Several tools or resources are needed to become “self-sufficient”: 1. Autonomy or Non-dependence. Autonomy does not mean isolation or non-support. Rather, it describes a state in which a group is allowed and encouraged to develop in ways that are true to its principles, ideals, and capacities.

It implies recognition of worth, possibility, and basic freedoms. It suggests that people be empowered to create, use, and maintain the tools needed to overcome

2. Incentive for Development. People need support in their efforts to achieve self-sufficiency. One has to believe in the promise of fulfillment. Too many existing resources, alleged to serve a disadvantaged group, in fact perform a disservice, by reinforcing dependency or by falling short of expectations, thereby thwarting the reality of self-development.

3. Decision-Making Responsibility. The opportunity to participate in decisions that affect one’s own livelihood and well-being, as well as the autonomy of the group, is unquestionably fundamental to the notion of self-sufficiency.

4. Self-Respect. To grow towards self-sufficiency, people require the sort of personal and emotional energy that comes from self-respect. People who are denied their own dignity and self-respect have difficulty accessing or using the tools for participating in society. Without self-respect, there is diminished energy and incentive to become self-sufficient.

5. Community of Support. People of like situation need each other to form a base of support for creating, using, and maintaining the tools for self-sufficiency. Communities of support are found in one’s own family, cultural identity, neighborhood, and common circumstance.

6. Health. Good health is vital to self-sufficiency. Energy is drained by poor health, such that access to or full use of available tools is limited.

7. Education. Education that enables self-sufficiency should enhance the values of one’s own culture, and be relevant to the values of other segments of society, to one’s own potential for development, and to employment opportunities.

8. Information. People need to know about opportunities and tools available to them, and to know how to use them to effect their own, and their group’s, development.

9. Employment. The mere fact of employment, at a subsistence-level income, is not sufficient for becoming self-sufficient. What is needed is “just” employment, which entails employment free from limiting, damaging, or self-fulfilling stereotype, meaningful work, safe work, exploitation-free workplace, career development and advancement opportunities based on merit, job security, and the freedom and means to pursue work.

10. Capital. While capital is obviously needed to be self-sufficient, certain groups are denied the opportunity to create or keep capital, or to play a self-serving role in financial institutions. Often, government or corporate practices serve to keep capital away from smaller institutions that could develop the self-sufficiency of various groups.

11. Responsive Support Systems. These include accessible transportation, safety and security, food and clothing, strong neighborhoods, social services, advocacy and influence, and social, recreational, and aesthetic opportunities.