Community Development

System

Bounded by structure consisting of interacting, interrelated, or interdependent elements forming a whole structure

Open system

Systems that exchange matter and energy with their environment

Closed Systems

Systems that are self-contained and do not exhcange matter with their environment

entropy

measure of disorder randomness within a system

synergy

combined or cooperative action of multiple components in a system, resulting in a greater effect than the sum of individual efforts

feedback

system can regulate itself through different mechanicsm to maintain stability and adapt to changes.

Ecological Systems

the various system in an individuals life that influence behaviour, a theoretical framework examining the complex interactions between individuals and their enviornmentsonm

Ecological Systems Theory

specific application of systems theory,
focuses on the intersctions and interdependencies within human development and the environment

Community Capacity

refers to the ability of a community to identify, mobilize, and utilize its resources effectively to address challenges, acheive its goals and enhance the well-being of its members

Structural Capacity

focus is placed on communities acheiving a defined amt of assets, resources

Static Capacity

refers to the fixed resources and assets that a community possesses at a given time, which can influence its ability to respond to challenges and opportunities.

dynamic capacity

capacity is developed through continual effort

name the dimensions of community capacity

a. physical and economic assets
b. skills and knowledge
c. leadership

d. civic participation

e. networks

f. disposition

physical and ecnomic assests

Leisure as a context for building physical and economic assets through; Facilitating economic development and providing recreation facilities (e.g., parks, community centers) for meeting space

skills and knowledge

Leisure as a context for building skills and knowledge through: Providing education programs (e.g., accounting, public speaking) through recreation programs and skills developed through volunteer experiences and training

leadership

context for building leadership through: Leadership development of volunteers, providing opportunities for career volunteering, and the credibility of leisure-service professionals (e.g., coaches, pastors) as trusted community leaders

Civic Participation

Leisure as a context for building civic participation through: Ensuring residents have access to leisure to participate in community activities, involvement in staging community events creating a heightened sense of citizenship among volunteers and participants, and encouraging shared decision making within community programs and events

Networks

for building networks through: Providing leisure programs and spaces to encourage interpersonal social interaction and developing inter-organizational community partnerships to plan and implement leisure programs and events

disposition

Leisure as a context for building disposition through: Facilitating shared experiences where collective identity and community capital can develop among participants and volunteers

What are the outcomes of citizen power for individuals? For communities? short

For Individuals:

• Greater sense of agency and empowerment

• Increased political and social participation

• Improved well-being and self-efficacy

• Stronger advocacy skills and civic engagement

For Communities:

• More inclusive decision-making

• Stronger social cohesion and trust

• Improved public services and policies

• Sustainable community development and resilience

what are the intrinsic values of citizen power

• Autonomy – The ability to make decisions that impact one’s life and community.

• Equity – Ensuring fair representation and participation in governance.

• Collective Well-being – Strengthening social bonds and shared responsibility.

• Democratic Integrity – Upholding justice, transparency, and accountability.

• Empowerment – Fostering confidence and agency in individuals and groups.

• Belonging – Creating a sense of ownership and connection within the community.

what are the challenges of citizen power?

• Political and Institutional Barriers – Bureaucracy, lack of transparency, and limited access to decision-making processes.

• Economic Inequality – Disparities in wealth and resources can limit participation.

• Misinformation and Media Influence – Manipulation of public opinion and lack of reliable information.

• Apathy and Disengagement – Lack of trust in institutions or feeling that participation won’t lead to change.

• Social Divisions – Polarization, discrimination, and exclusion of marginalized groups.

• Neoliberal Policies – Prioritization of market-driven approaches over public interest, reducing collective influence.

Overcoming these challenges requires education, advocacy, and inclusive governance.

what is the relationship between inclusion and belonging

Inclusion is the foundation for belonging. While inclusion ensures people are present and involved, belonging ensures they feel embraced, heard, and valued. A space can be inclusive without fostering belonging, but true belonging cannot exist without genuine inclusion.

Which individual and community characteristics contribute to inclusion and belonging?

Individual:

economic and health status have impacts on belonging

• costs of joining - ways we reciprocate like inviting to dinner or contributing to the collection plate at church come with financial costs

• health status- health is a resource that facilitates engagement in the kinds of activities and groups that enhance a person’s sense of belonging.

