Vision

Vision
Global justice through community development.
 
Mission
The International Association for Community Development is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation. Its mission is to act as a recognised international network for the promotion of:

• Community development practice, research and policy analysis;
• Advocacy for community development values and approaches in international forums;
• Links amongst community development practitioners, associations, educators and policy-makers.
• Community empowerment and the creation of an effective voice at local, regional and global levels for community development and communities.

IACD subscribes to the following guiding principles for community development that have been developed by Nova Scotia Economic and Rural
Development:

1. Local Leadership: The community plays the leadership role in its own development.
2. Government Support: Government actively facilitates and supports community development through the provision of information, expertise, guidance, and other resources, as appropriate.
3. Collaborative Approach: Community development builds on cooperation, coordination and collaboration between Government and communities.
4. Balance: Community development builds on a balanced approach that addresses and integrates economic, social, environmental and cultural considerations.
5. Respect for Local Values: Government strives to understand and respect community values.
6. Equality & Social Inclusion: All community members, regardless of gender, age, ability, race, culture, language, sexual orientation, or social and economic status have equal opportunity to become engaged in the community development process and are able to access its social and economic benefits.
7. Transparency and Accountability: Government involvement in community development encourages transparency, accountability, participation and evidence-based decision-making.
8. Partnerships and Shared Interests: Community development engages the necessary partners at the community and Government levels.
9. Common Vision: Community members and Government define a common vision for the future.
10. Focus on Community Assets: Community development is built on existing community capacity and assets.
11. Volunteerism: Community development values, respects, nurtures and encourages volunteerism.