Latest news with #CommunityBuilding
CBC
24-07-2025
- General
- CBC
First standalone Islamic school in south Edmonton breaks ground
An Edmonton community is one step closer to achieving its dream after breaking ground Wednesday at the city's first standalone Islamic school on the south side. The Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Academy's future facility, spanning nearly 40 acres at 8615 41st Ave., surrounded by canola fields and farmland, is slated to open its doors in September 2026. "The need is huge," said Dr. Osama Namaruish, president of the Omar Ibn Al Khattab Centre, as cranes and bulldozers rumbled behind him. "There are other Islamic schools, mostly in the north side. The waiting time is in the thousands." With 120 students, the academy's current independent K-9 school operates out of the Omar Ibn Al Khattab Centre (OIAC) on Parson's Road. Other Islamic schools in south Edmonton operate out of leased spaces, warehouses and mosques, but this will be the first purpose-built school in the area, an OIAC spokesperson told CBC. Plans for the future $30 million academy include 22 classrooms, sports fields, a prayer hall for 300 worshippers, a commercial kitchen and a community centre. The money to build the new facility is being raised through a fundraising campaign and private donations. "We want to see a proper school that has proper sport fields that is welcoming to the community, Muslims and non-Muslims," Namaruish said. "It's a place where people will socialize, people will meet, some interfaith dialogue will happen and people will talk to each other and understand each other." According to OIAC, more than 5,000 Muslim students live south of 23rd Avenue. Among them is Daniyaal Saeed, 13, whose commute time to the Parsons Road location in heavy traffic can take as long as 30 minutes each way. But for Saeed, it's worth it. "We got to learn about our religion, our history, everything," Saeed told CBC News. "Everybody knows each other. Everybody's kind to each other. They don't hate on religions, because we all have the same religion." Coun. Keren Tang said the new school will also help to alleviate the pressures of population growth in Ward Karhiio. "It responds to a bit of the growth pressure here. It responds to some of the school challenges that we're talking about and I think it's going to add to the overall community," Teng said.
CBC
20-07-2025
- Sport
- CBC
Ontario refugee agencies host soccer tournament to build community and friendship
Social Sharing Refugees from all over the world came together for an annual soccer tournament in North York this Saturday organized as a way to help newcomers build connections in Canada, and take their minds off the stress of being in a new country. The tournament was put on by the Ontario Coalition of Service Providers for Refugee Claimants, a group of agencies and refugee housing services that are located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), said, located in Toronto. Francisco Vidal, executive director of Sojourn House, which provides emergency shelter and transitional housing services to newly arrived refugees in the GTA, said the tournament "uses soccer as a tool to build community and promote healthy lifestyles." Participating in the matches also helps improve players' mental and physical health, he said. "Some of [the players] have not had their refugee claim hearing yet," he said. "This puts their mind away into something that can build community and friendship." Event an opportunity to share experiences Dany Abuela attended the tournament for the first time on Saturday. Abuela moved to Toronto from Ecuador in January with his family. They have been staying at Romero House, an organization that provides refugee claimants with transitional housing and immigration support. "We are happy. Canada is a great country," he said. "This event for us is very important because we can speak with the other people, know their experience." Tenzin Khentse moved to Canada from India in 2021 and now works at the FCJ Refugee Centre as a youth leader focused on preventing human trafficking. He said the event is a good distraction for those dealing with refugee and asylum procedures. "Football is something that everybody enjoys. It's something everybody can relate to, and it's a really good distraction, you just forget about your problems for a while," said Khentse. This year, Vidal said there has been "a lot of hype" around the tournament because of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — which will be hosted in Canada, U.S. and Mexico — as well as the story of Canadian soccer star Alphonso Davies, who was born in a refugee camp in Ghana before he moved to Canada when he was five years old. Soccer team is like a 'new family in Canada' Some refugees living in refugee houses do not have family in Canada, said Diana Gallego, the co-executive director of the FCJ Refugee Centre, located in York. "To become a member of a soccer team, it's kind of [like] 'This is my new family in Canada,'" she said. Gallego said she fled Colombia 21 years ago with her husband and her son. Her son played in the tournament on Saturday. "When we are forced to leave our countries, we do it because our lives are at risk," she said. "To come here and to find an open home and somebody that can welcome you is really important." The coalition has organized five tournaments since 2018. This year marks the first time an agency from Hamilton participated in the tournament, as a way to engage with refugess outside the GTA, Vidal said.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
First Filipino games tournament launching in Hawaiʻi
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Gather your friends and family this summer to participate in some friendly competition. Miss Philippines Hawaii: Celebrating Empowerment, Culture, and Community The Filipino Community Center and the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu are launching the Palarong Pinoy 2025 – Traditional Filipino Games Competition. Participants will compete and be taught how to play traditional Filipino games, including Tumbang Preso (knock-down-the-can game), Pantintero (traditional tag game), Sipa (traditional foot game) and more. The games are open to all ages, welcoming both experienced and inexperienced individuals. Prizes will be awarded to winners, with the top teams advancing to the finals round. Some of the goals of this event are to provide cultural preservation, community building, educational outreach and family first qualifying round of games will take place at the Filipino Community Center on June 29, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with the final round of games taking place at the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu on July 26, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is now open online here and in person at the Filipino Community Center. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Geeky Gadgets
