Mission and Vision

Community and Economic Development

Our Mission

We empower local leaders and residents of the Commonwealth to act on their self defined issues and dreams by enhancing their skills and knowledge of community, economic, organizational and leadership development.

Our Vision

Communities are the basic building block of society.  We envision communities in which all persons can participate fully in decision-making and have access to resources and opportunities to thrive.

Our Values

We believe that adherence to the Community Development Society's Principles of Good Practice are essential to sound community development.

• Promote active and representative participation toward enabling all community members to meaningfully influence the decisions that affect their lives.
• Engage community members in learning about and understanding community issues, and the economic, social, environmental, political, psychological, and other impacts associated with alternative courses of action.
• Incorporate the diverse interests and cultures of the community in the community development process; and disengage from support of any effort that is likely to adversely affect the disadvantaged members of a community.
• Work actively to enhance the leadership capacity of community members, leaders, and groups within the community.
• Be open to using the full range of action strategies to work toward the long-term sustainability and well being of the community.