Animating community collaboration

Greater Fredericton Social Innovation (GFSI) is pleased to announce the appointment of a new community animator, Elizabeth McBain. GFSI links individuals, community groups, non-profit organizations, businesses, academic institutions and government in the Greater Fredericton area to achieve coordinated action towards common community goals.

GFSI hosted an Open Space Forum in Fredericton in February, 2010 that brought together over 200 community members to identify local priorities and develop action groups that work together to achieve community goals ranging from: establishing community gardens and a volunteer centre, to reducing poverty and strengthening civic engagement.

Elizabeth was involved in organizing the Open Space Forum and is committed to stimulating innovative solutions to current challenges through strengthened partnerships and collaboration. Elizabeth is thrilled about the potential outcomes of growing community cooperation, “There is a wealth of committed individuals and community assets in Greater Fredericton and by working together we can make our community an even better place to live, work and play!”

Elizabeth graduated from UNB with a BA before pursuing a Certificate in Sustainable Community Economic Development at Simon Fraser University. She has experience with community-based research, facilitating networks and coordinating collaborative community action through her work with the Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet) , the Learning Enrichment Foundation and the Atlantic Social Economy and Sustainability Research Network.

GFSI is a social planning mechanism for the community that is driven by the community.  For more information on ways to be involved with GFSI please visit the website at www.gfsi-isrf.ca or contact Elizabeth at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .