Community Economic Development (CED)

If you’re involved with LIFE*SPIN, you’ve probably heard a lot about us being a CED organization, but what does that really mean?

 
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Community Economic Developments are meant to improve the local lives of Canadians who suffer from social and economic disadvantages. According to The Canadian CED Network, 49% of Canadians are only one or two paycheques away from poverty. CED agendas are proven to build wealth, create jobs, foster innovation and productivity, and improve social well-being through advocating for policy that builds fair and strong local economies. Or, as we like to say, through building communities foundations for self-reliance. CEDs provide the resources to local citizens which allows them to improve their future through tools of systemic change which are then re-invested into the community.

CEDs are focused on 3 strategies:

  • Supporting Individuals

  • Building Enterprises

  • Strengthening Communities

CEDs promote an alternative model to economic development that combines social, economic, and environmental improvements. CEDs do this by looking at the economic and social functions, to see how they can be improved by means of community development.

Economic Functions to be considered:

  • Accessible Credit

  • Planning, Research & Advocacy

  • Equity & Local Ownership

  • Infrastructure

  • Human Resource Development

  • Education

  • Safety & Security

  • Social Supports

  • Culture & Recreation

  • Affordable Housing

This approach is tasked with the amendment of the growing social and economic inequalities within Canada, through the recognition of the interdependent, complex, and ever-changing relationship between economic, environmental, and social policies.  In order for LIFE*SPIN to improve upon these functions in East London, we need an understanding of the community.  This is the reason why LIFE*SPIN is filled primarily with members from the same community that they are trying to improve upon.