05-06-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Learn How an AI Autonomously Runs a Thriving 10K Member Community 24/7
What if your online community never slept? Imagine a vibrant, thriving space where questions are answered instantly, discussions flow seamlessly, and every member feels seen and supported—regardless of the time of day. This isn't a futuristic dream; it's the reality of AI-powered community management. With AI agents running the show 24/7, even while their human counterparts rest, the traditional boundaries of time and effort are being shattered. These autonomous systems don't just automate tasks—they actively engage, adapt, and evolve, creating a dynamic environment that feels alive around the clock. The result? A community that's always 'on,' fostering deeper connections and sustained growth without burning out its human leaders. Creator Magic explore how AI is transforming the way online communities are managed, from automating repetitive tasks to delivering personalized support that feels anything but robotic. You'll discover what makes AI agents more than just tools—they're collaborators that learn, adapt, and scale alongside your community. But it's not all smooth sailing; we'll also unpack the critical role of human oversight in maintaining authenticity and handling the nuances that AI can't yet master. By the end, you'll see how this partnership between human intuition and machine efficiency is reshaping what's possible in community building. Could this be the future of connection? Let's find out. AI-Powered Community Management What Sets AI Agents Apart from AI Tools? AI agents stand apart from traditional AI tools due to their autonomy and decision-making capabilities. Unlike tools that require direct user input to perform specific tasks, AI agents operate independently. They analyze data, make informed decisions, and execute actions without constant supervision. This autonomy allows them to handle repetitive and time-consuming responsibilities, such as moderating discussions, summarizing content, or managing member inquiries. By delegating these tasks to AI agents, you can focus on higher-level priorities that drive your community forward, such as strategic planning and fostering deeper member engagement. AI agents also adapt to the unique needs of your community. They learn from the data you provide, allowing them to deliver more accurate and relevant responses over time. This adaptability makes them a powerful resource for maintaining a vibrant and well-organized online space. Streamlining Community Management with Automation Managing a large online community can be overwhelming, but AI agents simplify this process by automating essential tasks. Here are some of the ways they can help: Summarizing lengthy discussions to keep members informed without requiring them to sift through extensive threads. to keep members informed without requiring them to sift through extensive threads. Answering frequently asked questions with speed and precision, making sure members receive timely assistance. with speed and precision, making sure members receive timely assistance. Providing personalized resources tailored to individual members' needs, enhancing their experience. tailored to individual members' needs, enhancing their experience. Welcoming new members with customized messages that foster a sense of belonging and encourage participation. with customized messages that foster a sense of belonging and encourage participation. Recommending topics or questions to spark meaningful conversations and sustain engagement. Additionally, customizable features such as avatars and bios enhance the user experience, making interactions feel more personal and engaging. These automated processes not only save time but also ensure that your community remains active and well-organized. AI Runs a 10K Community 24/7 Watch this video on YouTube. Here are more detailed guides and articles that you may find helpful on AI Agents. Training AI Agents for Your Community To maximize the effectiveness of AI agents, it is essential to train them using your community's unique content. By uploading posts, discussions, and external resources such as YouTube transcripts, you provide the AI with the context it needs to deliver accurate and relevant responses. For example, if a member asks about a previously discussed topic, the AI can reference the relevant thread or summarize the key points, making sure that members receive helpful, context-specific answers. This tailored knowledge base allows AI agents to address complex queries and provide in-depth support. Over time, as the AI continues to learn from your community's interactions, its ability to deliver precise and meaningful responses will improve, further enhancing the user experience. Enhancing User Interaction with AI AI agents excel at fostering meaningful interactions within your community by providing real-time, concise answers to member inquiries. These interactions go beyond simple question-and-answer exchanges. For instance: Guiding members to relevant threads or suggesting additional resources to deepen their understanding of a topic. or suggesting additional resources to deepen their understanding of a topic. Offering comprehensive responses by referencing past discussions or external materials, making sure members feel supported and informed. This capability not only enhances user satisfaction but also encourages active participation. Members are more likely to engage when they feel their questions are addressed promptly and thoroughly. By creating a responsive and supportive environment, AI agents help build a stronger sense of community and collaboration. The Role of Human Oversight While AI agents are highly capable, human oversight remains essential to ensure quality and address nuanced situations. As a community owner, you play a critical role in guiding the AI's performance and maintaining the overall integrity of your community. Here are some ways you can collaborate with AI agents: Monitoring AI interactions to ensure responses are accurate, relevant, and aligned with your community's values. to ensure responses are accurate, relevant, and aligned with your community's values. Intervening in sensitive or complex situations that require a human touch, such as resolving conflicts or addressing unique member concerns. that require a human touch, such as resolving conflicts or addressing unique member concerns. Temporarily pausing AI responses to manage specific challenges manually, making sure that critical issues are handled appropriately. This collaborative approach ensures that AI complements your efforts rather than replacing your role entirely. By maintaining this balance, you can provide a seamless experience for your members while retaining control over critical decisions. Scalability and the Future of AI in Communities One of the most significant advantages of AI agents is their ability to scale operations efficiently. Managing a community of 10,000 members—or even more—becomes feasible without compromising quality or engagement. AI agents can handle increasing demands, allowing you to expand your reach and grow your community without feeling overwhelmed. As AI technology continues to evolve, its potential for automating community engagement will only grow. Future advancements may include even more sophisticated applications, such as predictive analytics to anticipate member needs or advanced natural language processing for deeper conversational capabilities. These developments will further enhance the ability of AI agents to support large, vibrant communities, making them an indispensable tool for community management. Media Credit: Creator Magic Filed Under: AI, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Forbes
