The Learning Centre, established in 2003, is designed to create a fluid, creative system of documenting community building activity and delivering this learning to organizations. The centre has a threefold purpose: to broadly disseminate knowledge gathered through research and practical experience; to help communities increase their power through learning; and to generate knowledge about community engagement so as to advance the field.

Tamarack has extensive experience in community engagement. We have also amassed considerable research on the topic. Through the Learning Centre’s Open Services, the knowledge that Tamarack and others involved in community engagement have generated over the years is shared freely with those who wish to access it. The customized knowledge and tools produced when organizations contract with us through our Custom Services is also shared where possible, distilled into tools, lesson learned, best practices, etc, and incorporated into the Open Services. Thus, all of Tamarack's work learns from and impacts itself, creating an organic reservoir of knowledge that enriches the understanding and practice of community engagement.

Tamarack's partners and clients have the benefit of leveraging this accumulated wisdom, and of knowing they participate not only in improving their direct communities but also indirectly contributing to the work of other engaged individuals and organizations across the country. This interplay between research and practical experience has the potential to produce new insights and knowledge that advance the field. Working together, Tamarack's network is becoming a powerful catalyst for change.

For more on the services Tamarack offers, please see our Tamarack Services page.