The Imperative for Community-Driven Approaches and Radical Inclusion

Abstract

This chapter argues that what well-being means must be articulated at the grassroots level, rather than imposed by experts or governments. People in communities already have the answers to what well-being means to them. It is embedded in the wisdom traditions and the lived experiences, aspirations, hopes, and values of people all over the world. Instead of assuming that leaders will bring the well-being agenda to communities, leaders should instead look at what is happening already and build on what communities are already doing. Additionally, a benefit of engaging communities, people, and organizations as true partners in the work of defining well-being is that this engagement is a starting point for fostering grassroots demand for the implementation of a shared well-being agenda. At the same time, it is critical to practice radical inclusion and ensure that people from communities that are often—and have historically been—excluded from meaningful input and decision-making are engaged and contribute to an understanding of what well-being means. In addition to indigenous communities and racial or ethnic groups, this may include those who are living in poverty, experiencing homelessness, incarcerated, and struggling with substance abuse.