16 Oct Torbay’s Community Builders go global

On 25th September, the Torbay Community Builders had the incredible opportunity to welcome Joe Erpenbach and Rebecca Pauls from the USA. As fellow Community Connectors.  Joe Erpenbeck is a consultant and Faculty Member of the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Institute. Their visit was more than just a meeting—it was a moment of shared inspiration and affirmation.

We were deeply moved by the exchange of ideas, stories, and experiences. Discovering that we walk a similar path, guided by the same ethos of connection and community, was a powerful validation that we’re heading in the right direction.

Joe captured the spirit of our time together beautifully in a blog post on his page. His words truly say it all, and I wanted to share them with you as a reflection of how proud we are of the work happening here in Torbay. It’s a reminder that what we’re building locally resonates globally—and that’s something worth celebrating:

Joe (4th in on left, back) and Rebecca (4th in on right) from the USA, met with the Torbay Community Builders, to share their ideas, stories and experiences of Asset-Based Community Development

Last week, I had the privilege of spending time with one of the most heart-centred, creative, and committed groups I’ve ever encountered—the Community Builders Team in Torbay, England. It’s hard to describe what made this gathering so special, but I’ll try.

I was invited to join them for a full day of storytelling, reflecting, and dreaming. From the moment I stepped into the room, it was clear: this was not your average meeting. People didn’t just show up—they brought their whole selves—their laughter, tears, wisdom, and willingness to roll up their sleeves and do the work of building community—real community—the kind rooted in trust, gifts, and shared purpose.

Connection, Not Compliance

We talked a lot about connection—how hard it is to measure, but how easy it is to feel. The team shared beautiful stories of what happens when we notice people for who they are, not what they lack. We spoke of Eddie, a man who once overwhelmed people with constant phone calls, but who found his sweet spot handing out lemonade and welcoming strangers to a public mural event. In that moment, his gift for reaching out wasn’t a problem—it was precisely what the space needed.

We laughed together about the challenges of tracking connections. “Is it a connection if you walk someone to church once?” “What if they start going every week, but only if you drive them?” These aren’t just questions about data—they’re about dignity, sustainability, and trust.

Beyond the Job Description

One of the most powerful moments came when the team shared stories of going above and beyond, housing a homeless man when no one else would, or staying late to ensure someone wasn’t alone. These acts weren’t “in the job description,” but they were absolutely the job. One person said, “We’re still getting paid to do the right thing.” That line has stuck with me.

This team understands that the path to an asset-based life sometimes starts with a safety net. But they don’t stop there. They help people fly. They ask, what do you love? What are you good at? What lights you up? And then they make space for it.

Measuring What Matters

We also dug into evaluation—how to track our work in ways that serve the mission, not just the funders. I shared stories about simple tools we’ve used, like monthly Connector Reports and storytelling newsletters that keep our work grounded in human moments, not spreadsheets. Rebecca Pauls from PLAN in Vancouver shared their framework for helping families move from feeling unprepared to having peace of mind. That phrase—peace of mind—landed deeply. It’s not a metric, but it’s the goal.

The community builders shared their new evaluation method, asking people simply: “What would you like to change?” and later, “What has changed?” No 20-page forms. Just two powerful questions. I left thinking: maybe simplicity is the most radical thing of all.

Stop Me and Have a Chat

“Stop Me and Have a Chat” were the words on the back of some of their hoodies. Throughout the day, I kept thinking of what a difference this group is making in their neighbourhoods. I recall John McKnight asking me at our first meeting, “Where do you spend your time?” These connectors are deeply embedded in neighbourhoods and know how to invite people in, listen, and support. They are creative, curious, and, above all, kind.

Staying Connected

If you’re reading this and wondering what this kind of work looks like in your community, reach out. Let’s share stories. Let’s build the kind of neighbourhoods where everyone’s gifts are seen, no one falls through the cracks, and where the answer to “What has changed?” is “Everything.”

To the Community Builders Team: thank you for letting me walk with you, even for a day. You’ve created something rare and amazingly beautiful.

And I can’t wait to come back.