ABCD-Training-of-Trainers-Tools-July-2013

Once each person has had an opportunity to share, ask each group to:
1. Briefly summarize the success stories that were shared in the group
2. Discuss the common elements that made these initiatives successful
3. How assets or resources were mobilized or linked by the community
4. Discuss other potential initiatives that could be undertaken by these communities in the future
Ask each group to note the common elements of their stories on a flip chart and present back to the rest
of the class. Some examples may include:
• People started with what they had inside the community before securing outside resources.
• Initiatives started quite small and then grew more ambitious over time.
• Outside agencies were attracted to success and contributions of external resources were made
as investments, not as hand-outs.
• Leadership was spread throughout the community, not just concentrated in a particular
charismatic individual.
• There were both formal and informal leaders – people who could bridge the gap (“gappers”)
between informal associations and formal institutions, between generations, between long-time
residents and those who have recently settled in the community.
• Leaders tended to keep people focused on opportunities rather than problems or needs.
• Leaders encouraged people to forego short term gain for longer term benefit (by saving, for
example).
Allow time for questions and discussion.
Variation:
Instead of story-telling orally, you could turn this exercise into a written assignment, asking participants
to prepare a one-page story of community-driven development as home work. The following day, you
can provide time in groups to share stories and discuss the questions outlined above.
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