7. Are you building “for” or “with” your community?
Hello fellow changemakers! We often find ourselves tempted to build fast, eager to address immediate needs and make a tangible impact.
However, this sense of urgency can come at the risk of overlooking the importance of building well. The choice between building "for" or "with" our communities is a crucial aspect of strategic planning and program design for community organizations.
In this article, we will explore the essence of this important choice, including pros and cons.
BUILDING “FOR”
Building "for" the community often involves well-intentioned efforts to address perceived needs. Organizations may develop plans without meaningful input from the people they aim to serve.
Pros: quick decision-making process; efficient use of organizational expertise and resources.
Cons: potential disconnection from real community needs and aspirations; lack of community ownership and buy-in.
BUILDING “WITH”
On the other hand, building "with" the community emphasizes collaboration, engagement, and co-creation. It involves actively involving community members in the planning process, valuing their insights, and incorporating their feedback into decision-making.
Pros: enables holistic and inclusive solutions that align with genuine community needs; fosters community ownership and buy-in.
Cons: time and resource-intensive due to meaningful participation and consensus-building; complexities in balancing diverse viewpoints and making decisions.
Both approaches have their merits and challenges. However, embracing the "with" approach can lead to more sustainable and impactful outcomes, as it harnesses their collective wisdom and fosters a genuine partnership in creating positive change. By actively involving the community, we build not only stronger organizations but also stronger communities that thrive together. Let us choose wisely and collaboratively as we work towards a brighter future.
In the next post, we will delve into practical tips on how to effectively build "with" your community in strategic planning. Stay tuned for valuable insights that will further empower your efforts.
If you're eager to enhance your strategic planning skills, I invite you to join my FREE monthly webinars at www.amarachikejeh.com/events. Together, we can create a future where our communities flourish.
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About Amarachi Kejeh
Amarachi Kejeh (MBA, FP&A) is an IAP2 award-winning strategic planning consultant and educator with a wealth of experience serving organizations across North America, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. Based out of St. Thomas, Ontario, Amarachi primarily caters to clients across London and Southwestern Ontario, while also delivering her expertise to clients across Canada and internationally upon request. With her passion for creating positive change and her extensive knowledge in strategic planning, Amarachi is committed to empowering organizations and communities to thrive and make a lasting impact.
Interested in how she can serve you? Visit www.amarachikejeh.com/contact.
