How can you identify the core values of a community?

Bottom line… see how they behave when they are under the most intense pressure… that’s when you really see what a person or organization values.

In communities that are inflicted with poverty and deprivation, it is vital to research and understand the complex needs of people who are facing some of the biggest societal issues (this includes researching the root causes). These issues are often passed on from previous generations (who have passed on intergenerational trauma too) and therefore require ethical attentiveness and active listening; carefully listening and then converting actions to tangible results/outcomes to serve #disadvantagedcommunities better. Start off by looking into their historical background and any significant events that have shaped their values. #TheYouthandCommunityGuy

To understand a community's core values, it's crucial to approach it with an insider perspective. As outsiders, we miss out on the lived experiences that shape these values. That's why, as community development workers, we need to fully immerse ourselves in the community. We can achieve this by visiting homes, attending weddings, and, in rural areas, engaging in daily activities like carrying water buckets and listening to conversations by the community tap or river. Folk stories and traditional dances can also provide valuable insights. Nothing beats sharing a meal with the community to truly identify core values. With this approach, we can confidently, accurately understand, and appreciate the values that make a community unique.

Show up. Ask. And more importantly, LISTEN. Showing up means making sure we are doing it in the right, holistic ways, not just what we are comfortable with- not just what we commonly do or did. For policing, it means thinking outside the box, sharing our message at the same time as listening to messages of others, not just the loudest, not just the most obvious.

Attend community board and district meetings, review council meeting minutes, go on their social media sites, interview willing members of the community. All of these are good ways to get an idea of what that communities core values are

Observe and become part of. The things they value will unveil itself as you become more invested. Observation is the most authentic way to determine core values of a community.

It’s important to do more than observe, it’s necessary to engage and connect. Participation, engaging with people in things they find important is critical to help understand that culture first hand. You need to get beyond what you can see, and tap into what you feel as well.

To add and getting more particular information, observing the community events, rituals, norms, gathering, societal norms, family size, women and children participation, accessibility to the health and education, life quality, crimes, security, transportation etc.

Although you can ask a community to share its values, you may get stereotypical responses. In my view, actions speak louder than words and it us through actions a community demonstrate what it values. For example, a community board or committee composed of people of many ages, races, genders, educational backgrounds and other variables demonstrates core values of inclusive excellence and diversity.

One thing I found helpful when learning about a community is to do some volunteer work. I moved to a new community with two small children and wanted them to take advantage of good opportunities to have meaningful experiences. It was when I volunteered that I entered into the "heart" of the community. Volunteer work included city beautification projects, food distribution at the local food pantry, tutoring at an afterschool program, helped out at a local camp during the summer and volunteered to assist staff at an elementary school. Volunteer experiences give you firsthand opportunities to identify the community's core values, how it operates and what the challenges are within the community.

Among the first three engagement methods, this one is my favorite! Background research provides a helpful starting landscape for broad strokes, while observation evokes your curiosity and senses - both of which help inform more direct engagement. However, the richness is in the asking! The beauty is in those with deep history and lived experience - too often also coincidentally those with less agency and voice "at the tables" & "in the rooms." Two ideas I love: (1) conversing with small/local business owners when supporting their establishments to understand their stories and commitment to their communities (2) engaging those who have the means to live elsewhere but choose to stay. Says much about what is really valued there.

I feel like having a conversation with the community is the best way to start facilitated by those engaged in the community using language and references the community is accustomed to using.

I believe it is critical to ask people what they value in their own community. I used to complete a survey for the York community and would look for words that were repeated such as hope, integrity or economic development. This would give us the focus for the following year. Work on things people value.

Make room for the community at a decision-making table -- whether it's education, small business, local gardening -- not only hearing, but valuing community voice is essential. This is particularly true in under resourced communities and with people who historically and systemically have been marginalized, including people with disabilities.

This one speaks volumes from my experience! Often, programmatic and systemic solutions fail when lacking real time perspectives from target population (communities). Community members often can also point us towards long lasting solutions and help tailor the most effective approaches. I'd say communities are full of resources and engagement should be the north star for successful initiatives. Best, Betel

Comparing and contrasting is valid and important. In my experience, a SWOT analysis can work wonders. Traditions or the lack of traditions can be assessed as another way to compare and contrast.

This can be complicated. Our communities are rapidly changing with little regard to the history or integrity of what built the community in the first place. As the influx of new residents continues to rapidly change many areas, it is important to advocate for the communities that do not have the resources to stop the tide.

