This profound insight from author, educator, and social critic bell hooks, encapsulates the essence of what I believe effective leadership in equitable community development can look like.

Co-creation through co-design with communities – where leadership is not only about guiding but also about listening, engaging, and growing together – is a pivotal practice that harnesses these values to drive meaningful and sustainable change.

I work at Design Impact, a social innovation firm that uses co-design to address complex problems. We help partners solve problems and drive social change more inclusively and effectively by using co-design, which is an approach to solving problems that strive to actively and equitably involve all impacted communities in a design process. In the ever-evolving landscape of community development, leadership shouldn’t be about imposing top-down solutions but rather about fostering genuine partnerships with the community – in partnership with is at the heart of co-design.

To understand why co-design with community is crucial, we must first acknowledge the shift from traditional, hierarchical leadership models to more collaborative approaches. Historically, many community development projects have been designed and executed by external entities, often overlooking the invaluable input and expertise of the very communities they aim to build on. This disconnect not only often leads to ineffective solutions but also erodes trust and undermines the long-term impact of these initiatives.

Collaborative leadership demands a commitment to building long-term relationships founded on trust and mutual respect. Co-design embodies these principles by ensuring that community members are not merely recipients of something created without their input but active participants in the decision-making process. This approach can not only enhance the relevance and effectiveness of development initiatives but also acknowledge the power communities have to take ownership of their growth and progress.

Consider the concept of co-design as an ongoing dialogue rather than a one-time consultation. It involves collaborators in every stage – from identifying needs to designing solutions and creating change together. In addition, this participatory approach aims to ensure that initiatives are tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of the community, leading to more sustainable and impactful results. By engaging with communities in this way, I believe we can demonstrate care and respect, which are two essential components of the love-based leadership model proposed by hooks.

To cultivate and harness leadership effectively, it is essential to move beyond superficial engagement and embrace a model of true co-design. This requires a shift in mindset from viewing communities as passive beneficiaries to recognizing them as active contributors to the process. Leaders must be willing to relinquish some control and embrace the unpredictability that comes with genuine collaboration. They must also be prepared to invest time and resources in building and sustaining relationships with community members.

The following is a set of principles of co-design: 

• Co-design is a transformative process for the organizations and people involved.
• Co-design changes mindsets and behaviors.
• Co-design prioritizes what is just and feasible.
• Co-design disrupts power over and builds power with.
• Co-design builds on existing behaviors, actions, and history.
• Co-design inspires joy and healing by building connection and repairing trust.

The benefits of co-design extend beyond the immediate impact of community development projects. By embedding these principles into the core of leadership practice, communities as a whole can become stronger and more resilient. Projects could become more aligned with community needs, trust between community collaborators could deepen, and the sector’s capacity to fulfill its mission could be significantly enhanced.

Co-design with community is not merely a methodological shift but a fundamental rethinking of leadership in community development. By embracing the values of care, commitment, knowledge, responsibility, respect, and trust, we can foster more effective and sustainable solutions. As we continue to navigate complex social challenges, let us remember that true leadership is about building bridges, not barriers. By working together, we can create a more equitable and just world.

Desiré Bennett is Director of Participatory Design, Connection + Culture Building at Design Impact. She is a community connector promoting racial, gender, and economic justice. Desiré co-authored “Madisonville Community Studio: Driving Change through Participatory Community-Centered Design” in the book anthology series “Working Together for Change.” She is the proud mom of Xavier and Nakaelah.