CAN is dedicated to creating a more equal, just society that has the well-being of citizens at its heart. Through a range of community development activities, it works with people to assert their rights to participate fully as subjects of their own lives, to have their voices heard and to have their choices respected. It works within a human rights framework, and it seeks to develop leadership and participative democracy.

It strives to create vibrant communities that have the capacity to participate powerfully in society, and to challenge the inequitable structures, policies and practices that prevent them from doing so. It actively seeks opportunities to do this work in local, regional, all-island and international contexts.

Guiding principles

The following principles give context to its work and frame the choices it makes about its working practices:

Poverty and exclusion are socially determined. 
Poverty, exclusion, social injustice and inequality are rooted in the denial of rights, in political, cultural and economic structures, and not simply in the frailties and inadequacies of individuals.

The struggle for social justice requires creativity and imagination. 
In its work it seeks to tap into people's energies of mind, heart and soul. It works for change at all levels within individual people, within groups, organisations and communities, within networks and institutions, and within the wider society.