22-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Turn Your LinkedIn Profile Into A Powerful Community Growth Machine
Your LinkedIn profile has a few thousand followers, but they're just profile views and notifications to you right now. Unless you do something, they remain digital strangers instead of becoming real opportunities. Most advice about LinkedIn growth focuses on sheer numbers. On growing your accounts and getting post engagement. Hardly any tell you what to do with your followers beyond broadcasting content. That stops today. You and I are going to crack this together. While most business owners collect connections like virtual trading cards, smart ones like you turn online relationships into powerful offline networks. Building a community transforms your LinkedIn presence from a vanity metric into genuine business growth. I quadrupled my LinkedIn following in 2024, growing from 7k to 30k targeted followers. But I learned that true growth happens when you move beyond the platform. These strategies will help you do the same. LinkedIn provides a perfect starting point for community building. It gives you basic information about who someone is and what they do. But people are more than just their LinkedIn profiles. Get to know the person behind the words and the realness behind the polished posts. Build a core group of followers who get you, understand your business, and trust you enough to buy and refer. Take your business growth to a whole new level when you create this machine. LinkedIn shows professional qualifications, but hobbies create stronger bonds. Ask your followers what they're into outside work or see if you can figure it out from their content. Sports, music, books, travel. These personal interests reveal common ground that business talk never could. When you know their interests and you've chatted in the DMs, you're on a deeper level. With a higher volume of chats, you can search your inbox for people with that passion and create natural affinity groups within your larger network. LinkedIn users who engage in conversations about shared interests spend 60% more time on the platform, indicating stronger relationship building. Send personalized messages when you discover content related to their interests. "Saw this article about hot yoga and thought of you." These small touchpoints build familiarity and trust far more effectively than generic business updates. Location matters more than you think for community building. When someone follows you or engages with your content, send them a friendly message asking where they're based. This single question opens the door to real-world meetups. Get them to tell you their city in a DM. Then, whenever you're in that city, you can search your DMs for its name and reach out. This simple system connects you with potential clients, collaborators, and friends in every location you visit. Keep a spreadsheet of cities where your followers concentrate. Plan travel strategically and organize local events where demand exists. Your followers will appreciate that you remembered them and took the initiative to connect in person. Your followers want to meet you in real life. They want to meet each other too. Create these opportunities with simple, effective gatherings that strengthen your community bonds. It doesn't need to be complicated. Choose a venue with a casual approach and plenty of space. Share the time window. Three hours works best. Make sure there are high tables so people can move and mingle. Afterwards, send a list of everyone's LinkedIn profiles so they can connect. For maximum impact, plan events around industry conferences or when you visit cities with high follower concentrations. Share details in a post, and send the info via DM to those in the same city. Give people enough notice to add it to their calendars. Focus on creating a welcoming environment rather than perfect planning. If you're on LinkedIn with someone, you're just one of thousands of connections to them, and vice versa. Create a simple system for moving conversations to email, messaging apps, or specialized community platforms. Start a newsletter, Slack channel, or WhatsApp group for your most engaged followers. LinkedIn provides the introduction, but the relationship needs space to grow elsewhere. Give your community a permanent home regardless of algorithm changes. Take showing up there as seriously as posting on LinkedIn. General networking groups often fizzle without direction. Keep the new space focused on specific topics or outcomes. Give people a reason to participate. Share thoughts and ideas, exclusive content, facilitate skill exchanges, or set up accountability partnerships that provide tangible value. Nothing builds community like shared success. When members of your new network achieve something noteworthy, make it a big deal. This creates a culture of support and motivation that people want to join. Feature community members in your LinkedIn content. Share their stories, tag them in posts, and explain what makes their achievement special. Public recognition strengthens their loyalty while showing others the benefits of joining your community. Highlight how connections made through your network contributed to these successes. Demonstrate the tangible value of your community to encourage more active participation from others who want similar results. Your LinkedIn following contains the building blocks of a powerful community. Find out where your people are located. Discover their personal interests beyond professional titles. Create real-world meeting opportunities. Build communication channels outside the platform. Celebrate community wins that show the value of connection. The right connections, opportunities and relationships are closer than you think. Get to know the humans behind the profiles and watch what happens.
