Key Definitions

You can find more details on the important terms and ideas in the Background Research section. Here are some key words we use often.

When we say “community” we mean... a geographic community like our neighbourhood and our social network within and beyond it.

When we say “safety” we mean… a positive sense of support, care, and community that reduces experiences of vulnerability and harm for everyone.

When we say “security” we mean… a sense of protection against danger, most often created by excluding people or groups perceived as ‘dangerous’ or isolating yourself or your community behind walls.

When we say “grassroots” we mean… residents working together and taking action at a neighbourhood level.

When we say “anti-oppressive” we mean… challenging inequality and oppression wherever it exists.

When we say “caring and inclusive” we mean… challenging and dismantling inequities and oppression and involving the full diversity of neighbourhood residents in our safety project. We started saying “caring and inclusive” instead of “anti-oppression” because it was easier to understand.

When we say “social capital” we mean… the networks, relationships, and trust between people that contribute to the well-being and strength of a community. You can find a longer discussion of the idea on the Manitoba Research Alliance website.

When we say “asset mapping” we mean… A process of identifying, talking about, and visually showing a neighbourhood’s strengths and resources.