Learning Initiatives for Rural and Northern BC (LIRN BC) is a collaborative approach to building on the capacities of rural, remote and Northern British Columbian communities. The Irving K. Barber Learning Centre is proud to partner with government and non-government organizations to provide and facilitate workshops to promote community learning and collaboration in rural and northern communities.
Now Available: Resources tailored to the rural community context
The Rural Resource Portal is a response to the unique opportunities, challenges, and approaches to fostering health and well-being in small, rural and remote communities in BC. The portal offers resources related to PlanH action areas with a rural lens.
Mayor Josie Osborne of Tofino enthuses about the Coastal Family Resource Coalition: a "virtual and real network and hub of people who are involved in all aspects of community, healthy living and personal health, with a special focus on children, youth and families." This inspiring coalition draws on the expertise and experience of many different community members and is a powerful collaboration for community change. This interview was recorded at the 2015 UBCM Convention.
In this video recorded at the 2015 UBCM Convention, Jessie Hemphill of Port Hardy celebrates the success of many different ministries, organizations, and community members collaborating with local government to discuss health issues within the community. Results have included transit in the north island, a holistic addictions service plan, and many more incredible community projects.
The toolkit was designed to support (in particular smaller) towns in the UK and Ireland to prepare for change. The compass model helps communities assess and then make plans to strengthen four aspects of resilience: healthy, engaged people; inclusive, creative culture; cross community links and a localized economy.
- Fiery Spirits Community of Practice, Carnegie UK Trust
This research explored the extent to which rural areas are and should be engaged with sustainability planning, what that looks like in a rural context and if stakeholders feel a sense of engagement with urban and provincial sustainability goals. The findings are important for local governments, planners and agriculture activists.
This toolkit is for people working in community development, health and community leaders who want to strengthen community resilience factors: social networks & support, positive outlook, learning, early experience, environment & lifestyle, infrastructure, sense of purpose, diverse economy, embracing differences, beliefs and leadership.
- University of Queensland and University of Southern Queensland (2008)
While the Intelligent Communities movement is largely focused on urban cities, the example of Mitchel, South Dakota on page 14 suggests rural communities can use information and communications technology to boost in-migration.
The Rural Health Information Hub provides short, accessible, evidence based descriptions of a range of models, innovations and initiatives. Use this as a stepping off point to dig deeper or adapt the innovation into your own community.
