Involving the Community in devising Community Indicators

Sustainable development must be built by, through and with the commitment of local communities. The requirements of sustainable development cannot merely be imposed, active participation by local communities is needed.

(Stewart J and Hams T (1991) Local Government for Sustainability; LGMB)

It is only our own community which we can change without the risk of destroying it.

(Claude Levi-Strauss - French Anthropologist)

Recent research evidence suggests that those who would intervene so as to encourage communities to be involved in sustainable development had best ensure that their interventions are participatory, meaningful and jargon-free.

Participatory

Whilst community action can happen spontaneously it often requires an external agent or catalyst to develop the organisational skill and motivation to mobilise action. Hopefully once this 'capacity' has been built the process will itself be sustainable.

Meaningful

Achieving community participation in devising community indicators involves using approaches that are feasible and effective at the local level and which address issues that the community itself sees to be relevant. Less telling and selling and more consulting and sharing is required. A feeling of 'ownership' is imperative for long-term success.

Jargon Free

'Sustainable Development' is not a term likely to have much meaning for the wider community whereas 'quality of life' is perhaps better and 'the good life' or 'what makes this neighbourhood a nice place to be' get much closer.

Analogies, case studies and other more learner-centred methods should be used in participatory group sessions to develop the concepts and arguments suggesting that to achieve the good life for oneself and one's children in the future involves some combination of social, economic and environmental factors.

You gotta have a dream

and then figure out

How you gonna make the dream come true

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