Community Capacity Building refers to the means by which a community can tap into its own strengths and resources. 

The overall goal of Bright Beginnings is to support new programs in communities that have not yet had time to develop solid relationships with future partners.  Once the program is successfully established, our hope is that group participants will promote the benefits of the program to others in their community and use existing relationships within a community to establish further partnerships.

Community Partnerships come in varying forms.  Whether small or large, any and all partnerships are sure to make a huge impact in your programming.

Some ideas for Community Partnerships include:

• Invite local government officials to your group - Town Councillors, Reeve, Mayor, School Trustees, etc.  Are they aware of the number of preschool children attend your programming?  How can they help?
• Invite community partners to visit - Public Health Nurse, RCMP, firefighters, Recreation Director, the local librarian, doctor or dentist.  Many new parents are not aware of the services and programs that are offered in your community; OR
• Plan an outing - visit the local library, school playground, fire hall, or RCMP station.  Most of these organizations are happy to have visitors!
• Ask your local grocer or restaurant to contribute to your snack program - These partners may not be able to support your program on a regular basis, however, most are likely to support a one-time event or yearly holiday celebration.  Your group can acknowledge its support through word-of-mouth through your community.  It’s a win-win!  Your group gets free snacks and your local grocer gains more customers just for being community program-friendly!
• Communicate with your local schools, daycares and Nursery Schools - These partners may have left over craft supplies they are willing to share with your group.  They may even permit your group to use space, equipment, toys and/or certain office supplies, such as photocopiers, fax machines, computers and internet.
• Partner with your local community club or church - Your group may be able to assist with large community events and in return, your group may be offered space rent-free or at a reduced rate.
• Ask participants of your group for their ideas - Do any of those who attend your program have any special skills to share with your group?  You may be able to incorporate a new learning component for families! 
• Ask participants of your group if they know of anyone else who can help - It’s possible that someone in your group has a spouse/relative/friend/neighbor who may be a business owner looking to donate to charitable organizations!
• Connect with your local senior citizens housing complex - This intergenerational relationship will reap huge rewards for both young and old!
• Options are Endless - What other resources do you have in YOUR community?

These efforts will help not only us, but your group as well.  Further partnering will not only allow us to fund other worthy programs throughout the region, but it will also benefit you by bringing together the many strengths and resources located within your OWN community to help your group grow and become more sustainable in the years to come!