A strengths-based approach: effective pathways to transforming sustainable futures

Why take this course?

This training offers a revolutionary reframing of how to create sustainable futures, shifting from a ‘problem-solving’ or ‘deficit-based’ approach to one which frames preferred futures by drawing on our successes in the past.

A strengths-based approach reveals what is working within an individual, group, community, or organisation, then uses these strengths to achieve change and preferred futures.

This course will set out the thinking, practical action and evidence-base to inform a sector-wide transformation. For many, this is a radical or even revolutionary shift, but for others, the writing is already on the wall.

This training offers the thinking, practical action, and evidence-base to inform a sector-wide transformation.

Participants will gain:

• appreciation of the philosophy of a strengths-based approach
• appreciation of how a strengths-based based approach aligns with other approaches to social change such as complexity thinking, a systems approach, and participatory approaches
• understanding of how a strengths-based approach practically creates change
• insights into practical applications of the approach in multiple sectoral and cultural contexts.

What will you learn?

This course will cover the theory behind a strengths-based approach and its practical application.  You will also learn how a strengths-based approach offers an effective pathway for working with the grain of people and groups who are interested in creating a better future.

Course topics:

• why a strengths-based approach is useful and powerful
• evidence based approach across multiple disciplines
• philosophical underpinnings (the values of a strength-based approach)
• common processes in a strengths-based approach
• practical examples to enable you to apply the approach to your practice and build your confidence

Who is this course for?

• people who work to create change with others; individuals, groups, organisations in both public and private spheres in Australia and internationally
• people who are interested in supporting change processes as well as those questioning dominant problem-based or needs-based approaches in international development

Course format/features

• mix of presentations using different formats
• small group and plenary activities
• case studies
• lunch and refreshments provided
• includes a physical copy of the book 'A Strengths-based Approach for International Development'
  

Facilitators

Course facilitators

Dr Keren Winterford is a Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney. Prior to this, Keren has worked in multiple capacities with managing contractors, civil society and as a private consultant. Keren has completed PhD research on practice and outcomes of a strengths-based approach

Deborah Rhodes is an international development practitioner, author, and trainer with 35 years of experience largely in Pacific and Asian countries.  She has specialist expertise in program design and evaluation, as well as working across cultures, capacity development, disability inclusion and a strengths-based approach.

Christopher Dureau is a social psychologist, community development facilitator, and senior manager in humanitarian aid and international development. He has worked in a wide range of programs to improve front line service delivery in health, education, and democratisation with multi-lateral, bi-lateral and INGOs in over 40 countries of Sub-Sahara Africa, South-East Asia and the Pacific.