Module 3: Functions of Community

Keywords:

• Community

  • 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

• 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.

1. Understanding Community Through Its Dynamics

• Leaders are important figures that will guide the members to carry out the plans in pursuit of the group’s objectives.

• The guidance of a good leader in a group ensures the coherence of plans and better implementation of programs.

1. Power Dynamics

   • Formal Power Structure

   • Informal Power Structure

   • Legal Authoritative Decision-makers

   1. 1. Interrelationship- community leaders are with direct relation with you through familial relations, affinities or feeling of kinship, and social network
      2. Organization- they could be part of an institution or an association, that has a particular purpose in our community.

2. Understanding Community Through Its Structures

   1. 1. Local Politics

      2. Demographics

      3. Geography and environmental

      influence

      4. Beliefs and Attitudes

      5. Local economy and businesses

      6. Income distribution

      7. Housing

      8. Educational facilities and programs

      9. Health and Welfare Systems

      10. Sources of information and public

      opinion

      11. Summary Assessment of

      Community Issues

3. Understanding Community Through Its Processes

   1. 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.

   2. Development of Social Capital Building

      • developing a resilient capital is among the most important contributors to successful community leadership.

   3. Community Engagement

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

   4. Collaboration

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