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CAPACITY
BUILDING
(The following information
has been adapted from: "Echoes From the Field: Proven
Capacity Building for Non-Profits," A collaboration between
the Environmental Support Center and Innovation Network, Inc.)
http://www.envsc.org/bestpractices.pdf
Definition
Capacity building is any kind
of activity that builds the capacity of a coalition, organization,
or region to achieve its mission. More specifically, it's:
"a process of developing and
strengthening skills, instincts, abilities, processes and
resources that organizations and communities need to survive,
adapt and thrive in a fast changing world." (Ann Philbin,
1999)
Core Principles
According to the work of the Innovation Network,
Inc. (www.InnoNet.org),
the following are core principles of exemplary capacity building
practice:
• A holistic "systems
perspective is essential for effective capacity building;
• Effective capacity building is contextual;
• Respect for the coalition, organization or agency's
ability to build its own capacity is essential;
• A culture of ongoing questioning and learning elevates
the quality of capacity building;
• Team and peer learning promote effective capacity
building;
• Capacity building processes should accommodate different
learning styles;
• A relationship of trust between the coalition, organization
or agency, and the technical assistance provider is essential;
• The coalition, organization or agency's readiness
to engage in capacity building is essential;
• Capacity building should take place over time, to
the extent possible.
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