Based on the experiences of the staff of the Community Membership Project of Bloomington, Indiana, this paper discusses how community builders have collaborated with 10 older persons with developmental disabilities to increase their community participation. The paper addresses the initial stages of community building with older persons, the process of getting to know an individual and constructing a shared vision, and the cultivation of social networks. The role of the community builder is described, which includes helping to guide the individual toward situations where he or she will be seen as competent and as someone who has something to offer, rather than as a recipient of services, where he or she will be treated as an ordinary person without labels and stereotyped preconceptions. The community builder is as invisible as possible in the assistance given to promote independence and provides invitations to exploration through experiential opportunities. Experiences of the Community Membership Project indicate that participants in the program have become independent and able in many facets of their personal lives. (Contains 10 references.) (CR)