The following are some of the major theoretical & experientially-based approaches informing our integral theory of community healing and development:

 

A. Seven Patterns of a Healthy Community

One of the more prominent national networks in the US Communities Movement is the Healthy Communities Movement. Since the late 1980's, over 1000 Healthy Communities initiatives have flourished in communities across the country. In 1999, more than 4000 people took part in over 300 dialogues about their experiences in healthy community initiatives. A key outcome of these dialogues was the identification of the following seven patterns that healthy communities tend to share. For more information, see Patterns in Wisdom Community Principles.

 

A healthy community:

·       Practices ongoing dialogue

·       Generates leadership everywhere

·       Shapes its future

·       Embraces diversity

·       Knows itself

·       Connects people and resources

·       Creates a sense of community

 

B. Wilber's Integral Theory

Wilber's 4 quadrant model is particularly helpful to identify the 'interior' aspects that are often missing from traditional approaches to community development. For example, in one study in Abbotsford, B.C., it was found that the overwhelming majority of residents believed that community was primarily a place for culture, family, and relationships (the lower left quadrant in Wilber's model), although almost all public expenditure went toward improving social infrastructure (lower right).

 

C. Eddy's Eco-AQAL Model

Brian Eddy (2003) has developed an ecological AQAL model as a theoretical basis for the study of "integral geography." His model provides a framework to see communities as situated in three broad, interdependent spheres of existence: the cosmosphere (the non-living universe, e.g., air, water, rocks, weather, etc), the biosphere (the living environment, such as birds, animals, insects, and plants), and the anthroposphere (the human experience).

 

D. Beck and Cowan's Spiral Dynamics

Although we have not yet needed to delve deeply into their work, we expect that Beck and Cowan's model of patterns of values development in groups and communities will be a helpful framework for understanding and responding to the diverse needs and interests that may emerge as the network expands.

 

E. Network Theory

Network theory has discovered that all networks - whether made out of molecules, nerve cells, electrical grids, web sites, or human beings - operate according to the same simple but powerful rules. For example, in all networks, a few "hub" nodes stand out as extraordinarily better-connected than average nodes. A healthy network has multiple hubs, all well connected to each other. However, a network's health also depends greatly on those nodes located at the 'periphery' of the network, with a weaker affiliation or 'tie' to those in the 'center.' Network members with 'weak ties' are important connection points to the world outside of the network. The knowledge emerging from network theory enables us to more precisely build resilient, healthy networks.

F. Appreciative Inquiry

The traditional approach to change is to look for the problem, do a diagnosis, and find a solution. The primary focus is on what is wrong or broken; since we look for problems, we find them. Appreciative Inquiry focuses on what's working. What we focus on becomes our reality. Outcomes of the problem-solving approach simply do not have the same inspirational creative potential as those arising from positive synergy.

 

G. Community Action Research

Community Action research is a philosophy of combining research, action, and participation in cycles of reflection and action to help people in communities flourish. Community action research emphasizes community capacity-building through cross-organizational learning networks that support the community's ability to create something meaningful to them. Creating & using collaboration tools is the main method of building capacity.

 

H. Asset-Based Community Building

In 1993, Kretzmann and McKnight challenged the traditional approach to community mapping that focused on identifying and prioritizing community needs, and argued instead for the benefits of mapping a community's assets. (This approach is similar in philosophy to Appreciative Inquiry, but applied specifically to community mapping.) The following table contrasts a needs-versus-assets approach to community mapping and development:

 

 

I. Living Systems & Chaos Theory

We are developing a model of a wisdom community as a living organic system that canbe danced with (to use Donella Meadow's metaphor) rather than managed and controlled. A communal being grows and evolves just like any other living being.

 

J. Transformative Learning & Leadership

An evolving communal being can be supported to grow in a healthy way. The network "membrane" provides a permeable container for the entire communal being to see itself and discover its wisdom experientially. Network guidance is a respectful, inclusive form of transformative leadership known as "hosting."

 

K. Cosmological Consciousness

Our transformative learning model highlights the interconnectedness of all existence. It illuminates the relationship between inner and outer, human and beyond, between local and global and cosmos. The first steps involve strengthening peoples' sense of community, trust, and capacity to cope with life. Next, learning about local issues is directly tied to broader social issues. For example, when exploring violence within the community, we will situate it in the broader context of social violence, share innovative social solutions like prison reform, community mediation, and restorative justice, and support local community members to apply these models in their own neighborhoods.