More Praise for Deepening Community

“Deepening community is essential to building healthy societies. Paul Born understands this principle and knows how to put it into practice. His book is an essential resource for everyone who wants to contribute to bringing forth better futures.”

—Adam Kahane, Partner, Reos Partners, and author of Solving Tough Problems, Power and Love, and Transformative Scenario Planning

“There is no one writing today who understands more about community: what we miss when we don’t have it, why we long for it, how to build it, and the rewards that it brings. Paul Born speaks to all of us in this book, at once touching our hearts and giving us the encouragement and the tools we need to change how we live in relation to those around us.”

—Dr. Frances Westley, cofounder of SiG (Social Innovation Generation), University of Waterloo, and coauthor of Getting to Maybe: How the World Is Changed

“Community has the power to change everything. No amount of innovation, individual brilliance, or money can transform our broken society as effectively and sustainably as building community. Deepening Community provides useful and inspiring guidance for leaders everywhere who seek to create better outcomes in their work.”

—John Kania, Managing Director, FSG; founder of the Collective Impact Movement; and coauthor of Do More Than Give

“Paul Born is a bright light. His commitment to community and celebration of life are infectious. If world leaders were to really embrace the principles of this book, we might be able to divert the social chaos and natural disasters of climate change. Put a copy of this book into the hands of an elected official or government leader near you!”

—Nicole Rycroft, founder and Executive Director of the global environmental organization Canopy

“Paul Born doesn’t just study community; he lives it. In Deepening Community, he shares practical advice on how to reweave the social fabric that we have neglected for too long. This book exudes the joy he experiences in community, and his stories provide hope that, in this time of social, economic, and environmental crises, more of us will find ways to care deeply for one another and the place we share.”

—Jim Diers, faculty member, Asset-Based Community Development Institute, and author of Neighbor Power

“Paul Born’s call to deepen community in the face of fear and superficiality is steeped in the wisdom and insights of a remarkable life dedicated to helping people out of poverty. In a time of growing income disparity and social isolation, this timely book reminds us that there is a better way and that the joy to be found in taking it is there for everyone.”

—Stephen Huddart, President and CEO, J. W. McConnell Family Foundation

“Paul Born has worked in community all his life with a watchful eye and an open heart, and he provides insights from what he has learned in Deepening Community—a must-read for anyone interested in strong communities.”

—Alan Broadbent, Chairman and CEO, Avana Capital Corporation; founder and Chairman, Maytree; and author of Urban Nation

“Deepening Community exudes joy. The joy of each other’s company. The joy of belonging. The joy of taking care, of being cared for. Paul’s book is also a joy to read. That is to be expected given Paul’s life and work. He reminds us in print and in practice that joy is enduring, abundant, and beautiful.”

—Al Etmanski, social innovator, blogger, and author of A Good Life

“No one has helped me understand and value the essence of community like Paul Born. Paul has an amazing storytelling ability that excites, challenges, and demystifies and helps us all appreciate the simplicity of moving community from ideal to living reality. This book is a community builder’s gem.”

—Peter Kenyon, Director, Bank of I.D.E.A.S. (Australia)

“We need deep community to tackle issues such as environmental resiliency, a fair economy, and a safe and caring society. Paul confirms that we need enduring and trustful relationships for an even more fundamental reason: to be fully human. Deepening Community is an engaging and practical contribution to what may be the most important work of our times.”

—Mark Cabaj, social innovator and cofounder of Vibrant Communities Canada

“This book is a testament to Paul Born’s love of the hard work of building relationships and the joy it brings to us.”

—Ratna Omidvar, Preisdent Maytree, and named most influential leader of the decade by the Globe and Mail