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Mission

Mission
To catalyze thriving, welcoming, just, and resilient community ecosystems by utilizing asset-based framework and tools to help groups understand and utilize their power to shape and organize local change.

Vision
ABCD Institute envisions a world where all can find inclusion, care and belonging in their communities through the contribution of their talents and gifts to those around them

What makes ABCD unique?

- We identify the functions of a working neighborhood
- We identify the building blocks that can be used to fulfill these functions
- We are able to demonstrate how the ability to connect the building blocks builds power and community identity
- Through these connections at the neighborhood level, we seek to achieve a culture where everyone has a contribution to make

Although these statements arose from the experience of ABCD in urban neighborhoods in the US, these unique characteristics are relevant elsewhere. “Neighborhood”(or “block”) can be replaced by “village”, “settlement” or “community”, or even “group”. In some contexts, place-based terms can be replaced by “communities of identity”.

Start with Gifts

Assets and strengths, not deficits and needs, are the true building blocks of healthy communities. Every individual, association and institution has assets that can contribute to community well-being and justice.

Build Relationships for Mutual Support

ABCD believes that relationships are the core of flourishing communities. Relationships create trust and activate gifts and power.

Value Small

ABCD values small, grassroots, resident - driven approaches that use stories as the basis for learning, sharing and acting for change.

Nurture Community-Led Action

When people in a community act together, they demonstrate their own power and leadership and can bring about positive change. ABCD values everyone’s voice and contributions and prioritizes those who live within a community.

Work for Equity and Justice

ABCD fosters a world where all people thrive. ABCD helps people use their gifts to work in their communities to disrupt systemic oppression and regenerate power in new, creative and equitable ways.

Believe in Possibility

ABCD is rooted in hope. People in communities, even in extreme situations, can use their gifts to imagine ways to create change.

Lead by Stepping Back

ABCD shines a light on residents' power to contribute to and make decisions in their communities. The work of institutions is to lead by stepping back to support residents' efforts to create and implement the changes they seek for their community.

Include Everyone

ABCD does not just invite people to the table but builds a new table where everyone has a true place. ABCD celebrates and values diversity. We are better when more diverse voices are present in shaping who we are and how we practice ABCD.