Community Characteristics:

opportunities for socializing and personalization

• sense of belonging can be fostered by building in environmental features that increase the frequency and quality of social contact among residents. Design features such as houses built close to the street, indi¬ viduality in housing design, walkable streets and local amenities, and meeting grounds such as parks and plazas are all thought to foster the informal sociability that increases sense of belonging

The process of developing active and sustainable communities

• social justice and mutual respect

• Social Justice for all

Citizenship is

• a state of being

• Activism and care

define ABCD (Asset-based Community Development)

• presented as a strategic approach focusing on discovering and mobilizing the inherent resources within communities:

  • This method contrasts with needs-based approaches, which often overlook the potential of existing community assets.

  • The chapter outlines strategies for initiating community conversations and fostering relationships that promote care and collaboration.

• The importance of building connections and utilizing individual gifts to effect change is emphasized, suggesting that communities portrayed as “half-full” are better positioned to harness their resources

define asset based map

Visual or written tool used to identify and organize the strengths, resources, and assets within a community.

It helps recognize what is already available to support development, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Components of an asset based map

• Individuals – Skills, talents, and knowledge of community members.

• Institutions – Schools, hospitals, libraries, and government offices.

• Organizations – Nonprofits, cultural groups, and religious institutions.

• Physical Spaces – Parks, community centers, and public infrastructure.

• Local Economy – Businesses, job opportunities, and economic resources.

• Cultural and Social Assets – Traditions, events, and networks that strengthen community bonds.

ex. A neighborhood asset map might highlight a local community center offering free classes, volunteers with leadership skills, and a public park for social gatherings.

By identifying existing resources, an asset map helps mobilize strengths rather than focusing solely on problems.

Community capacity

refers to the ability of a community to identify, mobilize, and utilize its resources effectively to address challenges, achieve its goals, and enhance the well-
being of its members

name the 6 dimensions of community capacity

physical and economic assets

skills and knowledge

leadership,

civic participation

networks,

disposition

physical and economic assets

these include infrastructure, financial resources, and economic opportunities available to the community

skills and knowledge

The capabilities of community members contribute to problem-solving and innovation

leadership

Effective leadership drives community initiatives and inspires collective action.

Civic Participation

Involvement in community decision-making enhances engagement and advocacy.

networks

Strong relationships and connections within the community facilitate collaboration.

disposition

The community’s overall attitude and willingness to engage in collective efforts.

Inclusion

about creating spaces where all community members feel respected and empowered to participate.

belonging

fosters emotional connections and acceptance within the community.

In what ways can attempts at inclusion inadvertently lead to exclusion?

1. Tokenism – Including individuals from marginalized groups only for appearances, without giving them real influence.

2. One-Size-Fits-All Approach – Applying the same inclusion strategies to everyone, ignoring unique needs and barriers.

3. Overemphasis on Differences – Highlighting diversity in a way that isolates certain groups rather than integrating them.

4. Gatekeeping – Setting rigid standards for inclusion that unintentionally exclude certain individuals.

5. Language and Accessibility Barriers – Creating inclusive programs without considering language, disability, or cultural differences.

6. Majority Domination – When well-intended inclusion efforts are shaped primarily by dominant groups, leaving marginalized voices unheard.

To truly foster inclusion, efforts must be intentional, adaptable, and community-driven, ensuring that no one is left out in the process.

what are the 3 dimensions of belonging

1. dimension of sense of belonging is feelings of being

   included and accepted

2. feeling of being a part of something

3. dynamic- during the course of our lives we come

   into contact with many different people, contexts, and places, and the communities to which we feel a sense of

   belonging can shift over time. In some cases, a person’s sense of belonging may be transitory while another’s may be long-lasting and extend beyond any active involvement with that community.

name 4 dimensions of inclusion

psychosocial

relational

participatory

organizational

citizen power

Citizen power affords the ability to do something” (Gallant & Sharpe, 2016, p. 39) emphasizes the importance of empowering citizens to take control of their lives.

empowerment

understanding that people have control over the things that are important to us

disempowerment

the process whereby the control that people have over the important decisions of thier lives is diminished

In what ways can ABCD build community capacity, inclusion and belonging, and citizen power?

Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) strengthens community capacity, inclusion and belonging, and citizen power by focusing on existing strengths rather than deficits. Here’s how:

1. Building Community Capacity:

• Identifies and mobilizes local talents, skills, and resources.

• Encourages self-sufficiency instead of dependence on external aid.

• Strengthens networks between individuals, organizations, and institutions.

2. Promoting Inclusion and Belonging:

• Recognizes and values diverse contributions within the community.

• Creates opportunities for meaningful participation by all members.

