Participants in the Transforming Communities 9 month training will gain knowledge and hands-on experience in the application of the principles of asset-based community development [ABCD], facilitation techniques, action planning and application, identifying underlying contradictions and challenges within communities, and a theology of Shalom.  The Transforming Communities Training is currently offered in an online format, and includes online instruction, reflection conversations, webinar presentations, and ongoing accompaniment from a member of the TCN team. Time between training sessions allows teams to complete assignments and put the tools they are acquiring to use in their unique context.  Each team will work with its community to develop a strategy for transformation. Learning Session content is based on the biblical principles of SHALOM [Jeremiah 29:7] and the United Methodist Church’s Communities of SHALOM framework which seeks to apply long-term holistic and sustainable transformation through community development.