Lens on Strengths: Mobilising the Assets of Young People & Communities

Lens on Strengths: Using ABCD to Mobilise the Assets in your Community 

Event Description:

Hosted by Dimitrios Papalexis, Soulgen, with Guest Speaker Jo Taranto

Training Overview:

Empower yourself with the Lens on Strengths training! Designed for professionals, volunteers, and leaders in the youth and community sector, this program dives deep into the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) methodology, Storytelling, and Sustainability. Learn how to amplify the voices of young people and diverse communities while exploring bold changemaking practices that drive engagement, participation, and lasting impact.

When and Where:
Join us for this transformative training in Sydney.
Venue: Voyager Point Community Centre,  50 Orlando Cres, Voyager Point NSW 2172

What You'll Experience:

• ABCD Methodology Dive: Understand the principles and power of Asset-Based Community Development for effective participant engagement and empowerment.
  Real-world Insights: Explore case studies and success stories demonstrating ABCD and codesign in action across diverse community contexts.
  
  
• Interactive Learning: Engage in hands-on activities, including:
  
  
• Asset Mapping: Identify and leverage community resources to address youth challenges.
  
  
• World Café: Collaborative conversations to spark creativity and actionable strategies.
  
  
• Strengthening Collaboration: Recognize the importance of sector collaboration with ideas and strategies for multi-agency coordination, geared towards strengthening collective efforts in the youth & community sector.
• Changemaking and Sustainability: Gain insights on bold changemaking and sustainability practices, exploring how individuals and communities can create impactful change.

Trainer/Facilitator:
Led by Dimitrios Papalexis, founder of Soulgen, an award-winning youth and community development consultant. With expertise in ABCD, Storytelling, Psychodrama, and Arts, and an impressive portfolio in government and non-governmental sectors, Dimitrios brings a proven track record of driving participatory social change and impact.

Guest Speakers


Jo Taranto – Sustainability Advocate, Communications Coach & Speaker

Jo Taranto is a dynamic speaker and changemaker who turns stakeholders into movement makers. With a passion for sustainability, community action, and leadership, Jo brings real-world insights on how to inspire change at both grassroots and systemic levels. Her latest keynote, A Year of Living Neighbourly, explores the power of connection, belonging, and action in tackling today’s biggest challenges, including environmental stewardship and social change. Through humor, storytelling, and practical wisdom, Jo empowers individuals and communities to step up, take action, and shape a better future.

In the afternoon, Jo will lead a walkshop at Voyager Point Community Centre, guiding participants through the stunning Voyager Point Wetland Reserve, "Footsteps to Change: Exploring Changemaking and Impact, Step by Step in Nature." This interactive session will use the natural landscape as a backdrop for exploring changemaking—how individuals and communities can navigate uncertainty, take meaningful action, and create impact. Through storytelling and reflection, Jo will challenge participants to think differently about their role in shaping a more sustainable and connected world.

Training Options:
Participants can choose to attend Camp Venture Facilitator Training on the second day at a discounted price:

https://events.humanitix.com/c...

Training Provider:
Soulgen, working clo

sely with peak bodies, local government, and NGOs, brings innovative approaches to enhance youth engagement and collaboration. With a history of training over 400 professionals, we're committed to making a lasting impact on the community's youth.

Connect with Us:
For more information, contact us at dimitrios@soul-gen.com.au. We can provide invoices for staff from your organization or government department who wish to attend. For larger groups or teams, or if you need more specialized training, please get in touch with us.

Join Us in Transforming Communities!
Let's collaborate, learn, and make a lasting impact together. We look forward to the opportunity to connect and strengthen your practice/organization as well as promote sector-wide collaboration.