• Fosters social connections through shared goals and collaborative projects.

3. Strengthening Citizen Power:

• Empowers individuals to take leadership roles in community initiatives.

• Encourages collective decision-making and grassroots advocacy.

• Shifts power from institutions to the people, ensuring community-driven solutions.

By focusing on what communities already have rather than what they lack, ABCD promotes sustainable, inclusive, and empowered communities.

name the 6 approaches to planning

1. social reform planning

2. policy analysis

3. social marketing

4. social learning

5. social mobilization/empowerment

6. radical planning/social change approach

define social reform planning

• Focuses on assessing community needs and systematically planning strategies to address them.

• Assumes community leaders fully understand community issues and solutions.

• Involves goal-setting, resource mobilization, and program evaluation.

Comprises:

• analysis of social conditions, social policies and agency services

• setting goals and priorities

• designing service programs

• mobilizing appropriate resources

• implementing and evaluating services and programs

*top down outcome*

define policy analysis

• Analyzes social conditions and policies to inform community development.

• Often lacks community involvement, primarily relying on expert-led research.

Social reform and policy analysis generally do not fit with CD
framework *

*top down outcome*

define social marketing

• Utilizes marketing techniques to encourage individuals to adopt behaviors beneficial for public health.

• Aims to change perceptions of certain behaviors, e.g., stigmatizing obesity

*top down outcome*

define social learning

• Encourages participation and collective learning among community members.

• Emphasizes adaptive strategies through knowledge sharing and participatory decision-making.

define social mobilization

• Similar to social learning but focuses on broader social change.

• Draws from Paulo Freire’s concept of conscientization, empowering individuals to understand and change their socio-political realities.

define radical planning

• Centers on community aspirations and values, encouraging community members to identify their needs.

• Promotes essential participation and leadership from community members in the planning process.

radical planning aims to promote

Aims:
•to promote collective action to challenge existing socio-political
and economic structures and processes
•to explore and explain the realities of people’s situations
•to develop both critical perspectives of the status quo and
alternative bases of power and action

steps of community development

Dedicated to enhancing individual and community life, capturing the work WITH the aspirations of community members (expressed as a set of values)

1. Community is the subject of the planning process

2. Community members can discover and articulate their needs for themselves

3. Planners understand and appreciate the uniqueness of each community

4. Community member participation in planning is essential, not an afterthought

5. Community members can help themselves

6. Community members must lead and control the planning process

where can CD happen?

for profit organizations

non-profit organizations

government

informal organizations and networks

Why is it important to match the planning issue to be addressed with a planning approach? Conversely, what might be the consequence of using a planning approach that does not match the situation? make it short

Matching the planning issue with the right planning approach ensures effective, relevant, and sustainable solutions. A well-suited approach aligns with the community’s needs, resources, and goals, leading to efficient problem-solving and meaningful impact.

Conversely, using a mismatched planning approach can result in:

• Wasted resources – Time, money, and effort spent on ineffective strategies.

• Community disengagement – People may feel unheard or excluded.

• Unintended harm – Solutions may overlook key needs or create new barriers.

• Lack of sustainability – Changes may not last or address root causes.

A strategic match between issue and approach ensures inclusive, impactful, and lasting change.

Why should the involvement of citizens in the planning process matter as long as an efficient outcome of the issue planned for is accomplished? short

Citizen involvement matters because efficiency alone does not guarantee equity, sustainability, or community support. Engaging citizens ensures:

• Relevance – Solutions reflect real community needs.

• Legitimacy – Decisions gain public trust and acceptance.

• Sustainability – Community-driven plans have lasting impact.

• Empowerment – People feel ownership and responsibility for outcomes.

Without citizen input, even the most efficient plans risk being misaligned, resisted, or unsustainable in the long run.

The iceberg model

When to use this framework

• locate root causes to systemic problems

• assess patterns of interaction within a system

• to identify critical levers for change within a system

map onto framework:

• what is the event? what is happening?

• patterns and trends: what are the trends happening overtime?

• Structures and systems: what explains these events or patterns?

• Culture: what norms, cultures, deeply held belief systems and assumptions?

Reflect where do you see?

