Hanmin Liu
May 2005

This paper draws upon our experiences in nine communities in the United States and China and describes the basic framework of Wildflowers Institute regarding community self-transformation in response to shifting economic policies and practices over time.1 Communities are constantly changing, but most of the changes result from economic forces rather than from the actions of people in the community. . . Although the market economy and globalization stimulate entrepreneurialism, innovation, and growth, they also cause significant social and cultural changes in the community, including increased diversity, dislocation, health disparities, social isolation, and a host of other social dysfunctions. Community leadership must respond by re-forming a culture and building a shared vision to strengthen community identity; bring together people with different assets, resources, and strengths; and provide direction, support, and opportunities for all members of the community.

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