This plan answers the question: What can be changed in the institutional framework of a community that will improve participation and access to social and material resources?
Other community development plans can be found at: HolisticCommunityDevelopment.org
Institutional Framework Plan
The local institutional framework includes government officials, departments, and committees, plus a range of (mainly nonprofit) organizations. This is the structure that supports and links various institutions, and which enables much of what happens in a community. Altering an aspect of this framework can have effects that ripple out to many people. Key parts of this plan focus on increasing citizen involvement in local community.
1. Community mission statement
A mission statement briefly states the community’s values and goals. Such a statement can help guide officials and citizens as they determine where to focus their resources and what they want to achieve. Some communities have these statements; all should.
2. In-person social connecting
Whether it’s Hi Neighbor programs, cultural events, festivals, public library meetings, or livability initiatives like pocket parks or community gardens, making it easier for people to meet strengthens connections between citizens. Emphasizing person-to-person connections reduces isolation, increases community participation, facilitates collaboration, and improves overall quality of life for members of a community.
3. Workgroups for meetings
Encouraging less formal, more collaborative and friendly meetings enables participation by a wider range of community members, fosters greater trust, reduces stress, improves group decision-making, and strengthens social connections between participants. Workgroups are particularly suitable for early-stage brainstorming and low cost/high impact community initiatives.
4. Networking local resources
A directory listing of available resources specific to the local community improves resource discoverability and encourages local talent and nonprofit resource providers to engage directly with the community. Streamlined interactions between resource providers and individuals increases citizen participation, improves quality of life, and benefits crisis management preparedness. A greater understanding of networking and resource management also helps assure needs are met in the future.
5. Community marketing
A community marketing plan improves awareness of community initiatives through outreach efforts and showing how citizens can become more involved with their community. The term “marketing” highlights the need to promote available services and resources, as well as showing community members how and why they can contribute to their neighborhoods. The goal of community development marketing is to generate more interest in community activities, including the functions of government.
6. Community risk management
Community risk management is a process where potential risks are identified, prioritized, and assessed, then strategies are implemented to mitigate those risks. It’s a proactive approach focused on reducing the likelihood and impact of negative events, such as natural disasters, public health crises, but also many other circumstances such as the cost-benefit of government expenditures, or managing construction projects.
Implementing a National Plan