The Coalition of Community Health and Resource Centres (CHRC) is a network of multi-service community-based health and resource centres. CHRC Community Developers (CDers) are the key staff facilitating social change and capacity building. 

The Community Developers Network (CDN), with funding support from Community Development Framework (CDF), embarked on a process to develop ‘Guiding Principles for Community Development (CD) Practice’ that clearly articulates what is involved in the broad spectrum of CD work. 

The intention of this document is to describe community development practice within the Ottawa Coalition of Community Health and Resource Centres. The work supports the Alliance for Healthy Communities' and the World Health Organization's model of health and well-being as: “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” With a goal to achieve better health for all, championing transformative change for people and communities facing barriers to health. 

The development of guiding principles was informed by a review of relevant literature and a half-day focus group involving CHRC CD staff. 

The framework highlights four core principles that define the work of CD. The report provides additional detail for each area: 

• Challenging Systemic Inequity & Power Dynamics & Supporting Empowerment 
• Responsive to Community 
• Transformational Practice 
• Partnership & Collaboration 

This report provides a summary of the thinking to date regarding Guiding Principles for Community Development Practice.