Creative Approaches to Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) in Challenging Contexts

Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) is an approach to sustainable community-driven development. It is a valuable strength-based, participatory approach for change.

Dimitrios Papalexis from Soulgen will discuss how to creatively mobilise local strengths and assets to tackle obstacles in youth and community development. Sharing case studies where ABCD principles have been applied to address community needs, build trust, and reignite engagement, including youth-led initiatives, environmental projects, and intercultural collaborations that revitalised communities locally and internationally. He will discuss how creativity can enhance the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, particularly when facing challenges like conflicting agendas, power dynamics, politics, loss of trust, and cynicism. Using examples from Australia and other countries, Dimitrios will illustrate how young people and diverse communities have creatively overcome these barriers to foster positive change.

About Dimitrios

Dimitrios Papalexis is the leader of Soulgen, a social enterprise dedicated to driving transformation through the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach. Working across Australia and internationally, Dimitrios uncovers and mobilises community strengths, addressing complex challenges through youth-led initiatives, intercultural programs, and environmental projects. His work emphasises the power of creativity in overcoming barriers and empowering communities for sustainable growth and resilience.