Totally Stoked Conference: communities know communities best
The Totally Stoked Conference: Communities Know Communities Best will equip voluntary groups with the knowledge and tools to apply Asset-Based Community Development approaches in their communities.
We know that ‘Communities Know Communities Best’ and the Totally Stoked Conference will demonstrate just how vital the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations are in supporting their local communities across Stoke-on-Trent. That’s why, on Wednesday 12th February, VAST is bringing the voluntary sector a new event, the 2025 Totally Stoked Conference: Communities Know Communities Best. The conference will bring together local VCSE groups of all shapes and sizes to explore concepts of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD). Guest speakers will provide practical advice, guidance, and real success stories to ensure that not-for-profit organisations can use what ABCD approaches to support their incredible work in local communities. Split into two main themes, the conference will encompass both people-based and place-based approaches to community development. People-Based Community Empowerment: it’s people who know what people need The morning session will be the people-based portion of the event, and emphasis will be on community wealth-building through partnership building and collaborative working. Themed interactive sessions will have a strong focus on cross-sector partnerships between the VCSE sector, local authorities, and the private sector. Place-Based Community Empowerment: focus on what’s strong, not what’s wrong After lunch, the place-based themed interactive workshops will provide the opportunity to learn more about identifying and maximising the existing community assets for the benefit of local residents, and building community resilience; creating safe and sustainable environments, identifying and building on community strengths, and developing a manageable and actionable resilience plan. The Totally Stoked Conference: Communities Know Communities Best promises to be an informative and engaging event, recognising the enormous positive impact of the voluntary sector, and equipping voluntary sector organisations with the knowledge and tools to apply ABCD approaches in their community work. Together with guest speakers and workshop presenters, VAST will be sharing practical advice, guidance, skills, and real-life examples to give groups the best chance of achieving their goals and contributing towards the sector's collective mission of improving the quality of life for local people.