Contributing
Communities are where we live our daily lives, and they offer a variety of activities and experiences where people can explore their interests, meet personal needs and enjoy their leisure time. Participation in community life includes everyday activities like shopping, getting a haircut, going to the bank, attending to places of worship, taking a class at a community club, enjoying restaurants and coffee shops, and more. These are the places we visit regularly, and they help shape our experiences, broaden our knowledge, and introduce us to new people.
Engaging in these activities is an opportunity to connect with others and expand our social networks. It’s important that people choose how and where they want to participate, based on their interests and preferences. At the same time, they should also be exposed to a variety of experiences that support them to grow, discover new interests, and make informed decisions about what they enjoy and value.
This section focuses on how people can be supported in exploring all their communities have to offer and participating in ways that align with their goals. Resources include tools for identifying people’s strengths and gifts, community mapping, and the importance of experience, education, and exposure.
Map it out!
Community Mapping Exercise: Let’s Explore!
Community mapping is a fun way to discover all the cool places, spaces, and people around us. It’s about figuring out where resources exist and where people gather around things that matter to them. Think of it like a treasure map—but instead of gold, you’re finding connections, groups, and places that help build a strong community.
Start by thinking about all the places and people in your community—both formal (like libraries, clubs, and schools) and informal (like local hangouts or neighbors). You’ll map out things like:
- Associations and clubs: Where do people gather to share interests?
- Community spaces: Parks, markets, or places where folks just hang out.
- Groups (formal & informal): From support groups to weekend meetups.
- Local economy: Where do people shop, work, and do business?
- People: Who are the key people you interact with? Think about family, neighbors, and local leaders.
At the centre of the map is the person—their strengths, gifts, and talents. This is all about discovering how a person fits into the community and where they can shine and connect.
Then map out where you can go to find your community’s resources, like a place that offers volunteer opportunities, a local gym, or even a coffee shop where you know people meet up.
So grab your markers, paper, and start mapping out the spots where people can grow, connect, and belong!
Being “Of” Your Community: Contributing with Purpose
Communities thrive when everyone pitches in, and every person has something to offer — whether it’s time, talents, ideas, or energy. When we think about contributing to our community, it’s not just about volunteering or doing formal work; it’s about being present, being engaged, and being someone who helps the community grow. This can look like sharing a skill, attending a local event, helping a neighbour, participating in a local discussion, or even just showing up to support a local cause.
Tips for Being “Of” Your Community:
Get Curious
Support the person to explore community spaces or activities that they’ve never been to before. What interests them? What sparks curiosity? New places offer new opportunities to connect, learn, and share.
Start Small
Contributing doesn’t always have to be a big gesture. It can be as simple as holding the door open for someone, supporting a local business, or engaging in small talk at a local coffee shop. Small acts add up to big community connections!
Find What Feels Right for You
Not everyone is suited to every community role. Reflect they person’s interests and strengths to find where they’ll feel most comfortable contributing. Love to bake? Maybe bring some homemade goodies to a local event. Enjoy talking to people? Volunteer as a greeter at the community center.
Repetition
Showing up regularly helps build deeper relationships and trust within the community. Whether it’s helping at a food bank once a month or attending local events, consistency builds familiarity.
Leverage Strengths
Every person has unique gifts to offer. Consider how the person’s skills, hobbies, or even just their perspective can make your community a better place.
Level up your community support: A how-to guide from people with lived experience
Supporting someone to contribute to their community is all about being present, attentive, and intentional. It means showing up fully, listening carefully, and supporting people to make choices, share their strengths and participate in ways that matter to them.
These are practical, real-world ways that you can help someone engage meaningfully in community life, These tips are strengths-based, hands-on and shared by people with lived experience to set people up for success.
Steps to support contribution in the community
- Understand Goals and Aspirations
- Talk with the person you support about what they want to achieve in the community
- Discuss interests, strengths and areas they’d like to grow in
- Explore options together – volunteer opportunities, social clubs, community events
- Prepare together
- Review the session, event, or activity in advance
- Discuss accessibility needs and support requirements
- Assist with planning notes, questions, or ideas for contribution
- Practice what they want to say or do
- Make participation meaningful
- Be attentive and engaged
- Help create space for the person to communicate, share ideas or ask questions
- Bring prepared notes or prompts to support confidence and clarity
- Facilitate connections like exchanging contact info or networking
- Support after the event
- Review notes and recap what happened together
- Assist with follow up tasks, emails or calls
- Debrief with the person. Celebrate successes and problem solve any challenges
- Handover smoothly between support staff
- Document upcoming events, support needs, and agreed-upon strategies
- Keep updates clear, accessible, and easy to share with other staff
- Use logs or group messages to ensure continuity of support
- Value the relationship
- Build trust and rapport. Strong relationships are key to meaningful community participation
- Recognize that your support empowers the person to access opportunities, make choices, and contribute.
- Celebrate successes together, no matter how small. Every contribution matters
Now, get out there!
City of Winnipeg Pools – indoor pools, outdoor pools waiting pools, spray pads, free swim, loonie and toonie swim
Winnipeg public libraries – check your library account, locations and hours, programs and events, book meeting space at a library, and explore the digital library.
Parks information – City wide park listing, park washroom hours, off-leash dog areas, park rentals and ideas of things to do.
Recreation programs – Leisure Guides, free programs, Swimming lessons, Skating lessons and more.
Fitness & leisure centres – each have something unique to offer, from drop-in and registered programs to weight rooms to room rentals.
Winter skating – skating ponds and Outdoor skating rinks
Golf courses: city golf courses
YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg : The YMCA of Winnipeg has multiple different opportunities if you wanted to join program or just bring a friend and do some leisure. Pool facilities gym facilities weight loss facilities classes child care and more.
Helpful Extras
The Importance of Social and Community Participation – Article, Scope Australia
Peer Networking and Building Circle of Social Supports in Manitoba – video resource sheet, AIDE Canada
Building Cmmunity with Al Condeluci – 4 Critical Steps – video, UCPPitt