It might sound strange, but community associations interested in long-term planning can take a few cues from composer Johann Sebastian Bach, who developed a formula for living together in harmony through vibrational energy. Bach's principle, while intended to relate to the creation of music, illustrates how community associations that implement inclusive long-range plans can create a sense of community harmony.
Individuals often flourish when they are part of a group, just as notes grouped together can create wonderful melodies. The Bach Principle proves that inclusion is the key to a successful planning process. After all, a small committee of residents does not successfully undertake comprehensive long-range planning; it takes orchestrated community involvement.
Ultimately, the strategic plan should build and strengthen a community by helping residents understand they will be developing and implementing a roadmap for their future. No plan will succeed if residents don't understand why it's important and how they can contribute to the process. In fact, their input is critical.
Every community has stakeholders, including residents, board members, committee members, and staff members. The purpose of community development and long-range planning is to juxtapose the elements in the community so that a fluid relationship exists—otherwise known as harmony. In healthy communities, stakeholders operate with enlightened self-discipline and support a desire to serve others.
There are three opportunities to involve residents: completing a community needs assessment baseline survey; participating in a focus group; and participating in a three-hour working group session. Once the issues the community needs to address are determined through the survey and focus groups, residents should be asked to brainstorm solutions during the working group session. Survey and focus group data are only reported in aggregated form, so comments can never be pinpointed to a specific resident.
Harmony isn't always a constant in an ever-changing society. At times, harmony is disrupted by conflict or apathy.
When that happens, there's no progress toward community development. For long-range planning to move a community forward effectively, everyone must believe they can participate at some level. If your community association dedicates itself to the process, the in-depth, time-consuming steps may guarantee it has a healthy, stable, carefully mapped path forward. The sum creates the good for the community commonwealth, just as separate and combined melodies create concertos and symphonies.
>>Read more about the Bach Principle and long-range planning in “Another Worthy Venture" from
Common GroundTM.