At the core of the ABCD Institute's (ABCDI) mission is providing workshops and training to those who want to learn more about Asset-Based Community Development. Our courses include modules on the principle of institutions leading by stepping back. We encourage organizations to uncover the gifts, skills and talents of their local community members in order to move their programming forward. Rather than merely providing services and programs, we encourage organizations to provide administrative support to lift up local leadership and genius. Training also cover the important role of individual community members and connectors.
Contact us for more information and to inquire about specialized trainings for your organizations, group registrations, and scholarship information. You can email connect@abcdinstitute.org or call +177-325-8344
Upcoming Trainings
An Overview of ABCD: this 3 hour training provides an introduction to the key concepts of ABCD. Designed for leaders and funders who seek an understanding of ABCD but do not plan to practice or utilize ABCD related activities.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
October 2026: TBD
ABCD Essentials: These training are dynamic workshops introducing the core principles and applications of ABCD in the context of local communities. They're led by experienced ABCD Institute facilitators. Presentations and discussions occur in light of current conversations about belonging and social justice and enable participants to think deeper about responses to these challenges. Practitioners will learn and apply: Learning Conversations(1:1s), Asset Mapping, Community Engagement Strategies, Power Ladders, Capacity Inventories, and how organizations can lead by stepping back. We have 3-4 virtual opportunities a year including offerings for a variety of international locations.
Tuesday, June 2 - Thursday, June 4, 2026
September 15 - October 20, 2026
- Tuesdays over 6 weeks with a break for "homework"
- 9am - 12noon Central US Time
- Virtual
- Register Here
TBD January/February 2027
Other Offerings
Beyond the Essentials
Over the past few years, the ABCD Institute piloted a more advanced version of our trainings focused on a deeper dive into ABCD. These are usually offered once per year. Additionally, training can be tailored for participants that want to learn about ABCD within the context of their sector (faith, rural, etc.).
Customized Trainings
An alternative choice to an official ABCD Institute training is to tap into the assets of our numerous ABCD network members who conduct ABCD focused workshops on a regular basis. If you have an audience, a venue, and the ability to organize a workshop or would like someone for a key note address for a conference, the Institute can put you in touch with a range of Faculty members for you to work with in creating your own event. ABCDI network members have a range of expertise and are located across the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. Our approach to training is based on telling stories, time for practitioners to learn from each other in small groups and forming a learning community over our time together.
Our workshops are priced on a sliding scale. We also offer a limited number of partial scholarships each session. If you want to attend our workshops, we want you there! You can subscribe to our email list or visit our events calendar to learn about upcoming ABCD Institute training and other opportunities. You can also contact us via connect@abcdinstitute.org for more information.