LESSON 2

CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNITY IMMERSION

OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the lesson, the students must be able to:

1. Explain the concepts and principles underpinning community and community immersion;
2. Realize the importance of understanding the-dynamics of a community and community immersion as a way to
realize the objectives of NSTP and
3. Practice the standard operating procedures and establish protocols governing community immersion.

Students involved in community immersion must be knowledgeable on the basics of community, i.e. its meaning,
concepts, underpinning principles and nature of problems and -issues there from. This will enable the trainees to have a
good grasp of the local situation thereby preparing them to appropriately respond to the multifarious concerns in the
community and properly carry out immersion projects and activities that is so conceived to bring about long-term
amelioration, and not just overnight, cosmetic solutions, of the social menaces and ills.

WHAT IS A COMMUNITY?

Noted community development specialist Arlien Johnson once wrote that the term "community" refers to a group
of people gathered together in any geographic area, large or small, who have common interests, actual or potentially
recognized in the social welfare field.

To paraphrase the words of Johnson, a community is a collective of people with similar interests and goals whether
living in the same geographic locality or not. The meaning of community may actually vary depending on the objectives of
a program to be conducted thereat.

As per concept, a community may be categorized as geographical or functional. The term geographical community
is defined in the purview of group of persons living in the same geographical location like in a certain village, town,
neighborhood, district, area or territory. Meanwhile, community is said to assume the functional nature if the aggregate
of people though not necessarily based on living in the same geographical location, is bonded by a common end such as
fighting for the same cause, having the same interests and goals. These are people who hold common values, share
common functions or express common interests.

A certain type of community has recently emerged. Some refer to it as just social movements but its definition
points out that it surfaced out of the two other types of community. It is called a relevant community that defines a group
of people having similar interests and goals as the communities around them. These populations have common interests
in changing existing institutions to their advantage in order to achieve redistribution of resources. It is geared towards
organization of the poor.

ELEMENTS OF A COMMUNITY

As a trainee, one should be aware of elements of a community in order to understand the dynamics thereof. The
important elements are demographics, history, culture, economy, and structures. The demographics (characteristics of
population) tell a lot about the movement of the population in the community that you will serve. History allows you to
identify certain patterns of change and people's way of adapting to these changes that can be useful in plotting your
activities. Understanding the economy, culture, and community structures increases the chances of the success of
activities since anyone can provide culture based and more realistic solutions to community concerns.
 In example, you were able to identify that it floods in a market area nearby the creek. During rainy seasons, sales
are very low because their merchandise gets soiled by the rain. They have adapted by using improvised plastic covering
to coat their merchandise but they are not attractive. What kind of projects do you think you can do by learning this
information already? By experience, the students training in the NSTP would usually think of enhancing the features of
the merchandise covering -and the stalls itself to attract more consumers even during the rainy season.

Based on their assessment of these elements and by working with the community, one can already formulate plan
of actions.

WHY IS IMMERSION AN IMPORTANT APPROACH (STRATEGY) IN GIVING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITIES?

An old age says that "Experience I the best teacher". Going through the immersion process and conducting
community service activities/projects will enable the trainees to understand how the people feel, think, say, and behave
as dictated by their conditions and situations in life as a means to make feel and realize that they are more fortunate
than many other and that the students can do something to improve the lives of the marginalized and undeserved.

For as the Holy Scriptures tells us, "To whom much is given, much is required". Therefore, since students have
been given the rare opportunity and the distinct privilege of being schooled that they are supposed to better the living
conditions of those whom were not as auspicious as they are. As one of the objectives of this textbook expounds, trainees
will be exposed in further and other realities of life which they may or may not belong to.

After having explained the significance of the community immersion requirement of NSTP in the purview of the
educational; and religious perspectives, let us succumb to the legal basis of such. The basic questions ads "what is the
relevancy of the immersion part of the NST Program?" and "why would trainees need to study the behavior of the people
in and that which composed the community of which they serve?" Answer to these sort of questions is provided for in
NSTP Act and has served as the mandate and core of recognizing the role of the youth in nation building. Young people
are vested with the obligation "to defend the security, of the State and in fulfillment thereof, the government may require
each citizen to render personal military or civil service", (Section 2, NSTP Act of 2001) whether in times of peace or war.
Simply put aside from becoming socially aware of the strengths, weaknesses; opportunities and threats of their
communities, trainees are believed to possess the qualities and energies that, if properly channeled and directed, will
yield results towards arresting, if not totally annihilating, the innumerable dilemmas of man.

The next question that a trainee is bound to ask himself as he takes the first step of the process of immersion is,
"Are trainees, young as they are, capable of responding to the stringent requirements of community building and meeting
the skills and knowledge criteria of transforming communities? " Definitely, yes. The role of the youth in national/local
development cannot be overemphasized. To reinforce this, are the very words of our national hero. "The youth is the
hope of the Fatherland".

