Community Engagement

Communitas

Latin term meaning 'the same'.

Comunis

Latin term meaning 'common' or 'public'.

Community

A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common, such as norms, religion, values, or identity.

Social Perspective

Focuses on political networks and links individuals.

Institutional Perspective

Focuses on distinct roles and interests within the community.

Civil Society Perspective

Considers people, structures, and systems; the third sector of society.

Local and Grassroots Perspective

Views the community as a setting for intervention.

Structures

Foundational frameworks that organize and shape how the community functions.

Physical Infrastructure

Includes roads and buildings within a community.

Institutional Structures

Comprises schools and governments in the community.

Organizational Framework

Consists of rules and policies governing a community.

Community Power

Capacity to influence decision-making within a community.

Leadership

The ability to influence individuals or groups.

Relationships

Kinship and friendship within a community.

Complete Community

Defined by its size.

Limited Liability

Sentiments and motivations of people living in the neighborhood.

Society

Refers to the moral worth of people.

Personal Community

Communes characterized by a strong sense of community.

Community Action

A campaign undertaken by people living in a particular place.

Community Engagement

Active involvement of community benefit organizations and individuals through ongoing relationships.

Community Benefit

An English common law concept dating back to 1891.

Community Organizing

The process by which a community acts for shared self-interest.

Qualities of a Community Organizer

Including eagerness, flexibility, humor, fearlessness, ability to listen, self-awareness, self-critical nature, and willingness to share power.

Core Principles of Community Engagement

Include careful planning and preparation, inclusion and demographic diversity, collaboration, openness, transparency, trust, impact, action, sustained engagement, and participatory culture.

Community Resilience

The ability of a community to support itself.

Marginalization

The process of being pushed to lesser importance.

6 C's

Capability, Commitment, Contribution, Continuity, Collaboration, Conscience.