Grassroots Leadership: In the Name of Justice and Common Sense

(from Neighborhood Leader, Spring 2005 issue)

Dear Neighbor,

When we started Neighborhood Leadership Cleveland (NLC) back in 1994, we did so with the goal of developing and supporting "grassroots neighborhood leaders." Over the past decade more than 600 such leaders have graduated from NLC.

Why do we focus on grassroots neighborhood leaders? First, there's the issue of justice. Ordinary citizens have the right to participate in decisions that affect the quality of life in their neighborhoods. As citizens in a democratic society, they should expect no less.

Second, there's the issue of common sense. The people who live and work in a neighborhood know that neighborhood better than anyone else. They know the history, the culture, and the assets of the neighborhood. (Yes, the assets—even the most "disadvantaged" neighborhood has them.)

Yet how many times have we seen developers, governmental bodies, and social service professionals make grand plans for improving communities without consulting the people who live in those communities? Sure it's unjust—but it's also impractical. Neighborhood history is disregarded. Collective wisdom is ignored. And community assets remain untapped.

It's no wonder that "professional" solutions imposed on communities from the outside fail time and time again.

As we begin the twenty-first class of NLC, we need to re-commit ourselves to justice and common sense. Justice demands that grassroots leaders have access to the information and the resources that ordinary citizens need to participate in democratic decision-making.

Common sense demands collaboration between neighborhood residents and the institutions that serve them. Neighborhood improvement strategies should build upon a neighborhood's assets—the greatest of which are the collective skills, wisdom, and aspirations of the people who live there.

Each new class of Neighborhood Leadership Cleveland humbles and inspires me. They step forward to participate, to learn, and to lead. Their commitment renews my faith in the power and the promise of democracy.

Warmest regards,

Don