Community Engagement and Power Building

W.E.B. Du Bois shared this sentiment in 1935, and in 2024, amidst anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) backlash, it remains relevant and necessary. As we confront the persistent injustices of our modern era, we have much to learn from the teachings and legacies of Black thinkers and our collective resistance movements. As Du Bois argued, prioritizing adherence to rules, legal precedence, and political consistency should not overshadow the values of integrity, justice, and good judgment.

A stronger sense of community enables them to become more inclined to view someone else’s triumphs, concerns, and struggles as if they were their own. As such, they’ll become more compelled to act collectively, care for one another, connect, exert control over their community conditions, and enhance their economic conditions (i.e., more cash) so that everyone can thrive. To achieve this, the framework emphasized the importance of building intergroup relationships or bridges between two or more groups of people or communities.

Introducing the "Strengthening Community Framework" designed to enhance community inclusiveness and interconnectedness. This framework emphasizes the expansion of community boundaries to foster a stronger sense of belonging, influence, and mutual support among individuals, which in turn cultivates a deeper emotional connection and collective action within the community.

There are few words tossed around as much as “community” without requiring further definition or exploration by community leaders, public officials, researchers and evaluators, and others. Yet, there isn’t any other idea more fundamental to the human experience.