Reconnecting Youth & Community: A Youth Development Approach

Rebuilding Communities

The best strategy for rebuilding communities is a community empowerment approach that views community members as partners in the rebuilding process. This "community as partners" approach is known by various names across the country, but its philosophy is based on the following principles:

• Community members are in the best position to develop effective strategies for dealing with neighborhood problems.
• Even communities with concentrated poverty and serious crime comprise individuals and organizations with tremendous strengths and talents.
• The community empowerment process offers the best chance for lasting, positive change.

While some of the factors contributing to community building may be inapplicable in certain areas, some key elements are transferable to any setting:

• A shared purpose
• An inclusive planning process
• Leadership development rather than service delivery
• Opportunities for community empowerment through a learning process
• Financial stabilization
• Strategies for reconnecting people of all generations and backgrounds

Linking the Youth Development Approach to Rebuilding Communities >>