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Collaboration

This document describes ten principles for effective efforts to strengthen intergroup relations, using a review of social science research (including reports on practitioner experience), an evaluation of a local initiative.  Support came from The Meyer Foundation.

Through the Lens of Culture: Building Capacity for Social Change and Sustainable Communities
Published by National Community Development Institute (2003)
(Working Principles)

Communities of color experience both a tremendous need for and a lack of access to quality technical assistance and capacity building services. Ultimately, as communities develop their skills for self-determination, the long-term value of these kinds of interventions is significant. This report explains the background and methodology of a culturally-based approach, which helps communities in moving toward self-determination. The emphasis is on building organizational and institutional capacity in communities of color and other communities who have traditionally lacked such access. As the paper explains, different skills are needed to be culturally-based than the skills identified with being proficient in technical aspects of capacity building work. Culturally based technical assistance ensures that community residents lead their own change processes; that consultants come from or have extensive, well-received experience in the communities they serve; and that communities are left with the tools and resources to continue their own transformation and growth process after the intervention is completed.

 

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