The Neechi Principles of Community Economic Development

1. USE OF LOCALLY PRODUCED GOODS AND SERVICES • purchase of goods and services produced locally • circulation of income within the local community; less income drain • stronger economic linkages within the local community• less dependency on outside markets • greater community self-reliance • restoration of balance in the local economy

2. PRODUCTION OF GOODS AND SERVICES FOR LOCAL USE • creation of goods and services for use in the local community • circulation of income within the local community; less income drain • stronger economic links within the local community • less dependency on outside markets • greater community self-reliance

3. LOCAL RE-INVESTMENT OF PROFITS • use of profits to expand local economic activity • stop profit drain • investment that increases community self-reliance and co-operation

4. LONG-TERM EMPLOYMENT OF LOCAL RESIDENTS • long-term jobs in areas with chronic unemployment or underemployment • reduced dependency on welfare and food banks • opportunities to live more socially productive lives

• personal and community self-esteem • more wages and salaries spent in the local community

5. LOCAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT • training of local residents • training geared to community development • higher labour productivity • greater employability in communities with high unemployment • greater productive capability of economically depressed areas

6. LOCAL DECISION-MAKING • local ownership and control • co-operative ownership and control • grassroots involvement • community self-determination • people working together to meet community needs

7. PUBLIC HEALTH • physical and mental health of community residents • healthier families • more effective schooling • more productive workforce

8. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT • healthy, safe, attractive neighbourhoods • ecological sensitivity

9. NEIGHBOURHOOD STABILITY • dependable housing • long-term residency • base for long-term community development

10. HUMAN DIGNITY • self-respect • community spirit • gender equality • respect for seniors and children • aboriginal pride • social dignity regardless of psychological differences, ethnic background, colour, creed or sexual orientation

11. SUPPORT FOR OTHER CED INITIATIVES • mutually supportive trade among organizations with similar community development goals

Context for these principles