Acknowledgement
Land Acknowledgement:
We acknowledge that we are on the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and pay tribute to their legacy and the legacy of all First Peoples of Canada, as we strengthen ties with the communities we serve and build the future through learning and through our graduates. Today the traditional meeting place of Toronto is still home to many Indigenous People from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work in the communities that have grown in the treaty lands of the Mississaugas. We acknowledge that we are all treaty people and accept our responsibility to honour all our relations. I am very grateful to work as an educator and social worker in this land.
Acknowledgement to Contributors
Community Development Practice: From Canadian and Global Perspectives is an Open Education Resource-OER that is developed based on collective ideas, learning, and contributions from many community leaders, educators, and social workers. First, I would like to thank the community organizers and leaders across the globe for taking care of their communities and allowing social workers like me to join their community building and fight against poverty and injustice. I have learned so much from the courage and convictions of the community leaders working in Canada and worldwide.
This book is an outcome of teamwork, solidarity, and cooperation. I sincerely thank Ms Jennifer Woodill, Chair of Community Services at Centennial College, who not only encouraged me but also reviewed the content of this book. I am immensely grateful to Jennifer for making Community Development Practice a reality.
I would like to earnestly acknowledge the sincere efforts and valuable time given by the contributors. Thank you, Dr. Valerie Borum, Professor and Director, School of Social Work, Toronto Metropolitan University, for sharing your time and contribution to the Anti-racism framework and joining me in a podcast that is part of the Community Development Practice.
I am very grateful to Ms Sama Bassidj, Professor, Community Services Department, Centennial College; Dr. Agnes Thomas, Executive Director, CCS; Councillor Gary Crawford, City of Toronto; Ms Naheed Ahmed, UN Women; Mr. Towfik Reza, Red Cross Australia; and Moung Thowai Ching, Executive Director, Green Hill Bangladesh; for their contributions and making Community Development Practice a truly global resource. I would like to thank Dr. Sanaul Mostafa, former educator of Saarland University, Germany and BRAC University for technical advice and resources, and Anne Gloger, Principal, Openly Connected, for sharing their resources. I would also like to express my gratitude to Supratik Patnaik, a Computer Science student from BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus, India, for volunteering with me in this OER project and providing valuable feedback.
Creating an OER is an exciting and challenging task. Without technical help, it would not be possible. I would like to thank the Centre for Faculty Development and Teaching Innovation team for organizing workshops; the Library team at Centennial College, Joanna Blair, and Shelby Thaysen for their technical support in creating this OER.
I am grateful to my teachers for their continuous support, teaching, and blessings. I am also thankful to my colleagues, who respond to my requests, share time and resources, and provide encouragement. I owe a lot to the ActionAid Bangladesh and ActionAid International team, who supported me in learning and doing community development for over10 years.
I want to mention the support system and consideration of my wife-Rini and daughter-Anuva, who are also involved in community work. My parents would have been very happy to see this work. I am sure my siblings and family will be pleased to see this OER
Finally, I am so grateful to my students and learners worldwide, who inspire me to work hard and create a resource like Community Development Practice. In fact, you are the center of my teaching and learning. Your passion for learning and commitment to social justice and social change inspired me to write this OER- that is free to all.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mahbub Hasan BSW, MSW, Ph.D.
Toronto, Ontario
September 01, 2022.