• areas with high impact- where small-well focused actions makes significant, enduring improvements to root causes and drivers

• areas that are ready to move- where there is momentum and energy for change

• areas that have at least barriers- where change isnt dependent on a lot of things changing

example of an iceberg model

Event: Older adults experiencing isolation

Patterns and trends: - An increasing # of OAs report being isolated and lonely, living at a distance from support networks - OAs have reduced networks due to mobility issues, loss of friends, low income - Hang-over from COVID – vulnerability of OAs and concerns about socializing

Structures and systems: - Inadequate support networks for OAs - Difficulty accessing community recreation centres; inappropriate or unavailable programs - Lack of homecare support - Old age pensions are inadequate & OAs are living longer (and often less healthy) lives - Age-friendly / dementia-friendly communities not a reality in many North American cities or towns

Mental models / Culture - (False) assumption that everyone has access to aging well - Youth-focused culture – avoidance with thinking about aging and decline - Fear and dread of cognitive decline / dementia

Areas with high impact- Building connections between OAs at local community centres; advertising through family doctors etc

Areas that are ready to move - Seniors’ Advocate? Elder Health clinics? Falls clinic?

CD as a method - approach to planning?

Utilize a variety of methods to involve community members in some of the planning stages (outcome may be predetermined),

[e.g., user surveys are filled out by community members to determine the need for building a pool in the community]

CD as a program- approach to planning

Community members are involved in the stages of planning (the outcome is predetermined) [e.g., public are invited to give input at various stages of the process of building a pool — needs assessment, location decisions, etc.]

CD as a process

Community members are in charge of all aspects of the plan¬

ning process (outcome is not predetermined) [e.g., community

members decide what is needed in the community and how that need will be met]

CD as a movement

Community members are empowered and able to learn and develop the skills needed to transform their community

John Forrester’s main points of a planner

Cultivate community networks of liasions and contacts

2. Listen carefully to gauge the concerns and interests of all participants in the planning process to anticipate likely political obstacles, struggles,

and opportunities.

3. Notify less-organized interests early in any planning process affecting them.

4. Educate citizens and community organizations about the planning process and both formal and

informal “rules of the game.”

5. Supply technical and political information to citizens to enable informed, effective, political

participation and negotiation.

6. work to see that community and neighborhood non professional organizations have ready access to public planning information, local codes, plans, notices of relevant meetings, and consultations with agency contacts.

7. Encourage community-based
for open, full information about proposed projects and design possibilities.

8. Develop skills to work with groups and conflict

   situations, rather than expecting progress to stem mainly from isolated technical work or elected

   officials.

9. Emphasize to community interests both the

   importance of the building their own power even before negotiations begin; take steps to make expertise available to professionally unsophisticated groups.

10. encourage independent, community-based project reviews and investigations

11. Anticipate political-economic pressures shaping design and project decisions and compensate for them

community

refers to a group of people who share common characteristics, interests, or
geographical location. A community is characterized by a sense of belonging, mutual support, and shared identity.

social capital

refers to the networks of social relationships, shared norms, trust and
cooperation within a community. It represents the social resources that individuals can access through their connections with others.

focus: emphasizes the quality and quantity of social relationships within a community, influencing the overall well-being and functioning of that community.

delving into citizen power

• Citizen Power:

  • Represents the ability of community members to engage in decision-making processes.

  • Encourages advocacy and activism, enabling individuals to influence civic and political outcomes.

• Components of Citizen Power:

  • Civic Engagement: Active participation in community events and decision-making.

  • Advocacy: Representing individual or collective interests to governmental or institutional bodies.

  • Accountability: Holding institutions responsible for their actions.

difference between social capital and citizen power

Citizen power:

influence - Influence decision making processes and policies - Active role of citizens in shaping the direction of their community

agency - Agency to actively participate in civic and political processes, involves taking action to bring about change and influence the course of events

individual - Agency of individual citizens or organized groups to influence societal structures

Social capital:

relationships - Social relationships and connections with a community – both quality and nature of these connections

social resources - Social resources embedded in social relationships, includes the benefits that individuals and communities gain from their connections, such as trust, shared knowledge, and support

collective - Focuses on the community as a whole and the social connections that contribute to the community’s overall well-being.

interplay of bonding and bridging social capital

• Bonding Social Capital:

  • Refers to strong ties within a group that provide social support and unity.

  • Essential for creating a sense of belonging and trust within the community.

• Bridging Social Capital:

  • Involves establishing connections with diverse groups and networks.

  • Introduces new resources, ideas, and opportunities, fostering community growth.

