Event description

Hosted by Dimitrios Papalexis, Soulgen, with Guest Speaker Charlie Coorey and others

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 & Codesign. Learn how to amplify voices of young people and diverse communities for engagement, participation, and empowerment for lasting impact.

When and Where: Join us in September 5 2024 for this transformative training in Sydney.

Venue: Youth Action, Yirranma Place, 262 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst 2010 NSW

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.

• Tailored Role-plays: Apply ABCD concepts to real-world scenarios.

• 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.

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 sector, Dimitrios brings a proven track record of driving participatory social change and impact.

Guest Speaker: Charlie Coorey, Building Relationships & Trust with Young People & Diverse Communities

Charlie is a well known and respected Youth & Social Justice Advocate with substantial experience in local government and non-governmen sectors. He specialises in youth and community development with a focus on marginalised communities including those with culturally and linguistically diverse people, young people, aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness. Charlie has held many roles and earned recognition and industry awards for leading multiple groups to support the needs, resilience, and growth of young people, amplifying voices, and bridging gaps to create sustainable change for our most vulnerable community members.

Guest Speaker 2: Hawanatu Bangura: Telling Powerful Stories

Hawanatu is an award-winning filmmaker renowned for her thought-provoking documentaries and narrative short films. As a dedicated social worker with over a decade of experience, she amplifies marginalised voices and promotes community empowerment. Recognising the transformative power of storytelling, she emphasises authenticity and connection in her workshops, helping individuals discover meaning and purpose in their narratives or the stories of others they wish to tell. Her approach fosters a safe and nurturing environment that promotes positive well-being.
In addition to her filmmaking and social work, Hawanatu works part-time as a Community Development Officer in the Local Area Coordinator NDIA program for SSI. In this role, she collaborates with vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities, working to strengthen their capabilities and improve access to local services and support.

Training Provider: Soulgen, working closely 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/organisation as well as promote sector-wide collaboration.