community mobilization

Community mobilization has been defined as a capacity building process through which community individuals, groups, or organizations plan, carry out and evaluate activities on a participatory and sustained basis to improve health and other needs on their own initiative or stimulated by others.

our current focus: building a compassionate and trauma-aware community

We believe in the power of connection and compassion to make space for healing the human hurt we all experience.

Educating our community about the impact of trauma on our human development and the science that supports the power of connection is an important step to stopping the inter-generational cycle of what we call Adverse Childhood Experience (ACEs). We focus on resilience building as a community strategy that allows for individual and collective action to change our experiences and our future for the better. We engage organizations, schools, governments and residents to create a more compassionate community.

A community’s resilience is important— rarely can an individual achieve their highest level of resilience and hope without being in a safe, healthy, caring environment. Healthy, connected communities have the capacity to provide the skills and opportunities families need to increase hope, heal the impact of trauma and support children who will thrive.

Read more about projects and partnerships here.

Join us in creating a resilient, strong and compassionate community. Start with one of these:

What is community mobilization?

Community mobilization has been defined as a capacity building process through which community individuals, groups, or organizations plan, carry out and evaluate activities on a participatory and sustained basis to improve health and other needs on their own initiative or stimulated by others. Mobilization increases the participatory decision-making processes by bringing diverse stakeholders to the table. It brings those people to the table who may not normally be involved in the decision making process. Mobilization also fosters strong relationships between local governments, businesses and community members.
Mobilization strengthens and enhances the ability of communities to work together to achieve goals that are important for that community. Community mobilization is not something that is done over night, but it is a process that requires time and commitment from all parties involved. The key to successful mobilization efforts is making sure that communities are in the driver’s seat during the process. Mobilization is not something that happens to the community; it is something that the community does. One of the primary goals of mobilization is to make sure mobilization efforts are community driven. This allows a community to solve its problems through its own efforts which is the key to having sustained outcomes within a community. (Cited from Florida Dept of Health)

Is there anything I can do? for myself? my family? my community?

learn and act

Can I host or attend a training about all this?

WFCN offers a variety of training and supports other individuals and organizations who provide learning opportunities related to our mission. If you, your family, organization, company or community seek information about adverse childhood experience, building resilience, conflict-resolution, restorative practice and social justice & equity, check out upcoming training offerings from WFCN and our growing community speaker’s list.

Is there anything already going on in my neighborhood?

Some of the current and past resilience efforts we’ve partnered with include:

  • Birchwood
    • Kapow! park painting and family fun events
    • Family Language Exchange Program (FLEX)
    • Community Cares
    • Birchwood bash family night out
    • Birchwood Cares connects and celebrates
    • Shuksan Community Family Night
    • Alderwood meals
  • Roosevelt
    • Roosevelt Neighborhood Resource Center
  • Kendall/Columbia Valley
    • Columbia Valley Community Connections Group
    • meals
  • Nooksack Valley
    • community resilience meetings in Sumas, Everson & Nooksack

understanding trauma & resilience

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may be impacting your family’s well-being. Learn more here.

community education & training

Want to attend at training? Looking for trainers and/or facilitators of and from our community? Find a training or trainer and conversation facilitator here.

for trainers & facilitators

Resources and information to support the community of trainers and facilitators. Click here to access.