WHAT IS COMMUNITY IMMERSION?

Community immersion is an essential strategy in community organizing work that entails understanding of the
different community concerns, process, dynamics and lifestyle through exposure and engaging in different activities. It is
different from the actual organizing work. Immersion is just one of the strategies in plunging into community organization.
Venture undertaken may be integrated or specialized activities which entail entering, familiarizing and involvement of the
self in the conduct of the activities for community development.

Community immersion in NSTP is devised as strategy in molding and conscientizing students just so that they be
socially aware and responsible to their communities. This manner of transformation is bent on training the youth to
becoming civic conscious and defense prepared individuals. The nature of immersion efforts done the dimensions of, but
not limited to, education, health, safety education, sports and recreation, environmental services, entrepreneurship,
morals of citizenry and other social welfare concerns.

In view of the fact that immersion is a major concern in development work, trainees may find it significant to be
guided by the following precepts:
 1. Trainees should immerse in actual community life to get to know the social, political and economic situation of the
people.
2. Trainees may also undergo certain changes like increase in knowledge about the social realities, development of
good values, empathy towards other people, improvement of social skills, among others.
3. Trainees should identify the community people's interests and aspirations
4. Trainees must recognize people's resiliency and does not rob them of their right to have community participation
and determination of appropriate courses of action.
5. Trainees should be aware of the gain-negotiated sanction- the acceptance derived from community relations
couples with the right to conduct immersion activities
6. Trainees must reflect on how their social analysis of the current situation is concretized in community people's lives.
The analysis should have as much meaning for the trainees as for the community.

Forms of Integration in Community Immersion:

1. Home visits
2. Living with selected families preferably with individuals or groups
3. Sharing in household and community activities (cooking with the community host clean-up drive)
4. Attendance in social gatherings (fiestas, weddings, etc)
5. Assistance in production work (selling, farming, etc)

WHOM DO YOU IMMERSE WITH IN THE COMMUNITY

When one goes to -a community, he associate with the people whom he intends to work with as his partners or
allies in the community. Examples of these community partners are the parents, youth, the differently-abled constituents,
professionals, members of people's organization and other formal and informal group, and others who can be a potential
collaborator of your project or activities. We do not just work for and serve the people but rather we encourage their
participation. This practice of enjoining people's support is adherent to the Confucious' philosophy of "give man a fish and
he will live for a day; tech him how to catch fish and he will live for a lifetime". Community immersion is empowering the
people towards development of the locality.

CONDITIONS THAT ONE MAY QUALIFY FOR COMMUNITY IMMERSION

It is so desired that one fundamental pre-requisite qualification among those who intend or are tasked to undergo
community immersion it a full understanding of the concepts and theories behind the dynamics of groups and community.
In the same breath, knowing the very process of immersion is a primordial condition. This is so because this endeavor
requires a great deal of know-how and skills in facilitating interventions, planning and managing community service
projects among others.

Volunteers in social organization and movements also undertake immersion. They undergo professional training
in development work. Such immersion typically proceeds to organizing work.

As for NSTP, students enrolled in NSTP-CWTS 2 are mandated to undergo community immersion for a period
covering a minimum of 54 hours to a maximum of 90 hours from CHED prescribed Program of Instruction (POI), 2007
edition.

The community immersion aspect of NSTP will be able to benefit not only the communities served but more so
the student-trainees who may be accorded with the following advantages:

GAIN OF NSTP-CWTS STUDENT FROM COMMUNITY IMMERSION

1. Opportunity for the trainees to comprehend peoples' lives because of the chance given to them to see real life
situation, live, identify and associate with the people therein;
2. Gain social acceptance derived from community relations coupled with the right to offer services;
 3. Enhance experiences in conducting asset mapping such as identifying geographic coverage, point out resourced and
the use, and the relationships of people with the existing resources;
4. Establish rapport and relationship with different people who may be of help to them at some future time.
5. Develop their conscientization ability. It helps them realize issues that will help solve problems in the community. It
is important for them to do something that can change their situation.
6. Acquire first-hand experiences in dealing with community works; and
7. Chance to learn life skills that will enrich and better their persons.

Succinctly, community immersion improves the trainees' understanding of himself in relation to other and by
understanding others, the trainees can be able to give a part of himself top help others.

Most important of all community immersion is in consistent with the innate and ultimate intention of helping
people.

DONT'S IN COMMUNITY IMMERSION

It is a basic rule that trainees must be well-versed with the area, skilled to communicate with community people
and disciplined to keep yourself from responding indifferently towards diverse types of personalities.

Prudence, therefore, orders that community immersionists' must be well-informed of the prescriptive and
proscriptive norms in the conduct of community immersion.

