For those of us in the TC movement, the term “community” is heavily imbued with meaning and significance. It is a central concept that guides the way we organize and operationalize our unique service delivery model.
Nowhere is this better illustrated than in the core TC principle of “Community as Method”. In the past TC were characterised by a rather rigid and doctrinaire approach to the manner in which they operationalized and implemented “Community as Method” . In recent years the closed nature of many TC’s has given way to a more responsive and open stance to the way they do business – both inwardly and outwardly. This has involved a deconstruction and partial reconstruction of the place and role of community within the TC model
The theme for our 2013 ATCA Conference: Building Communities, invites and challenges us to engage in a wide ranging dialogue around the phenomenon of community – one that courageously explores the options and implications of moving beyond a restricted and limiting conceptualization of the term.
In addition to showcasing an impressive line-up of national and international speakers Building Communities will provide opportunities for networking, peer support and professional development.
This conference provides an opportunity to explore possible futures – to think about the concerns, constraints, considerations that might shape the service delivery landscape of tomorrow and how Therapeutic Communities might adapt and evolve in such a landscape.
I encourage you to attend and look forward to seeing you in October.
Mitchell Giles
Chair, ATCA Organising Committee
Board Member, ATCA and CEO, Lives Lived Well