Community Development

There are many concepts and definitions of "community development." This site makes no claim to be comprehensive. Instead, what is offered here is a limited number of links inspired by the concept of "Asset-Based Community Development" (ABCD) and the Biblical vision of "shalom." Particular attention is given to visions of community development that include persons who are often marginalized, such as persons with disabilities and mental illness.

The Asset-Based Community Development Institute
The starting point for anyone interested in this subject. Part of the The Northwestern University: Institute for Policy Research, the ABCD Institute has been developed under the inspiration of John McKnight, whose writings and research form much of the basis for this kind of community development.

Interfaith Health Program
IHP originated as a part of the Carter Center in Atlanta and is one of the most creative ventures in exploring the alignment that can happen between communities and faith-based institutions to effect community change. Site contains loads of information and helpful links to other health-related sites.

The Christian Community Development Association
Inspired by the life experience and writings of John Perkins, CCDA has grown into a rich network of Christian groups who are making a difference in small towns and urban neighborhoods.

Blacksburg Electronic Village
This web site is a unique venture into enhancing community through the use of computer technology. Although locally focused in Roanoke, Virginia, it has information and services that can be applied more broadly.

New Urbanism
An amazing site that promotes the values that will create communities that are livable, sustainable, and will have a high quality of life. Worth checking out even if you don't live in a big city!

Patterns of Choice links
Some interesting links on community development with commentary on some of them. Patterns of Choice is a quarterly magazine "that reports on what people, organizations, and communities are learning from conscious attempts at managing wholes--as opposed to managing only from issues, problems or symptoms, positions, rules, policies, programs, species, or fragments. "

The Nehemiah Program
A site for helping first-time home buyers who qualify for an FHA loan, but don't have the money for a down payment. The Nehemiah Program gives money toward a down payment on a home for persons who don't have other resources to turn to.

Inclusion Press Home Page
Inclusion Press takes many of the ideas of Asset-Based Community Development and applies them specifically to people who have traditionally been marginalized because of disabilities or mental illness. This is a wonderful starting point for links to many other like-minded organizations as well.

Community-Works
Many resources on building community around persons traditionally marginalized because of disabilities and mental illness.

Circle of Inclusion
The Circle of Inclusion Outreach Training Project "is designed to address the challenges and issues of inclusive program development for children with severe, multiple disabilities. The project goals of training, technical assistance, evaluation, dissemination, and management place a special emphasis on the development of collaborative programs between community early childhood programs, local education agencies, and special education services."

Connecticut Assets Network
The Connecticut Assets Network (CAN) is a grassroots nonprofit network of citizens that promotes the integration and successful use of asset-based strategies to community development. The web site includes many resources, both state and national. Particularly helpful is their listing of web sites entitled Assets Across America.

Twin Cities Free-Net
Twin Cities Free-Net (TCFN) is a nonprofit organization that promotes community through electronic communication. They link the people of Minneapolis, St. Paul and neighboring communities in Minnesota.

Neighborhoods Online
Neighborhoods Online: National is a long-standing web site focused on Philadelphia that provides access to a wide range of resources devoted to community building and community development. Build-Com is a listserv that encourages people engaged in community-building around the country to connect with one another. Most people join Build-Com via Neighborhoods Online, and Neighborhoods Online remains the primary web resource to the list.

Community Economic Development

Fortress America: Gated Communities in the United States

Community Building on the Web

The Careless Society