Pathways to Resilience III: Beyond Nature vs. Nurture

Communities of Practice:

Abstract # 103
Using a Communities of Practice Approach to Co-Create Multi-National Resilience Research and Practice
Presenter: Josh Cameron Co-presenters: Kim Aumann, Suna Eryigit-Madzwamuse, Lisa Buttery, Angie Hart
Abstract:
Resilience research and practice can benefit from co-creation and knowledge mobilisation. This is due to its context dependent nature which can be best understood and supported using a combination of lived experience, practitioner and academic expertise. The challenge is how to bring these perspectives together in a constructive process to which all can contribute and generate meaningful outcomes. 

Abstract #108
Communities of Practice- A Highly Effective and Stustainable Means of Knowledge Mobilization
Presenter: Wanda McDonald
Abstract: 
This presentation will demonstrate Communities of Practice (CoPs) as highly effective and sustainable means of knowledge mobilization. CoPs help people organize around purposeful actions that deliver tangible results. CoPs can facilitate the activation of existing knowledge, including the practice wisdom of participants, the generation of new ideas, self-reflection and foster collegial support. It will be shown how one specific COP has not only changed individual practice but has also influenced policy, resulting in broader system change. 
More and more organizations are confronted with little or no resources for training and mentorship. When implemented appropriately, CoPs are a proven means of connecting evidence and practice. 
The presentation will provide step-by-step guidance on setting the conditions for a successful community of practice. It will highlight proven benefits as well as common pitfalls. My personal experience of CoPs is that, aside from allowing for the acquisition of knowledge, they are a source of inspiration and empowerment, resulting in reduced isolation and higher job satisfaction.

Abstract #173
Can the Multi-Cultural Application of Resilience Research and Practice be Supported through a Communities of Practice Approach?
Presenter: Suna Eryigit Madzwamuse Co-presenters: Josh Cameron, Angie Hart 
Abstract:
The UK Research Councils’ funded Imagine Programme includes an international and multidisciplinary project on resilience-building using a social ecological perspective. It sets up opportunities for service users, practitioners, and academics to learn more about resilience-based knowledge and to develop new resilience-based research and practice approaches. Across five European countries, eleven projects are involved. All target the resilience of children/adults with multiple disadvantages using a Communities of Practice (CoP) approach. This assumes that a collaborative approach to knowledge generation will bring shared systems and motivation to implement new knowledge in practice. 
The Imagine project has a mixed-method design combining both quantitative (i.e., outcome evaluation) and qualitative (i.e., process evaluation) methodologies to investigate the effectiveness of CoP as a strategy to connect resilience research and practice. For the outcome analysis, age and content-appropriate resilience measures (e.g., CYRM) are administered longitudinally. For the process evaluation we use the value-creation-framework which captures change in different process values (i.e., change in knowledge capital) as a result of the CoP collaboration. 
This presentation will focus on both quantitative and qualitative findings and discuss whether CoP is an appropriate approach to researching and improving resilience at multiple levels of social ecology across culturally and contextually diverse circumstances.