The principles in research and practice of Community Psychology are anchored
in a set of core values that have been identified and systematized in the
discipline: promotion of individual well-being, sense of community, social
justice, civic participation, collaboration and community strengthening, respect
for human diversity, and the creation of evidence-based interventions.

Using this framework the presentation identifies and evaluates ways in which
Community Psychology, both being a science and social movement, may
produce social innovation and change. Contributions towards reforming public
policies are based on core-principles of Community Psychology and the lessons
proposed by Shinn (2007): how social science may be useful to ground social
movements, particularly if there concrete domains such as leadership, political
timing, ideas, a good cost/benefit ratio, the diversity of governmental structures,
and research results are taken in consideration.

Exemplars described are in the field of community mental health and on
violence against women and children, and the implementation of an innovative
approach to support the homeless population.