Introduction to Community Development Terms

Community Capacity

The interaction of human capital, organizational resources, and social capital existing within a given community that can be leveraged to solve collective problems too improve or maintain the well being of a given community.

Community Development

Emphasizes self-help and mutual support, enhances local capacity for problem solving, and promotes collective action to bring matters to policital decision makers.

Community action

Collaborating with community agencies to promote joint initiatives.

Social Planning

Concerned with assessing needs and capacities for the purpose of program planning and evaluation.

Service extension

Seeks to expand the services of local agencies to meet the needs of underserved members of the community

Community Empowerment

Community development seeks to empower residents and stakeholders to actively participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives. It encourages self-reliance and community ownership of initiatives

Asset-based approach

It focuses on identifying and leveraging a community’s existing strengths, assets, and resources, rather than just addressing deficits. This approach promotes sustainable and locally-driven solutions.

Holistic approach

Community development takes a comprehensive view of a community’s needs, considering economic, social, cultural, and environmental aspects. It recognizes that these aspects are interconnected and should be addressed in concert.

Partnerships

Collaboration between community members, local government, non-profit organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders is central to successful community development. __________’s bring together diverse expertise and resources.

Capacity building

it involves strengthening the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of community members and organizations to plan, implement, and sustain development projects and initiatives.

Sustainability

Community development seeks long-term _________ by promoting solutions that endure beyond short-term interventions. This often includes promoting economic development, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion.

Social inclusion

It strives to create inclusive and equitable communities where all members, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to participate, benefit, and contribute

Needs Assessment

Community development typically begins with a thorough assessment of a community’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This helps identify priorities and inform action plans.

Advocacy

_____ for policy changes and resources at the local, regional, or national levels is often a part of community development efforts. It can help address systemic issues that affect the community

Evaluation and Adaptation

Continuous ______ of initiatives are crucial to determine their effectiveness and make necessary adjustments. Flexibility and adaptability are key to success

Bottom-up Approach

When the community determines the appropriate goals and objectives. It may begin in response to a local issue or an externally imposed condition.

Top-down approach

The community does not determine the goal and approach. Usually impose a goal and often a process