The values of a community are the community’s beliefs, which can be socially or spiritually motivated. An example of a community value is social equity. Principles, which often are based on a community’s values, are opinions that guide behaviors. An example of a principle is that all residents should have access to adequate and affordable housing. Assumptions are ideas that a community believes to be true. An example of an assumption is that achieving social equity requires community involvement from a diverse group of stakeholders. A community’s values, principles, and assumptions dictate community actions toward becoming sustainable. Therefore a community must make its values, principles, and assumptions explicit when developing a sustainability plan.To prepare for this Discussion:Review the article “Some Core Principles, Assumptions, and Values to Guide the Work.” Think about the core values, principles, and assumptions that guide sustainable community development.Review the article “Some Lessons Learned on Community Organization and Change.” Consider how to organize a community toward change.Review the art
icle “Our Model of Practice: Building Capacity for Community and System Change.” Reflect on what is involved in building the capacity for community change.Review the article “Building Capacity for Low-Carbon Communities: The Role of Grassroots Initiatives.” Pay particular attention to the case studies. Consider how specific values, principles, and/or assumptions served as a guide in each of the case studies in building capacity for community change.Select one value, one principle, and one assumption that resonate with you the most, and think about how each would guide your work in the area of community change.Reflect on how you would use the value, principle, and assumption you selected to guide your work in building capacity for community change.With these thoughts in mind: write a brief description of one value, one principle, and one assumption related to community change that resonate with you the most and explain why. Then explain how each would guide your work in building capacity for community change. Be specific.Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.