Indigenous skills and capacities may already exist, even in seemingly hopeless situations of strife. Supporting them to the extent possible, can strengthen the possibilities for peace and development. Conflict transformation therefore must form the cornerstone of all development cooperation strategies and programs. External assistance from Constructive Outcomes builds on, and not substitutes for local capacities, resources and initiatives. Fostering popular participation in the governance agenda is essential to peace-building.
Participation strengthens civil society and the economy.
Our programs empower individuals, communities and organizations to negotiate with institutions and bureaucracies, thus allowing civil society to influence public policy and to provide a check on the power of government. Participation also aids in dealing with conflicting interests in a peaceful manner. Democratization enables the population to articulate its needs and interests and to protect the rights and interests of marginalized groups and the most vulnerable. A democratic system also provides mechanisms for the peaceful resolution of conflicts including the distribution of political and economic power and mechanisms for transferring political control. By strengthening democratic institutions, which include political parties and representative institutions Constructive Outcomes contributes to building peace.