Getting to the root of the problem

In today's hyper-fast, global connected world, it's not surprising that people should have trouble laying down roots. As successive generations people swarm and migrate to chase the economic bubble, many are left with a feeling of detachment from their surrounding communities.

A joint initiative between the Dutch NGO's Global Action Plan and Wensenwerk, Ruimte Maken (literally 'Creating Space' in Dutch) project's aim is to help people build stronger bonds between themselves and their communities. In early 2003 a pilot of the program was run involving 10 project groups of 15 people each. Guided by a project coach, participants examined both their private lives and the life of the community. Through a series of fun and insightful projects they discovered where the two intersect and how they can improve those bonds. After this successful trial, the program is now being expanded and adapted for use in other localities.

Blue Hum created the visual design of the both coaches handbook and the handbook that was given to the program participants. Blue Hum also oversaw the printing process and helped with the logistics of getting all of the materials to the project groups.