The Gaston System: A Community Plans for the Future

In response to pervasive problems of low income, anticipated loss of employment in the textile industry, high dropout rates, high crime rates, and poor relationships among municipalities, Gaston County, North Carolina, has developed an innovative set of processes for promoting cooperation and facilitating leadership techniques. The Gaston System consists of three key components: analyzing problems systematically, developing processes to increase citizen involvement in decisionmaking, and using innovative leadership techniques to facilitate these processes. The Gaston County School Board took the lead in drawing many groups and individuals together to build consensus for policy decisions. As a result of this participatory, consensus-building model for decisionmaking, a wide range of innovative ideas for school and community improvement have emerged, and a new positive community attitude is developing. Notable improvements in the last 7 years include reduction in school dropouts, innovative educational enrichment programs, a community forum to survey public opinion on essential issues, reduced unemployment and crime rates, and passage by 69 percent of the electorate of a $28 million bond for high technology solid waste disposal cogeneration plants. The process has also brought the educational, commercial, and municipal sectors of the community closer together in pursuing common goals. (TE)