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We provide twelve guiding principles to equip and support local communities in their effort to build and sustain robust, healthy, inclusive, and resilient societies.

Book Endorsements

“This book pulls together decades of invaluable field work to illuminate essential principles of practice for transforming “intractable problems” into challenges that together we can solve.  This is crucial reading for all who feel compelled to lead, not because they have authority, but simply because they care deeply about their community and world.” 

Ronald Heifetz, MD

Senior Lecturer in Public Leadership, Founder - Center for Public Leadership, Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University

This book focuses on how local citizens and their elected or appointed leaders can engage in actions that will enhance the quality of their community. It emphasizes involving all community members and gives 12 Guiding Principles and specific examples of how, working together, they can help their community thrive. It is an easy-to-use guide for local leaders working to engage their community in growing a more equitable, healthy, and sustainable future. 

12

Principles & research Corners

This section in each chapter introduces and describes one of the twelve principles. Research has shown that each of these principles can be applied to a wide range of communities with different cultures and economies.

25+

Case studies & Case-in-Points

Every case study and case-in-point illustrates examples of how citizens and community leaders can help their community thrive. Case studies and other examples come from a wide diversity of communities that are located in the United States and 17 other countries around the world.

100+

Do’s & Don’ts

These provide practical suggestions and “best practices" for each of the 12 principles based upon the advise of case study authors and other practitioners who have worked effectively with local communities for many years.