Community Centered Development

What is Community Centered Development?

The Five & Two Network has pioneered a unique approach to Community Centred Development by drawing from the diverse array of methods we’ve reviewed. ‘Community’ refers to a gathering of people who share a common interest. ‘Centred’ points to the indigenous, organic, and authentic passions from within the community. ‘Development’ signifies the unfolding of positive change.

But why such an emphasis on being community-centred? It’s simple—when people unite for a common cause, they wield enormous power. In a community, the impact of collaboration far surpasses individual efforts—it’s where one plus one equals much more than two. This is the magic of cumulative value within a community.

Every community is brimming with potential, no matter how marginalized they may be. This potential must be tapped into to spark development. This is called transformation from the ‘inside out,’ as opposed to the outside in. While well-managed clinics and schools are important, the community will remain unhealthy if the drive for these things comes from outside. The source of this drive defines a healthy community. The motivation for change must come from the inside out.

When the impetus for change is from the inside out, something special happens—a sense of community spirit emerges, known as ‘communitas.’ This Latin term describes an unstructured community free from hierarchies, filled with a sacred spirit of solidarity and togetherness. Vulnerable individuals are burdened by a hopeless mindset that is toxic to their well-being. But when communitas is achieved, people in the community recognize their worth. Only at this point do they gain agency that can bring about transformation.

The concept of the Five & Two Network originated from the understanding that social transformation in communities occurs from the inside out, rather than from the outside in. Initially developed within the framework of a missionary organization called Multiply, the Five & Two approach highlighted a mismatch: while Multiply aimed primarily at social transformation through church planting, Five & Two focused on harnessing the existing energy within communities to inspire meaningful change.

Instead of conducting extensive assessments to identify the needs of impoverished communities, Five & Two adopts an empowering approach by celebrating what communities already possess, rather than concentrating on their needs. This asset-based community development (ABCD) method is not unique to Five & Two, but the organization enhances it through foundational principles and activities that help communities recognize their own value and gifts.

What truly sets Five & Two apart is its commitment to creating a level playing field. Practitioners collaborate and uplift each other, fostering a movement owned by the very beneficiaries it seeks to serve. This approach nurtures active community leaders who understand that genuine transformation comes from within.

More information on Community Centered Development

Leaders serve as facilitators, guided by the principles established by the Five & Two Network. These principles are implemented through engaging group exercises in the field. By leading discussions, encouraging interaction, and inspiring proactive actions, leaders from around the world test new ideas and develop best practices that are continuously refined through experience.