Community Empowerment Framework
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Our Philosophy |
The Art of the Native View SMANC has worked tirelessly over the years to understand how Native Communities, or any Community for that matter, could become empowered and engage in meaningful and lasting change. The question arises of how do you dramatically transform Native communities into places where everyone can thrive? That answer is not a simple one to address. We have found that two main processes must be addressed – first, to understand the environment and second, to empower it. Understanding the environment -- Native Community Organizing System This provides a basis of understanding just why Native communities and organizations tick, and how to influence their future organization – or in a word build cohesion. The culture you create in the community must first declare shared values that will guide the community. That is the basis of culture; the central element of Native Community empowerment. Those shared values also serve a very important function as they are the key elements in maintaining balance in the community with respect to Community Attributes. Community Attributes are trust, communication systems, leadership systems, governance, lateral oppression, equality, and hurt/balance (the seven attributes). All of these seven elements are the typical attributes that influence the work of communities; especially Native communities. Empower it -- The Native Triple Bottom LineThe issues that form the future of Native communities revolve around the notion of creating or reclaiming balance in the community. As a Native community strives to gain balance they need to understand; Who they are, What they are, and Where they come from. In short, efforts need to concentrate on People, Places, and Things. In action the Native Triple Bottom Line allows the community to evolve. When only one of the Native Triple Bottom Line aspects is present we typically see conflict in the community. However, most Native communities engage two of the three aspects. It is only when all three dimensions of people, place and things are present that the community develops a sustained base for leadership development, community cohesion, and community capacity – in a word they become empowered and balanced. Native community empowerment/development is a difficult endeavor. However with guidance and mentoring by experienced practitioners the process and skills can and should be replicated locally so that Native communities can delve into the knowledge and tools to transform their future into the one THEY want and the way THEY want to do it, time and time again. As they become more accomplished, they may wish to revise the process to fit their needs as well. That is the true hallmark of Native Community Empowerment -- The Art of THEIR Native View.
The Native Triple Bottom Line was featured at the 6th Annual International Sustainability Conference at the University of Cuenca in Ecuador in January 2010. |
ANC is the Winner of the 2008 Excellence in Community Development Programming Award
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