Empowering Change compares and contrasts other communities to gain valuable insights and perspective. We study similar rural areas and neighboring regions to understand how they address similar challenges and leverage their strengths. By examining different approaches and outcomes, we can identify innovative solutions and best practices that may be applicable to our community. This comparative analysis allows us to adapt strategies to suit our unique context while learning from the successes and failures of others. Ultimately, it enables Empowering Change to make informed decisions and implement effective interventions that resonate with the needs and values of our community.

Comparar y contrastar distintas comunidades me ha enseñado que cada una tiene un conjunto único de valores. Esta perspectiva me ayuda a personalizar mis enfoques y asegurar que las soluciones que propongo resuenen verdaderamente con los valores específicos de cada comunidad.

Comparing and contrasting communities emphasizes and highlights their unique qualities. As our communities change, this dynamic process provides a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape, revealing the nuances and depth of these transformations. It enables us to discern not only the commonalities that bind communities but also the distinct features that make each one unique. Through this lens, we gain richer insights into the multifaceted nature of community dynamics and the intricate tapestry of values that shape their identities.

Mahatma Gandhi's quote on beliefs resonates well in discussions about community values. His words often highlight the importance of understanding and reflecting on our beliefs, which aligns with the process of comparing and contrasting values within communities. Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny."

In my 6 years of healthcare, I've seen patients with past negative experiences, often fearing new consultations. In healthcare, patient trust surpasses monetary value. Commitment to transparency and honesty nurtures this trust, enabling open dialogue and informed decisions. This trust guides us, doctors, to prioritize patients over profit, reflecting our ethical duty. In the face of few bad experiences tainting the healthcare community, transparency is crucial for rebuilding patient confidence. Clear communication, encouraging questions, upfront cost discussions, and embracing feedback are key steps. Transparency fosters trust and demonstrates a commitment to patient well-being, helping to restore faith in the profession. #healthcare

La síntesis es fundamental después de recopilar datos sobre los valores comunitarios. Crear un 'mapa de valores' condensa lo aprendido en una referencia visual, facilitando la comunicación de estos valores a otros y la alineación de proyectos futuros con estos principios.

To complement the "compare and contrast" approach, consider conducting a cultural mapping exercise. This involves creating a visual representation of the community's cultural assets, traditions, and practices. By mapping these elements and comparing them with other communities, you can gain insights into the unique cultural values that shape the community's identity. This can help in identifying core values that are deeply rooted in the community's culture and heritage. In the Richmond Circular City Strategy, the implementation of this tool provided a rich understanding of the core value of the diverse community in the city.

Communicating a mission statement is crucial for community clarity, unity, and inspiration. It articulates shared values, aligning members toward common goals and motivating collective action. Externally, it attracts support, fosters collaboration, and publicly showcases the community's identity. A well-communicated mission statement is a guiding force, instilling accountability and creating a foundation for cohesive internal dynamics. It inspires a sense of belonging and facilitates meaningful engagement with external entities, establishing the community as purpose-driven. Effective communication of the mission statement is vital for community cohesiveness, resilience, and impactful collaboration within and beyond its borders.

When I see a gated community. I think, these are my kind of people. They are security minded. They believe in shared values of beautification. And they are based purely on merit. That is, you can live there if you can afford it. Equality of opportunity.

I remember having to engage a community once that I was unfamiliar with. It was for substance abusers who were trying undergoing rehab in a specific ethnic group. To uncover something intangible such as core values you need to go beyond formal methods such as surveys. I would suggest 3 other ways that should be done together: 1. Engage widely across the community at different age groups. Have a meal with them. Engage the elderly, middle age, youth and kids . 2. Understand their faith and beliefs. This usually is a major influence on a community’s values. 3. Find out about the unique stories parents tell their children and their superstitions. This usually gives great insight into their belief system and values that are important to them.

Look at what the leaders (and top moderators) do. See how they respond - especially in challenging situations. They are setting the tone, and demonstrating by example, for the entire community with every action they decide to take (or not take, as the case may be). And, if you're looking to establish values for a community, it begins with staging fluid guidelines and creating an environment that you (yourself) would care to join. I'm not quite sure which answer is expected for this question (and how it was asked), but community always starts and stays in the heart.

The fundamental principles of all communities are straightforward: (1) individuals seek to belong within their community; (2) they desire their voices to be acknowledged within their community; (3) individuals aim to make contributions to their community. It's a simple concept that has been around since the beginning of time.

WATCH and LISTEN to how they talk to others... and about each other... during breaks, in mandatory fun time (if your organization has these events). Are they focused on their phone or watch when someone is talking to them? Do they only engage when they are the topic of conversation? If you don't - or are unable to talk - about core values, they will reveal themselves when individuals perceive no one is looking or listening. That's where and when it will be authentic and unfabricated.