Partners for Livable Communities has found that traditional institutions already embedded in many communities—libraries, congregations, universities, community colleges, museums, zoos, medical centers, aquariums, botanic gardens, and arts and humanities agencies can take on new roles in social and economic development agendas. As such, they become new resources for a caring community, focusing on older adults, workforce readiness, livability, race relations, revitalized communities, youth needs and healthy living. These “fulcrums of change” can play a dynamic role in providing leadership to address the next generation of civic problems.
There are many institutions with a long history of community involvement and action in social concerns. However, they often approach “outreach” from a more removed point of view. When a traditional institution forges new community links, changes need to be made on multiple levels. Not only does the content of programs change, but organizations must adapt in structure and learn a new language of community development outside of their traditional field. This process can be difficult and often takes several years to be fully integrated into all levels of the institution. Nevertheless, these reinventions result in benefits for both the institution and the community.
Additionally, these institutions often have to come to terms with the fact that they are anchors in the physical setting as well, providing public space, vibrant architecture, green space, and cultural and historical context for observers. Yet, many institutions lack connection between their programming and their space, and may not be sensitive to the unique needs of populations such as the elderly, youth, families or immigrants.
The Institutions as Fulcrums of Change program seeks to instigate and mediate changes in the philosophy and programming of institutions to help them become more effective in developing social and economic development agendas within their community. Neighborhood-based activities can be a major economic force in many communities, and can have a profound impact on the lives of local residents. Local institutions, as intermediaries of economic and social development, must take their rightful place as important elements in the future of American cities, suburbs and regions.
There are many institutions with a long history of community involvement and action in social concerns. However, they often approach “outreach” from a more removed point of view. When a traditional institution forges new community links, changes need to be made on multiple levels. Not only does the content of programs change, but organizations must adapt in structure and learn a new language of community development outside of their traditional field. This process can be difficult and often takes several years to be fully integrated into all levels of the institution. Nevertheless, these reinventions result in benefits for both the institution and the community.
Additionally, these institutions often have to come to terms with the fact that they are anchors in the physical setting as well, providing public space, vibrant architecture, green space, and cultural and historical context for observers. Yet, many institutions lack connection between their programming and their space, and may not be sensitive to the unique needs of populations such as the elderly, youth, families or immigrants.
The Institutions as Fulcrums of Change program seeks to instigate and mediate changes in the philosophy and programming of institutions to help them become more effective in developing social and economic development agendas within their community. Neighborhood-based activities can be a major economic force in many communities, and can have a profound impact on the lives of local residents. Local institutions, as intermediaries of economic and social development, must take their rightful place as important elements in the future of American cities, suburbs and regions.
