details

· Thursday 22 September 2016, 7:00-9:30pm at the Lake Wanaka Centre

· Free event, refreshments provided

ENDS

© Scoop Media