This 2-week online course uses the knowledge and tools presented in previous courses of the series, and explores the process to construct a framework for a community development initiative and the role of librarians in grassroots leadership activism.

This online course is part of the "Building Successful Collaborations with the Communities" series, which addresses four topics in community engagement:

1. Community-Based Librarianship
2. Asset-Based Community Development
3. Collective Impact
4. Grassroots Librarianship (i.e., this course)

The Series integrates concepts of community engagement with application tools for practicing librarians. Community engagement begins with librarians themselves as members of the community having ownership and vested interest in its success. The community defines the library. The library is the backbone infrastructure to engage community members and agencies for desired changes. Participants will learn to use tools of appreciative inquiry and Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) with the goal to facilitate positive changes in the local community.