In the United States, ICA operates four program areas:

Cultural of Participation: People today expect and demand to participate in problem solving, planning and decision-making that affects them. The ICA's Technology of Participation provides widely-tested ways that allow people to master these skills and to take increasing responsibility for their lives, their communities and their organizations.

Community Revitalization: The abundance of community development modes and techniques available rarely gets into the hands of citizens in a way they can use. Drawing on its long history of working at the grassroots, the ICA offers a rich array of tools that allow all members of a community to work together to shape and celebrate their common future.

Transformative Learning: Internal and external assumptions frequently block individuals and groups from achieving their full potential. By occasioning shifts in consciousness, the ICA allows individuals to tap their own interior resources, thereby releasing creativity and motivation.

Community and Youth Leadership: Strong communities need strong leadership to elicit members wisdom, energy and commitment. The ICA trains youth and adults from a variety of backgrounds to understand community development, encourage everyone's involvement and catalyze meaningful action.