More than an
organization, Community Development
Alternatives also defines an idea. The idea – conceived in our steadfast
belief in the resourcefulness of people and supported by our experienced
staff – might best be defined in the three words that comprise our name:
Community
– a gathering of people defined not by geographic boundaries or platted
lines, but by their energy and ability to transcend
differences and nurture something larger than themselves.
Development
– to build, grow, and sustain the community through strategic thinking
that provides avenues for both cooperative ventures and personal
self-fulfillment.
Alternatives
– to break with traditional approaches to community development; to try
what has not been tried and do what has not been done.
The idea is best achieved by encouraging
communities to determine their own destiny through strategic planning and
consensus building; allowing staff to focus on areas of interest and
expertise that give each a sense of purpose; and providing the
organizational structure to allow energized community members and motivated
staff to form a collaborative partnership. Through this connection of
people and resources, CDA helps create a community responsive to its
citizens, and an organization receptive to its clients.
