Framework of Change for Community-Led Development

We see community-led development as a planning and development approach; underpinned by these key principles:

'Place' the focus

• Priorities being determined and ‘visioned’ by those who live, work, care, connect and invest in local community of place – the principle of ‘ahi kaa.’ 
• Interconnection of people and local environments recognised, along with commitments to planning holistically for current and future communities.
• Understanding that the make up, history and context of each community is special and unique. While whole models can’t be transplanted, ideas, principles, key elements, tools and resources can transferred. 

Local voice and leadership valued
and empowered 

• Community experience and knowledge is integral to local solutions.
• Local residents and organisations being encouraged and supported to participate and
  actively lead.
• Genuine local ownership of community visions, plans and actions.

 Working together across boundaries

• Encouraging connections between diverse people, organisations and sectors to develop
  creative solutions and harness additional resources. 
• Pactising new ways of working – creating and co-creating together, building respectful relationships and reciprocity.

Strength and asset based

• Identifying existing local physical, cultural, environmental and ‘people’ assets and strengths, and leveraging off what each community does well. 
• Not dwelling on or being overshadowed by deficits or ‘fixing’ approaches –asking instead ‘what is the vision for our community’ and ‘how can we work together to make it happen.’
• Inspiring hope and optimism for a different future – not being constrained by what is, or has been.

Growing collaborative community leadership

• Acknowledging that everyone has a contribution to make.
• Actively seeking and growing new leadership within communities.
• Supporting energetic, catalytic individual leaders and organisations who can work skillfully
  with others to make things happen.

 Being intentional, adaptable and demonstrating progress

• Being clear on future visions and goals while being flexible in adapting plans, priorities and projects to respond to changes that occur.
• Adopting robust planning processes and practices to ensure monitoring, analysis, reflection, learning about and measuring progress towards desired outcomes.
• Proactively sharing experiences, learning, results and resources across communities.

Whole Systems Change

• Going beyond ‘one-offs’ to longer term, sustainable change.
• Influencing policy and legislation, commercial systems, organisational practice, personal, cultural and institutional relationships for lasting impact within communities.