At the Opening Retreat program participants become part of teams that will partner with existing community organizations to develop and deliver projects with a lasting benefit for the community.   Each team is assigned an experienced Coach to help ensure that projects are manageable, to assist in connections with community resources and to intervene in team dynamics if required.

Community Action Projects give participants an opportunity to work collaboratively, practice group development and engage in participatory decision-making.  In essence, the projects make communities laboratories by providing unique opportunities to exercise skills and knowledge gained from Community Learning Days and to apply leadership skills in a tangible context that results in concrete outcomes.

Community agencies and their constituents benefit as participants develop their leadership capacity. In the course of their projects, participants gain practical insight into the workings of Greater Victoria communities.

Teams present the results of their projects at the June graduation. For a list of past Community Action Projects click here.