The Organization-First Approach (2009)

About: A nationwide study prepared by The Harwood Institute with the support of the Kettering Foundation.

Authors: Richard C. Harwood and John A. Creighton

Publish Date: 2009

Description: In 2006, The Harwood Institute entered into conversations with 10 intermediary organizations and their leaders. The study examined this diverse set of intermediary organizations—those organizations that play a critical role in the dissemination of information, advocacy, technical support, funding, and “sector-bridging” rather than providing direct services to communities and individuals—and their approach to community engagement.

This report reveals that engagement for these leaders is usually defined in terms of the needs and interests of their organizations, and not those of the community.