Community Leadership · Neighborhood Boards for Development and Peace
Before we build anything, we build leaders.
Every Servicio Para la Paz project starts with a leadership program for the neighborhood board, adapted to each community and each sponsor. That is why our classrooms, flood walls and water systems keep working long after volunteers go home.
Why donors fund this first
A water tank without an organized community is just a tank. An organized community keeps it running for decades.
The community chooses its own project, so residents protect it, repair it and keep it running.
Neighborhood boards learn to plan, raise funds, keep accounts and report to their neighbors and local authorities.
Each trained leader trains others. In Juan Adrián, 39 leaders will pass what they learn to 169 more residents.
Sustainability comes first
How every SPP project is built
- OrganizeThe neighborhood board forms and commits to the process.
- TrainLeaders learn rights, roles, planning and transparency.
- PlanThe community chooses its priority and writes the project.
- BuildResidents and volunteers build it together.
- SustainThe board maintains the work and reports on it.
Steps 1 and 2 are the Neighborhood Boards program. Only after them does any construction begin.
The method · Path to Empowerment
Four stages, adapted to each community
Workshops, coaching on project planning and continuous follow-up, delivered by an SPP facilitator with local and international volunteers. A typical program runs about nine months; the length changes with each community's needs and the scope agreed with the sponsor or donor.
- Project launch and commitment of local actors
- Surveys and interviews
- Community map
- Rights and duties of boards (Law 176-07, Law 122-05, Regulation 40-08)
- Structure and work committees
- Training advisors; empowering women and youth
- Neighborhood planning and project writing
- Fundraising
- Transparency, accountability and monitoring
- Final evaluation
- Sustainability strategy and alliances
- Plan to expand to new communities
Proven model
Where organized communities built what lasted
We have used this approach in El Cidral, La Represa, La Cuchilla and La Rosa (Villa Altagracia), in La Ciénega (Jarabacoa) and in communities of the municipal district of Juan Adrián (Monseñor Nouel). It improved infrastructure and social cohesion, and we documented the good practices.
| Community | What the organized community achieved next | Reach |
|---|---|---|
| El Cidral · La Represa | Flood wall, gabion wall and a new classroomPlus the women's cacao cooperative "Mujeres Empoderadas" | 1,200 people |
| Municipio Juan Adrián | Partnership with the neighborhood board and school furnitureBoard planning since 2024; 7 tables and 28 chairs for Juan Pablo Duarte school (2026) | 2,279 people |
| El Batey · Arroyo Pomo · La Privada | Family rainwater systems with Wine to Water filtersPiedra Blanca; evaluated with NC State University in 2024 | 128 homes |
| Arroyo Vuelta | Agua que Empodera: 30 family rainwater systemsWith Asociación Cibao (in progress, 2026–27) | 30 families |
| La Ciénega | Community Development CouncilTraining workshops in Jarabacoa | 60 families |
| La Rosa | Community water tank project and family rainwater systemsBuilt with university volunteer groups | 1,600 people |
Sources: SPP project records, 2012–2026.
Now · Juan Adrián, Monseñor Nouel
13 communities, one district, one plan
We are bringing the program to the municipal district of Juan Adrián, with a focus on women, young people and community leaders. The goal: communities that can identify their problems, solve them and manage projects for safe water and energy on their own.
How we measure
What we report to donors
- People trained
- Community projects written and carried out
- People and households taking part in community development
- Community groups and initiatives strengthened
- Improvements to local infrastructure
- Long-term sustainability of each project
Progress is shared on social media, at community fairs, in local media and in regular publications with the community and local authorities.
Who runs it
The team
- Project manager
- Overall coordination and supervision
- Lead facilitator
- Plans and leads the training sessions
- Assistants and tutors
- Prepare and support each activity
- Local and international volunteers
- Help carry out the program and share experience
- Neighborhood board representatives
- Multiply what they learn in their own communities
Get involved
Fund the leaders who make projects last
Your gift trains the neighborhood boards that protect every classroom, wall and water system. Write to us for the full proposal and budget for Juan Adrián.
Donate with PayPalinfo@servicioparalapaz.org +1 (849) 473-5870 Get involved
Ready to make a difference?
Promoting sustainable development that transforms communities and individuals through community service.
United States
- 1744 Dixwell Avenue, Ste 4492
Hamden, CT 06514 - ophillips@
serviceforpeace .org - +1 (203) 339-5767
Dominican Republic
- Edificio La Isla, Calle Pdte. González
Santo Domingo 10124 - info@
servicioparalapaz .org - +1 (809) 383-6062