Our Model
Our Vision for Community
It will come as no surprise that an organization named Community Matters believes strongly in the value of community. We founded our organization with the vision that, by investing in the resources, people, and spaces around us, we can break down systemic barriers and create a thriving, more just community.
Over the past 10 years, we have tested ideas to advance this vision. We’ve partnered with our neighbors to reimagine nonprofit programming, explored innovative models for community organizing, and found ways to shift decision-making power into the hands of those who are most affected. We’ve also launched projects deemed “risky” by some, driven by our commitment to discovering new possibilities.
Through these experiences, we’ve gained valuable insights that have refined our approach. This journey has led us to shift our focus from traditional service delivery to strengthening the social infrastructure of our community—investing in the relationships, resources, and spaces that shape our daily lives.
Investing in Social Infrastructure
When we think about infrastructure, we often picture things like roads, railways, and broadband—essential elements that keep our daily lives running smoothly. But there’s another, often less visible, layer to consider: social infrastructure. Social infrastructure encompasses the resources, relationships, and spaces that shape our daily lives.
A vibrant social infrastructure is the foundation of a strong community. It enables various social interactions, fosters relationships, and transforms the idea of community from a vague notion into a tangible, lived experience. On the flip side, when social infrastructure is neglected, it increases the risk of isolation and exacerbates problems in a community.
At Community Matters, our work is centered on strengthening our social infrastructure by investing in resources, relationships, and spaces that help our neighbors thrive.
Sharing Our Learnings
In the following report, we dive deeper into the practices, programs, and models that we have tested, share the challenges faced, and celebrate our successes. We hope others can learn from this report, as well as the related tools, and be inspired to explore new ideas. We welcome you as part of our journey as we continue to strive toward our vision of a thriving, more just community.
> Read the full “Learning in Place” report.
> Download the “Community Engagement and Power Building Guide.”