The ABC(D)s of Community Engagement: Asset-Based Community Development, Collaboration, and Taking Action

Starting

October 20, 2026

Start Time

9:00 am ET

End Time

12:30 pm ET

Location

Virtual

Event Type

Nonprofit University

Registration Details

Members: $95
Non-Members: $120

Special offer

Get unlimited professional development with an NU Subscription.

Overview

An essential partner for any nonprofit is the local community. Whether defined by a specific geographic area or particular demographic groups, your community’s voice is vital to shaping what you offer and how you offer it.

This course supports you with fundamental knowledge and skills for community engagement. You will learn Asset-based Community Development (ABCD) principles and approaches, as well as best practices for collaborative leadership and assessing the effectiveness of your collaborative work (like networks, partnerships, and coalitions). The course will then dive into taking action: community-based methods for data collection, homing in on issues to act on, and work planning.

 

Key Concepts

  • Basics of ABCD: Principles, “needs” vs. assets, and six types of community assets
  • Collaborative leadership
  • Assessing collaboration
  • Taking action:
    • Data collection for community engagement
    • Identifying organizing issues
    • Action planning

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Identify the six types of community assets.
  • Contrast focusing on needs vs. focusing on assets in community engagement.
  • Explain the strengths and challenges of collaborative leadership.
  • Develop an action or implementation plan for a project or strategic initiative.

Registration note

Due to a system update, you may encounter a pop-up blocker while registering for upcoming programs. To be sure your registration processes correctly, please be sure your browser allows pop-ups for the GCN Portal. Click here for instructions.

Facilitator(s)

Headshot of NU facilitator Mathew George
Mathew George

Share This Event:

You might also be interested in these events

Nonprofit Board Assessment, Recruitment, and Engagement | Member

Explore tactics and tools for attracting the best candidates, assessing for success, and engaging quality leaders.
May 14, 2026
9:00 AM ET
Virtual

Leading Teams | Leadership Accelerator Module 2

Gain skills for effective, inclusive leadership, and ready yourself to build high-impact teams that know how to adapt.
May 15, 2026
9:00 AM ET
Virtual

Ready to learn more?

GCN has learning events
for every nonprofit pro.

Subscribe for NU updates and never miss an opportunity to sharpen your skills.

GCN has learning events for every nonprofit pro.

Subscribe for updates from Nonprofit University,
and never miss an opportunity to sharpen your skills.

Welcome to the new GCN.org!

We hope you like it as much as we do. If you have issues finding anything, reach out to us at info@gcn.org.