The DECO program supports the development of healthy (ecosystems, individuals) and effective communities.

Healthy individuals are those who enjoy physical and environmental health, realize their creative and productive potential, and add value to their communities.  By effective communities, DECO means more than congenial places to live. Effective communities consist of webs of relationships among people and institutions that support individual’s growth and participation in civic life.  The depth, quality and content of such relationships help determine how well communities enhance individual development.

Communities to be effective must address the barriers of discrimination and inequalities of power, income, and opportunity that limit the development of individuals.  Furthermore, the development of individuals and the effectiveness of communities are deeply interdependent.