04 Membership in Community-Based Institutions

Local communities are often nested within institutions. The key aspects of community-based institutions are: core ideals or principles, leadership, and community membership. We discuss each of these in detail, including hierarchies of values, community schisms over changing values, leadership structures and weaknesses, and the importance of active membership in healthy communities. Understanding and applying these principles can help each of us engage communities and make our participation more empowering and effectual.