Community centers of power are centers of community life.

To spot them, look for the ABC’s:

Accountability.

  • Is the organization accountable to the people—all of the people—of the community it claims to represent? 

  • Is the organization part of the community—not serving it from above or below? 

  • Do the people in the organization, including those in charge, reflect the full diversity of the community?

Belonging.

  • Can anyone take part and feel like they belong? 

  • Can everyone access all parts of the work? If there’s a building, can everyone go everywhere?

  • Do the spaces where the organization meets demonstrate the organization’s central place in the community’s life?

Collaboration.

  • Does everyone help set the agenda, make things together, and keep the value of what gets made?

  • Can anyone in the community step up and participate in leadership?

  • Does the organization adapt itself to new participants, new challenges, and new opportunities?

Download our handout: The ABC’s of Community Centers of Power!

This colorful, clear resource about spotting Community Centers of Power was developed by Art in a Democracy and designed for us by Black Gum Print Shop.

We invite you to reflect on these ideals. Consider how they show up in your community, organization, or group. And if you want to dig into this further, let’s talk.