Join us on FacebookInspiring Communities' Think Piece launched
Two years have passed since Inspiring Communities penned What we are learning about community-led development in Aotearoa, New Zealand. As a lead into the next edition (due for release early in 2013), Inspiring Communities throught that it would be timely to review changes in the broader environment. They also wanted to comment on key aspects that are helping and hindering communities' and key stake-holder's work in community-led development (CLD) ways.
Inspiring Communities interviewed a cross section of 22 thought leaders from a variety of sectors and places within Aotearoa New Zealand. Their thoughts, and those of Inspiring Communities, have been brought together to prompt and spark further dialogue and discussion about CLD and what's required to support and strengthen its future.
Some of the key messages in this Think Piece include:
- CLD is a useful framework for addressing complex issues
- There have been many positive steps forward for CLD over the past two years including:
- Increased awareness, interest and uptake of CLD by many stakeholders
- Growing recognition that leadership and active participation by local communities is key to strengthening positive local futures
- Iwi-led development and CLD viewed as complementary rather than competing approaches
- Challenging events and crises (such as global recession, Christchurch earthquakes) have highlighted the importance of a strong local connections and citizen-led responses. They have also prompted calls for creative new ways of thinking and working to achieve shared goals and aspirations at every level.
Read the thought piece here