- As opposed to systems, associational life is the idea of groups of people voluntarily coming together to do some good. - Systems can deliver service but only associational life can deliver care. --- The alternative to a “system” is what John calls “associational life”: groups of people voluntarily coming together to do some good. - Peter Block in [[Community]] John McKnight and his partner, Jody Kretzmann: Communities are built from the assets and gifts of their citizens, not from the citizens’ needs or deficiencies. Organized, professionalized systems are capable of delivering services, but only associational life is capable of delivering care. - Peter Block in [[Community]]