Abstract

Executive directors of state commissions discussed effective practices grounded in community development initiatives and resulting in partnerships that increased the sustainability of national service programs. This effective practice offers suggestions drawn from a Massachusetts conference and was shared by Project TASC.

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Issue

Community development initiatives aim to enhance quality of life in a community by improving the social, intellectual, physical, and financial fabric. Such initiatives should be comprehensive, locally based, and asset oriented. National service programs share this orientation and are well-situated to participate in community development efforts.

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Action

To build a successful community collaboration:

• Ensure that activities are driven by the community, not outsiders, so that they build a sense of responsibility and ownership of community improvement
• Hold a conference to overcome territory issues
• Use straightforward, meaningful language—not jargon
• Examine the strengths of the community and not just the needs
• Consider collaborations between national service programs as well as non-affiliated agencies and businesses

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Context

In Massachusetts, community development strategies embrace all streams of national service. In addition to building collaborative efforts with outside partners, these activities involve AmeriCorps State and National, Learn and Serve America, AmeriCorps*VISTA, and Senior Corps programs.

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For More Information

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Related Practices

• Improving neighborhoods with web-based community mapping
• Assessing potential partnerships with community-based organizations

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