ACTivate – New Community Development Program

The Gros Morne Institute for Sustainable Tourism (GMIST) and its partner the Coady Institute at St. Francis Xavier University (Coady) have embarked on an ambitious and exciting project which takes a fresh approach to community development in Atlantic Canada. Through the development and delivery of this new program, we are seeking to flip traditional thinking about tourism to viewing it as an asset for community development that can enhance community well being. This will not be a destination development program, but rather is focused on building the community from within through a strengths-based approach, rather than a deficit-based approach. The ACTivate Program takes a citizen- led approach and aims to provide participants with tools, knowledge and skills to enhance and build on the strengths in their communities rather than through some outside “expert”.

The program will build on the belief that a good place to live is also a good place to visit. Each participant’s journey through this program may lead them to different outcomes within their work and within their communities. We are looking to the future with a goal to help facilitate a culture of wellbeing in communities throughout Atlantic Canada. We believe that every community is unique, but all can find success with tools, resources, skills and support.

If you wish to learn more about the program visit https://gmist.ca/course/activate/.