Increased use of the skills, knowledge and ability of local people. Local people are the basis for community success. At times, much of a community's existing human capacity is neither recognized nor used in community efforts. At other times, a lack of skills or knowledge keeps community members from making good decisions or achieving what they set out to do. Ongoing improvements in the knowledge and ability of a community's residents help build rural community progress.
Leadership skills can help mobilize people and resources.
Strengthened relationships and communication. Typically, a community is home to a wide variety of people with diverse backgrounds and views. Community efforts benefit when everyone has a voice, when all voices are encouraged, and when residents understand the means to express their views and contribute to the community. Relationships with the outside are strong in vital communities. There are linkages with other communities and with organizations, enterprises and agencies outside the community.