New Zealand Resilience Corps
Resilient communities are built on loose networks of people. This doesn't mean a formal structure but an informal situation where people recognise each other's faces, have a 'good idea' about who lives three doors down, and possess an understanding or (at least) tolerance of each others' culture or beliefs.
The NZRT contributes to this important attribute of resilience through providing free community education courses. At these courses people who would normally never meet are thrown together for a few hours.
But too often in such social situations the loose connections begin and end there. Not so with our courses, for every person who participates is invited to join their local Resilience Corps.
This is not only a chance to retain those new-found friends, but also an opportunity to put what is learnt in the classroom to good use in the community.
Our Resilience Corps volunteers participate in the community if they are required and if they are able. This can be a regular contribution (such as staffing a community ambulance) or a one-off contribution. It could be lifestyle choice (neighbourhood support) or something only undertaken once a year (helping with the yearly food bank collection).
The important thing about the Resilience Corps is that each member is an equal member - no matter what their contribution. The main aim is to participate actively in building community spirit, socialising, and sharing the good times with the bad.
Sort of like a family. A very very big family.
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Documentation available for you to download: |
Contact the Trust | PO Box 24-520, Wellington 6142, Aotearoa New Zealand | info@nzrt.org.nz