ADP’s transforms neighborhoods through the creation and accumulation of assets that are collectively owned and directed by ADP members - low income people and people of color. These assets create high paying jobs, homes, and enriching services for our members. They are valued at nearly $68 million in 2012 and continue to grow.

At ADP, members are the experts on how to fix our broken economy. We are building collective power to secure the things we need in our neighborhoods, and for our families. There is no “external” solution that is going to come from the outside to save us. We are the solution.

Three strategies provide points of entry and zones of enrichment to members:

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  In the ADP Community Economy, members become workers, directors, investors, customers, or innovators in ADP businesses and institutions; creating good jobs, economic power, new skills, and control over the decisions that affect our lives;

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  Members find voice and connection through Community Organizing campaigns that tackle issues that impact our community on the local, state and national level.

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  Community Building activities deepen relationships, expand our worldview, and strengthen neighborhoods through enriching, service-based programming, including arts and cultural celebrations.

Three drivers engage members in all 3 strategies:

• Leadership Development identifies upcoming leaders in ADP’s base of members and develops and empowers them; building inter-connection and commitment. The diversity of the ADP community enables us to harness complementary strengths to adapt and face challenges together – eventually plugging all people into the Community Economy. An ADP Leader is a member who demonstrates a commitment to participation, develops relationships that benefit the organization, engages in personal testimonial leading to the “story of us,” and takes a proactive role in organizational governance and decision making.
• Base Building ADP staff and ADP Leaders conduct annual intensive one-on-one campaigns in ADP member communities. 1,110 meetings were conducted between October 2011 and March 2012, identifying issues of concern and providing the basis for 2012 issue-based organizing.
• Members take on leadership roles as they engage in Civic Engagement on issues that directly impact us all, bringing direct action to the political and corporate targets who hold power over our lives- leading to key policy reforms and resource allocation.

Learn how to become a Community Builder and Support the Shift.

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