The most successful and sustainable community development campaigns are linked to five strategic factors, know as the Five Cs: Community, Connections, Control, Cash, and Collective Action. These factors are based on an examination of 150 years of research and field experience.

Putting research to action, Campaign Consultation CEO Steven Rivelis organized the first Charles Village Parade in 1998, in the Baltimore City neighborhood where he works and lives. The goal of the parade was to help generate a sense of community and forge deeper connections within the community, two of the key five strategic factors.

This award winning parade includes youth marching bands, art cars from as far away as Texas, FiFi the 50 foot tall pink poodle, a wide array of diverse community groups, and village noise makers.

Delighting the morning crowd that will gather along St. Paul and Charles Streets, the Charles Village Parade continues to be highlight of the Charles Village Festival, held annually on the first weekend in June.

Check out the recent article in The New York Times, "'Culture of Poverty' Makes a Comeback" by Patricia Cohen.

Note the statement on page 17 second column, first full paragraph: "the shared perception of a neighborhood ... Is it on the rise or stagnant? ... Does a better job of predicting a community's future than the actual level of poverty."

For the full article, click here.

That is why we did the Painted Ladies contest and parade and grew the festival to 3 days ... To demonstrate forward movement.