Most communities address social and economic problems with only a small amount of their total capacity. Much community capacity is not used and is needed! This is the challenge and opportunity of community engagement. Everyone in a community has something to offer. There is no one we don’t need. 

1. EVERYONE HAS GIFTS.

With rare exception people can contribute and want to contribute. Gifts must be discovered. Gift giving opportunities must be offered. Strong communities know they need everyone. There is unrecognized capacity and assets in every community. Find it.

2. RELATIONSHIPS BUILD A COMMUNITY.
See them, make them, and utilize them. An intentional effort to build and nourish relationships is the core of ABCD and of all community building. 

3. CITIZENS AT THE CENTER

can engage the wider community. People in leadership in everyday life (associations, congregations, neighborhoods, and local business) must be at the center of community initiatives rather than just helping agency leaders. It is essential to engage the wider community as actors (citizens) not just as recipients of services (clients).

4. LEADERS INVOLVE OTHERS AS ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.

Leaders from the wider community of voluntary associations, congregations, neighborhoods, local business, can engage others from their sector. Community building leaders always need to have a constituency of people to involve. This “following” is based on trust, influence, and relationship. Strong community leaders invite a growing circle of people to act.

Revised: January 19, 2007