In June 2008 CSE will release its
first community paper entitled, "The Power to Change".
This document will offer a fresh approach to community development.
The Power to Change (PTC) presents a theoretical model that promotes
the proposition that the role of community development should be
to create thriving families. Historically community development models
have focused on youth development (generally at the exclusion of
families), economics, natural resources and infrastructure.
The PTC Model
offers for adoption three core values: Family, Education and Spiritual
and Community Connections. This model clearly articulates that families
are the heart of any community and that the prosperity of communities
is reliant upon the success of the families that reside there. It argues
that the home is the first learning laboratory with which children come
in contact and hence central to the total development of families is
what is taught in the home. Children therefore gain their respect for
formal education from their family. The PTC Model recognizes educational
institutions as the second most important institution in communities.
Educational institutions greatly influence the quality of life for family
members. This model contends that houses of worship/religious organizations
and community-based programming augment the knowledge gained from schools,
colleges, universities and trade schools. The PTC Model also acknowledges
the critical role that Faith plays in the sustainability of many families
and the sense of belonging that is desired by most. This model embraces
the diversity of spiritual beliefs that exists in communities and supports
the notion that community connection is best described by the harmony,
integration, and bonding that takes place between and among its members.
Over the
next year, MNP will seek to engage the community in meaningful dialogue
around the PTC Model. The Center for Shared Excellence (CSE) will host
a series of public forums involving nationally and locally recognized
experts.
