The More Things Change, the More they Stay the Same?

Abstract

In this article, reflecting on the history of the Community Development Resource Association's (CDRA) approach to ‘capacity development’, the author suggests that in 15 years, very little has changed in the theory and practice of capacity and capacity development. It begins with a short introduction to the historical context out of which CDRA works. A detailed summary from a 1995 article on ‘capacity building’ is shared with a view to illustrating its relevance to the present. The article goes on to suggest that thinking and engaging with the notion of capacity is itself a reflection of CDRA's organisational capacity. Through another extract, CDRA's approach to capacity development is shared. In conclusion, it is suggested that it is purposeful and thoughtful engagement with one's circumstances that is both a reflection, and generator, of capacity.