The Community Life Competence Process (CLCP) and SALT
Ownership means that the community decides on the action that it wishes to take and it takes that action
- We propose a systematic step-by-step methodology that allows the community to take ownership of their challenge. We call this the Community Life Competence Process (CLCP). Facilitators accompany the community as it moves towards ownership of their challenges with an appreciative approach that we characterise by the acronym SALT (Support, Appreciate, Listen-Learn,Transfer).
- CLCP is a form of learning cycle where a community takes action and learns from its experience. That learning becomes the basis for another round of action and learning.
- The cycle goes on indefinitely: there is no end point.
- The steps of the learning cycle allow a community to divide what can feel a frightening challenge into a set of specific and manageable steps.
- As the community moves through the process, each step documents progress, but the real measure of ownership lies in the depth of discussion, the consistency of engagement, and the joy of achievement that accompanies each step.
Our way of thinking : SALT
We call SALT our mode of interaction with communities. We think of SALT as the DNA of The Constellation.
S
S is for Stimulate, Support
A
A is for Appreciate, Accompany
L
L is for Listen, Learn, Link
T
T is for Transfer, Team, Trust, Transform
In SALT and CLCP we have a unique and powerful combination
- While we consider CLCP to be an effective learning cycle, our experience tells us that on its own it would not consistently open the door to change. We support communities as they apply CLCP with the SALT approach.
- The appreciative approach supports the community through the hard work, and the setbacks that they will inevitably encounter as they apply the steps of the learning cycle. We have found the SALT approach to be effective to stimulate and to support the community as it works through the steps of CLCP.
Stories from the field
The Global Fund for Children (GFC) Knowledge Fair: A Unanimously Acclaimed Event, Co-created by Participants
In Kolhapur, Maharashtra, from the 20th to the 22nd of May 2023, a Knowledge Fair was held bringing together representatives of the villages of Pirwadi, Vashi, Nandwal, Kandgaon, and Kerli, where the Avani organisation led SALT conversations for the past two years, Indian organisations who also facilitate SALT-CLCP (Rural Aid and Purnata from West Bengal, Faith Foundation from Meghalaya) and the GFC. Avani organised the event with the GFC’s support.
Communities Acting Together to Control HIV (CATCH) in Botswana
The CATCH approach is a community driven response. The approach uses the SALT method to drive the community response to HIV and other health related matters. The approach has acted as an effective catalyst for the implementation of the National Community Mobilization Strategy.
Online learning visit of a Malian organisation: Temedt, fraternity in the fight against slavery
On the 26th of June 2023, 13 people from 9 different countries had the opportunity to meet online and on-site with members of the executive team, governance and beneficiaries of the Temedt association, which has been fighting descent-based slavery in Mali since 2006. This is part of the Voice for an Inclusive World project of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, implemented by a consortium between Oxfam Novib and Hivos. The hosts were delighted to see the interest aroused by their action.
Join the journey, learn the walk
and contribute to building a better world
Become a partner and build resilience in your own organization or community
Become a change maker in your own community
Help communities to be autonomous