Community Animator Network

The Community Animator Network (CAN) uses the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) model to create a community culture that offers inclusion, diversity, justice, individual contribution, and matching assets to existing gaps. In ABCD, the pathway to sustainable community change is rooted in building relationships and social connectedness of local people.

CAN is a program where we train members (Animators) on how to be community builders through ABCD. The role of Animators is to identify, connect, and mobilize local assets. Animators commit to five hours per week and are compensated for their time. CAN is organized in two phases: (1) Learning Cohorts and (2) Community Building Cohorts.

Phase 1: Animators are paid to complete a 12-week training to learn the foundational skills of ABCD. This includes weekly 1 hour meetings, completing modules, and engaging in mini-experiments in the community. Phase 1 Animators are paid $17/hour for 5 hours a week. Paid positions are only available for Animators in the state of Kansas.

Phase 2: Once Animators graduate from Phase 1, they can choose to join the Community Building phase, where they dive deep into ABCD and create a community project. This also involves weekly meetings, lectures, mini-experiments relevant to their projects, and coaching with staff. The duration of the Community Building phase can last up to 1 year, depending on project goals. Throughout Phase 2, Animators receive guidance and support from our staff. Phase 2 Animators are paid $22/hour for 5 hours a week. Paid positions are only available for Animators in the state of Kansas.

What does the Animator journey look like?

Submit an application to let us know you are interested in CAN. If we have a cohort open, we will contact you for an interview!
This includes three in-person workshops and twelve weeks of online gatherings for networking and learning ABCD. Animators are expected to commit to a total of five hours a week.
Animators dive deep into ABCD organizing and receive guidance in creating a community project. Projects can be up to a year-long commitment, but the timeline can be shorter depending on the project goals.
Using the peer-to-peer tool from The Voter Network, we encourage all Animators to help get out the vote during election season.

Have some questions?

On the contrary. CAN does not cost a thing! In fact, Animators are considered extended staff of The Neighboring Movement and are paid 5 hours a week at an hourly rate of $15.
Typically, Animators spend 3-5 hours a week. This includes the virtual meetings, readings, and community mini-experiments.
Animators learn how to find, connect, and mobilize the assets in their communities. This includes engaging with local stakeholders and learning from people doing it in their communities. All of these are key ingredients of ABCD.
Animators will partake in community building by creating allies in their area, building asset maps, and mobilizing around hyper-local interests.
Nope! It’s not required because this is a contractor position. If chosen, you will complete a 1099 form. You can apply with an ITIN!