Community collectives are networks of local people, groups, and government working toward shared goals. They use collective action to create systemic change often including a common agenda, shared measures, ongoing communication, and backbone support. Community collectives are place-based. They respond to local strengths, needs, and culture. They centre voices often left out. They shift power from top-down control to shared local leadership.
Why this matters to the ChangeFest Movement Community collectives are how this change happens in place. They turn shared purpose into local action. Across time and contexts, the names may differ. It might be called collective impact, or place-based or community-led work. Regardless of what it is called, the core idea is the same. Communities lead together to shape the future they want.
How this can be actionable Communities can create a shared vision and clear goals. They can build strong local partnerships across sectors. They can agree on ways to measure progress. They can host open forums to include diverse voices. They can work in networked, agile ways or in a backbone model to support coordination. By working together, they reduce siloes and share resources. This builds trust, innovation, and stronger advocacy.
Topics and further learning You can explore different types of strategies to mobilise community collectives across a range of issues. These strategies often include principles from community engagement, collective impact, systems change and community organising.
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