• Complementary Nature:

  • The interplay between bonding and bridging social capital is dynamic; strong internal bonds enhance external connections, leading to a more resilient community.

bonding

refers to connections among

community members who see themselves as sharing a similar social identity,

bridging

bridging refers to connections among community members who believe themselves to be unalike in some socio-demographic (or social identity) sense

Confident and creative (high bonding and high briding)

core group of individuals who have formed strong bonds through common values (community based organization) and dedication to the cause

organization collaborates with other similar organizations, government agencies and businesses to create a broader network that facilitates the exchange of resources, knowledge, and support

comfortable and possbily limiting (high bonding, low bridging)

close-knit neighbourhood where everyone knows each other well, family members share deep emotional bonds, regularly socialize with their neighbors, and provide mutual support in various aspects of life (high bonding), but not seek connections beyond immediate community.

fissile (high bridging, low bonding )

profesional netowrk event where individuals from various industries, backgrounds, and interests come together to exchange ideas, build contacts and explore potential collaborations.

attendees may interact for purpose of professional development (high bridging), relationships formed in this context is shallow or transactional, lacking the deep emotional bonds found in close-knit groups (low bonding)

suspicious, low energy (low bonding and low bridging)

isolated rural community where residents have limited interaction with each other and with external communtiies, residents may not have strong social bonds within community. (low bonding) minimal engagement with neighboring communities (low bridging

what is the relevence of social capital to community development?

Social capital strengthens a community’s capacity to enact change

• Expansion of social capital bridges structural holes that may exist

• Social capital facilitates collective action

• Social capital formation must be a central strategy for community development practitioners

• Leisure – valuable tool in building social capital

Reflexive practice

involves conscious and deliberate inclusion of ourselves

oppression

The unfair use of power to control or disadvantage a group, limiting their rights, opportunities, and well-being.

internalized oppression

When oppressed individuals or groups begin to believe and accept negative stereotypes or discrimination against themselves, leading to self-doubt and reinforcing their own marginalization.

geographies of exclusion

Communities are often segregated, leading to disparities in visibility and access to opportunities.

whiteness as a cultural process

It critiques the historical foundations of recreation as a democratically based institution, arguing it often reflects White, upper-middle-class values.

intersectionality

is introduced, focusing on the interconnections between various identity categories—such as race, class, and gender—and how they influence power dynamics. This section emphasizes the importance of recognizing these intersections when addressing systemic issues

intersectionality theory

the study of multiple categories of identity and social relations that intersect with one another to produce systems of power, oppression, and privilege (McCall, 2005).
• grown out of critical feminist concerns about
the limits of privileging one category of
analysis (i.e. gender) over others (i.e. race,
class, sexual orientation, ability, and/or place)

• seeks to understand the fluid and contested
ways in which they intersect to systematically
shape the reality of people’s lives (CRIAW,
2006; Collins, 2000).

• Intersecting personal abilities, demographic
characteristics, and attributes

ally

someone who actively supports and stands up for the rights and well-being of a marginalized or underrepresented group, even if they are not a member of that group themselves. Allies use their privilege, voice, and resources to challenge discrimination, inequality, and injustice. Being an ally involves listening, learning, and taking action to create a more inclusive and equitable society. It’s not just about good intentions—it’s about consistent effort and solidarity with those who face systemic barriers.

define distributive justice

fairness in how resources, opportunities, and benefits are distributed among individuals or groups in society. It focuses on ensuring that everyone has access to what they need, such as income, education, healthcare, and other essentials, in a way that reduces inequality and promotes equity.

oppression in rec and leisure

oppression is systemic and in everyday functions of society
• Recreation has unquestioningly been seen as ‘inclusionary’
• Historical roots in early social reform movements
• Assumption that recreation is a democratically based institution
• Recreation programming – built on White, western, upper middle-class values
→ neoliberalism
• Leisure’s role in a structure of dominance and power
• Related to capitalism, excellence, people as expendable resources, profit-lines that
disregard wellbeing
• Racial integration of leisure spaces (p. 108) – racial spatiality – geographies of

Reflexivity

opening the way to a more radical consciousness of
self in facing the political dimensions of your work.

Reflexivity is a continuing mode of self-analysis and political
awareness

• awareness of your identity, role, power, and
  assumptions (worldview). Knowing and being
  able to name how you see the world.

  
  • Awareness of what others may be
  experiencing... in terms of their personal
  growth in understanding, exposure to new ideas,
  etc

  
  • Awareness of other factors that may influence
  what you are seeing and experiencing
  • Ability to harness these pieces of information to
  guide a group process that is safe, inclusive and
  that builds towards positive social change.