SECTION UNDER CONSTRUCTION: This work may not be a good fit for those seeking quick fixes, 'guarantees', or coercive approaches.
Community Leadership Development & Empowerment Program (CLeDEP)
The CLeDEP framework offers a grounded, human-centred pathway for creating meaningful and lasting community change. At its core, this approach honours the lived experiences, strengths, and wisdom already present within communities, while recognizing the historical, cultural, and systemic contexts that shape people’s realities. Rather than focusing on deficits or “fixing” communities, the framework emphasizes listening, relationship-building, shared leadership, and collective responsibility. Through intentional planning, ethical leadership, inclusive participation, and culturally responsive action, communities are supported to define their own visions, priorities, and measures of success. The framework acknowledges that change is rarely linear and that trust, safety, and adaptability are essential - especially in communities that have experienced exclusion, trauma, or broken promises. Evaluation and learning are framed not as judgment, but as reflection and growth, ensuring that progress is measured in ways that align with community values and lived outcomes. Ultimately, this work is about stewardship - caring for people, relationships, and futures. By centering dignity, equity, and shared power, the framework supports communities to move from intention to action, from action to impact, and from impact to sustainability - while leaving space for healing, resilience, and hope to guide the journey forward. Pragmatically - This is an entire community leadership development & empowerment program
PART A — FOUNDATIONS FOR COMMUNITY CHANGE
Creating a Shared Vision for Meaningful Community Change Understanding Communities, Systems, and Lived Experience Listening to Community Strengths, Needs, and Assets Clarifying Mission, Values, and Collective Purpose Exploring Models and Theories of Change With Context
PART B — LEADERSHIP, PARTICIPATION, AND POWER
Inviting Belonging, Participation, and Shared Ownership Growing Leadership Through Confidence, Care, and Capacity Navigating Power, Influence, and Ethical Responsibility Building Inclusive Decision-Making and Shared Governance Strengthening Trust, Credibility, and Collective Voice
PART C — PLANNING WITH PURPOSE
Understanding Challenges Through Context and Compassion Setting Clear, Achievable, and Community-Owned Goals Co-Creating Strategic and Action-Oriented Plans Aligning Actions With Values, Culture, and Capacity Preparing for Barriers, Risks, and Adaptive Responses
PART D — ACTION AND IMPLEMENTATION
Designing Responsive and Culturally-Rooted Interventions Turning Plans Into Action With Care and Accountability Mobilizing Resources, Skills, and Community Wisdom Supporting Participation During Implementation Strengthening Coordination, Roles, and Follow-Through
PART E — COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT
Communicating With Clarity, Respect, and Cultural Awareness Facilitating Dialogue, Listening, and Shared Understanding Sharing Community Stories With Integrity and Impact Building Public Awareness and Collective Momentum Using Communication to Strengthen Trust and Alignment
PART F — ADVOCACY AND SYSTEMS CHANGE
Advocating for Equity, Voice, and Policy Change Influencing Decision-Makers With Evidence and Experience Mobilizing Allies and Building Strategic Coalitions Navigating Resistance, Opposition, and Power Dynamics Sustaining Advocacy With Care, Courage, and Integrity
PART G — ORGANIZATIONAL AND COALITION DEVELOPMENT
Building Trust-Based Partnerships and Collective Action Strengthening Organizational Culture and Capacity Practicing Cultural Humility and Inclusive Engagement Supporting Healthy Teams and Shared Leadership Managing Growth, Transition, and Organizational Change
PART H — EVALUATION, LEARNING, AND ADAPTATION
Learning From Experience Through Reflective Evaluation Using Knowledge and Data to Strengthen What Works Measuring Progress in Ways That Honour Community Values Adapting Strategies Based on Feedback and Learning Demonstrating Impact to Communities, Funders, and Partners
PART I — SUSTAINABILITY AND LONG-TERM IMPACT
Sustaining Momentum, Relationships, and Community Trust Embedding Practices for Long-Term Community Well-Being Supporting Leadership Continuity and Succession Maintaining Energy, Hope, and Shared Commitment Honouring Legacy, Learning, and Community Stewardship
PART J — ETHICS, CARE, AND RESPONSIBILITY
Leading With Accountability, Care, and Collective Responsibility
Program adopted and used by:
“This framework has been used or adapted by public health agencies, universities, foundations, and community systems globally, including…”
