Changing Lives to Change Communities – Transformative Learning and Community Development

Abstract

Building communities through transformative experiences is the over-arching goal of the Possibilities, Inc. nonprofit organization. It truly embodies the concept of transforming individuals and communities and does most of its work through a program called Possibilities Innovation Program (PIP). PIP trains volunteers to work as community developers in their own communities. The program positively impacts both the individuals and the communities they live in, not only through a yearlong educational program, but through an on-going connection to PIP graduates and the communities they live in. PIP is a leadership training program in Oklahoma City that works with individuals and helps them move through alternative perspectives and reflective practice resulting in changed world views and more connected communities. This work describes the program and a replicable model for program evaluation.