Communities deliver for Public Sector

George Por wrote in a recent comment:
> When the organization can identify and measure this contribution from the community, the bond between the organization and the community will improve.

>I can see how that may work in the context of business strategies in the corporate world, but what strategic objectives could communities contribute to in the not-for-profit, public service world?

It's the same in the public sector, except that the mission and strategic objectives often are not financially driven.

I work with many associations on building organizational communities. Like any other organization they strive to make a profit, however their primary goal may be serving membership. If the community can demonstrate that its activities are benefiting members in line with the associaton's mission, then the bond between community and association becomes strong. The best way to do this is to provide a unique and valued service to the members.

The Urban Land Institute is a great example. The mission of ULI is to provide responsible leadership in the use of land to enhance the total environment.

ULI regularly brings real estate experts and stakeholders together to address difficult issues for landowners. Members of these CoPs may include CEOs of major firms in the industry, major developers, senior practitioners, mayors and senior public officials. Do these CoPs assist ULI with its mission? Absolutely. Does ULI value and support these CoPs with resources. Yes. See their page on leadership development.

All this to say, if communities can help a public sector organization deliver on its mission and objectives, the organization will move in to support the community.