CESC - FINAL TERM

Aspects of Community

These include the structure existing in your community which includes natural environment to the institutions made by man

Community

Group of people in a particular area who are interacting to one another

Community Power

The capacity of the community to exercise control over activities and seek ways to employ available resources

Influencer

The person with the most influence, who can lead others to achieve a goal or accomplish a certain task

Leader

The person who has the responsibility of controlling or taking charge of a particular group

Leadership

The process and qualities of command and decisiveness with regard to the necessary actions that ensure the welfare of the community

Social Change

The changes that occur in the social order of a society. These are related to nature, social institutions, social behavior or social relations, cultural, religious, economics, scientific or technological forces

Formal Power Structure

They are individuals from whose authority is based on formal rules appointed by the government

Informal Power Structure

• Their ability to lead, direct or achieve without an official leadership title

• They are popular to others as influencers who can lead others with the most influence. Informal power comes, not from an official position, but from the respect and appreciation one has earned from the members of a group

Legal Authorative Decision-Makers

• Are individuals or bodies whose authority is based on formal rules and institutions

• They are appointed because of their intelligence, reputations, decision-making, dictation from laws and policies and connections

Interrelationship

Community leaders are with direct relation with you through familial relations, affinities or feeling of kinship, and social network

Organization

They could be part of an institution or an association, that has a particular purpose in our community

Local Politics

• Structure of government

• Decision-making power and control • Major issues currently in debate

Demographics

• Population size (total number of people)

• Population density (ratio of people to the space they inhabit)

• Heterogeneity (the extent to which community members have diverse characteristics)

• Ethnic groups

• Names given to various parts of the community

• Areas known for having their own characteristics (ex: industrial area, blue collar families)

• Isolation from or closeness to other communities

• History of the area * Changes and development of the area

Geography and Environmental Influence

• The community’s physical environment

• The community’s location and proximity to highways, bodies of water or mountains

• Existence of recreational areas concerns regarding environment hazards such as pollution, power shortages, among others

Beliefs and Attitudes

• Cultural values, traditions and beliefs of

  various segments of the population

• Spiritual and political values of the residents

• Available social agencies and the help they can extend

• Perceptions of residents as part of the community

Local Ecomony and Businesses

• Businesses, factories and other sources of

  employment that characterize the community

• Nature of business (owned by local residents or government)

Income Distribution

• Public assistance benefits available to residents

• Median income level of residents

• Income levels and corresponding percentage of population

Housing

• Housing conditions

• Population density

• Types of housing

• Ownership and status of houses (rental, real estate, etc)

Educational facilities and Programs

• Education system

• Extent of community support

• Existence of public and private schools

• Adherence to intended curriculum of the Department of Education

• Attention to special population (e.g., children with special needs) and to cultural differences.

• Extent to which education brings out the best in the children (participation in competitions, profile of graduates, training students holistically)

• Adequate preparation for adults to enter the labor force

Health and Welfare Systems

• Adequate numbers of health professionals and

  specialists

• Social service programs

• Respect of service providers to the needs and values of minority populations

• Availability of fire and police protection

• Safety of the environment

• The residents’ view on public safety and justice system

Sources of Information and Public Opinion

• Presence of TV and radio stations and newspapers which provide the people information and perspectives on current events

• Community organizations’ capacity to update residents on important information

• The capacity of the sources of information to enhance the residents’ skills to promote positive change

• The presence of community leaders who speak for various marginalized subgroups

Summary Assessment of Community Issues

• Overall assessment of community’s functioning

• Dealing with social problems (youth gangs, poverty, abuse)

• Gaps in social, health care, and other community and educational services

Effective Communication

An open communication is highly recommended for leaders and their constituents. There should be free access to important information concerning social issues and public matters.

Development of Social Capital Building

Developing a resilient capital is among the most important contributors to successful community leadership

Community Engagement

It is important to encourage young leaders to participate so that they are ready to take over when the time comes

Collaboration

Leaders should learn to “build bridges” and develop networks among community leaders within the diverse fields

Stakeholder

It refers to an individual or organization who shares the same interest in the fulfillment and success of a project in a given community

Civic Obligation

A responsibility of a citizen comprised of actions which include participation in government, non-government organizations, and community activities

Psychological Program

It helps individuals and communities to heal the psychological wounds and rebuild social structures after an emergency or a critical event

Community Action

Collective efforts done by people directed towards addressing social problems in order to achieve social well-being.

Community Engagement

Developing partnerships and sustaining relationships with and through groups of people

Solidarity

Unity or agreement of feeling or action

Citizenship

Legal status defined by civil, political and social rights

Self

Individual person as part of a community

Role

Refers to the function assumed by the individual in community action