Community Building dramatically improves outcomes in a broad range of existing social service and criminal justice programs. It does this in two key ways.
First, Community Building directly impacts criminogenic and other key success factors such as: antisocial attitudes, negative peer associations and interactions, lack of empathy, minimal problem-solving capability, and difficulty with self-control.
The process instills prosocial skills that promote independence and self-sufficiency such as: anger management, empathy/compassion, communication, listening, collaboration, impulse control, and other unproductive attitudes and behaviors that are difficult for traditional curriculum-based programs to address.
Second, Community Building creates highly effective learning environments.
After a Community Building experience, groups are less resistant, more cooperative and “teachable”, more willing to solve problems, and more engaged in activities. This increased cooperation, or “value congruence,” between individual members and the group results in a highly effective learning environment.
The participants’ increased willingness and positive engagement translates into improved outcomes, especially in more traditional curriculum-based programs (literacy, parenting, job interviewing, vocational and technical skill development, conflict resolution, etc.). Consequently, Community Building can play an important role in related outcomes such as increasing family stability, achieving educational goals and finding meaningful employment.
Research has shown dramatic improvements in reducing recidivism and improving outcomes in traditional curricula-based programs that utilized Community Building.
Unique Advantages of CBI
CBI is unique and offers a number of advantages when seeking Community Building training and services:
Shadowing and co-facilitation: An essential component of the Community Building facilitator-training program is to have trainers shadow and co-facilitate live Community Building Workshops with target populations.
One-on-one feedback, coaching and mentoring: Constructive criticism and encouragement provide personalized attention that new facilitators need and desire to feel prepared to handle workshops on their own.
Collaborative approach: No one needs another consultant from out of town telling him or her how to run their programs. CBI uses the knowledge, wisdom and experience of training program participants.CBI is committed to living the values and principles of Community Building. Rather than direct or “teach to” participants, CBI trainers work with participants to develop their facilitation skills and integrate Community Building in a way that meets the unique needs and challenges of their programs.
Experience in nonprofits, government, criminal justice, family and social services: CBI staff has extensive experience working in and consulting with targeted organizations and populations. CBI staff members have experience with criminal justice and social service programs and understand the challenges that government, community and nonprofit organizations face on a daily basis.
Pioneers and leaders: CBI staff members are pioneers and leaders in this field. They trained and worked directly with M. Scott Peck, M.D. (author of the best-selling book The Road Less Traveled) and were some of the original staff of his Foundation for Community Encouragement.
Results-oriented: CBI is committed to delivering results and builds the measurement of outcomes into every step of the process.
Local presence, knowledge and experience: CBI partners with local agencies to promote the benefits of Community Building. Local partners provide knowledge and insight about the unique needs, challenges and goals of their community.
Now that you have learned about how we work, learn about our Community Building workshops, trainings and services.