In an effort to revitalise and mobilise community organisations and individuals throughout the Territory, the Social Development Department will host a series of Community Mobilisation Workshops next week under the theme Mobilising Community Power, while building capacity within the Territory for social action and participation.

Supervisor for the Community Development Unit within the Social Development Department, Mrs. Roxane Toussaint said the department through its interaction with various focus groups noted some concerns about sustained participation of members, organisation or group sustainability and involvement in community groups and other service organisations.

She stated, “The overall purpose of mobilising the groups is primarily to assist them with identifying issues within their respective communities and collaborate or partner to find solutions to these.  At a later stage, it is the vision of the department to structure a national body representative of the different organisations within the Territory”. 

The workshops will be facilitated by Mr. Jim Diers from Seattle, Washington who is a speaker, author and resource person, known worldwide for his passion of getting people engaged with their communities and in the decisions that affect their lives.

The Community Mobilisation Workshops will take place at the Gertrude and Christina Warner  Community Centre, formally known as the Purcell Community Centre on October 20 and 21, Rudy’s Restaurant in Jost Van Dyke on October 22 and the Ashford Walters Community Centre in Virgin Gorda on October 23. All sessions will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Interested persons and organisation leaders are asked to register with the Social Development Department by contacting them at 468-3650.