Institutions deliver services but communities build belonging Meaning Factcheck Usage

Context

McKnight and Block were pushing back against a professionalized, “deficit-based” model of community work. You know, the one where outsiders come in to “fix” what’s “broken.” Their book argues that neighborhoods are already full of assets—skills, knowledge, and passions—and that real abundance is unlocked when we focus on connecting those assets, not just importing services.

Usage Examples

I use this quote all the time to reframe conversations. Here’s who it resonates with:

City Planners & Local Government: I tell them, “Your park renovation is a service. But the weekly pickup soccer game that locals organize? That’s community building belonging. Your job is to create the conditions for the soccer game to happen, not just to deliver the park.”

Non-Profit Leaders: It’s a gut check. “Are we just delivering a program, or are we actively fostering connections between the people we serve? Is our food bank just a distribution point, or is it a place where neighbors meet and support each other?”

Anyone Feeling Isolated: It’s a call to action. It reminds us that waiting for an institution to solve loneliness won’t work. Belonging is built from the ground up, by reaching out, sharing your gifts, and investing in the people right around you.

To whom it appeals?

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FAQ

Question: So, are institutions bad? Should we get rid of them?

Answer: Not at all. That’s a common misinterpretation. Institutions are vital for delivering essential, complex services. We need them. The point is that they are insufficient on their own for creating a healthy, resilient society. We need both efficient services and strong, connected communities.

Question: How can I apply this in my own neighborhood?

Answer: Start small and relational. Instead of just complaining about a lack of community, host a simple potluck. Start a tool-lending library in your garage. Ask an elderly neighbor if they need anything from the store. You’re not delivering a service; you’re building a connection. That’s the seed of belonging.

Question: Does this mean community work shouldn’t be professionalized?

Answer: It’s a tension. Professional expertise has its place, but the book argues that the most valuable work—the work of building social fabric—is often informal, voluntary, and rooted in genuine care, not a job description. The professional’s role shifts from “expert” to “connector” or “catalyst.”