Hereunder are guides prepared by Dr. Florida C. Labuguen and Ms. Emily Rose M. Bautista in manuscript form
entitled "Essential Protocols When Visiting Community".

THINGS TO CONSIDER & REMEMBER THINGS TO AVOID

BEFORE THE CONDUCT OF COMMUNITY IMMERSION
1. Familiarize yourself with the basic information and theories
regarding community life. At this stage, you must at least have in Never forget to inform and get the consent of your
your mind a community you intend to immerse at. Ask, around for parents/guardian about the activities lined up.
information about this community.
2. Secure a waiver from the NSTP Office prior to the visit and have
it signed by your parents.
3. Always inform your faculty in-charge of your destination, time
table and plan- of action.
4. Be armed with background information about the area for
immersion. This will be helpful in locating resources, and site entry
and exit points which will make your travel more convenient.
Background information will enable you to anticipate the general
characteristics of people in that area. Do not go directly to the community without
In example, there are barangays here in Manila which determining the background information about it.
are historically and primarily composed of Pampanguenios. With
this background information, you can already assess that people in
that community mainly identify with Pampanguenios. To facilitate
your community activities promptly, you can ask a fellow trainee
who have deeper understanding of the culture to led you on.
5. Pay courtesy call to community leaders, whether formal or
informal. Courtesy calls may also be done to officers of an NGO
where the project is also directed to. Be sure that the people who
will be helping you in your project and the key informants of the
community are informed of your every visit. Provide them a copy
of the schedule of your activity.

Harmonious relationship with community leaders and officers can

almost ensure you of your safety in their area. By relating well
towards them, you can solicit their support in your projects and
activities. They may be able to commit in providing security when
you roam around and familiarize yourself with the community.
6. Secure documents like letter of acceptance from the Avoid bringing of original copies of signed
community. Memorandum of Agreement etc., and other documents in the community. It is better to carry
documents pertinent to your stay in the community. around original and certified true copies of
documents to prevent loss and smudging the
paper.
7. Bring your own personal provision like water, snacks and extra However sometimes, community people could be
shirt. These will be helpful to fill in those hunger pangs while insistent in their hospitality in offering you
conducting the immersion. provisions like food. Try to gauge whether it would
Community people are often very hospitable. They will most be offensive to refuse their offer. If you think they
likely offer you their food and water if they see that you are unable will be offended if you beg off, you may accept
to provide for yourself. This is despite that they might already be food or water in your plate or glass but do not
offering their last supply of food. Remember, you are there in the consume it. Especially if you are not able to has as
community to assess if you could help and work with them, so try much background information on the community
not be an additional burden to them. you are immersing at, avoid consuming their
resources and focus on your work. This is also for
your own safety.
Whenever possible and not offensive, decline
and tell them respectfully rather that you
appreciate their hospitality.
DURING THE ACTUAL COMMUNITY IMMERSION PERIOD
8. Be courteous to everyone – whether to a vendor or a Avoid labelling and naming people with politically
community official. Remember that you are there to work with the incorrect terms. Try to be more discreet in your
community. use of words to avoid offending other people.
9. Act promptly and discreetly. YOU ARE REPRESENTING YOUR
SCHOOL AND YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS. Be RESPONSIBLE WITH
THE WORDS YOU SAY. Your actions and words would easily be
generalized as the behavior of every student in your school.
In one of our interviews with community organizations, they
alleged that some schools wherein their previous students have
not shown proper behavior will no longer be welcome to conduct
immersion activities in their area.
10. Depending on the type of entry you use, WEAR PROPER Do not show off in terms of dressing up. You are
UNIFORMS AND IDENTIFICATION CARD. This will allow the there in the community to help. Just bring an extra
community to identify who are the trainees who will immerse in white shirt if you have to change your soiled
their community. This can also promote your school's image as you uniforms after your activities.
become "ambassadors" for community service. Avoid drawing attention to yourself. Be as low
Depending on the situation, there may be some cases wherein profile as possible and avoid being identified as a
decent civilian clothes are more appropriate to wear during guest in the community.
immersion time especially if you are trying to be mass-based and
less formal.
11. It is highly advised to keep your valuables secures to protect Never bring out you valuable things like
you from unnecessarily attracting and distracting community cellphones, jewelry and money in public places.
people, from possible theft, etc.
12. Always document your visit. Write in your record notebook
and have it checked by your faculty-in-charge. Do not forget to
write the date, the narrative of important events that happened
and your reflections towards these.
13. Always ask for permission from concerned people when you Never promise and commit to a task that is
have to take picture. It is best to take pictures that shows you "in beyond you and your school’s capability. Never go
action" and working with the community people as these can best beyond the activities stated in your MOA to avoid
illustrate your experiences in the community. Again, be mindful of false commitments and dependency of the
your surroundings and be careful in bringing out valuables. community.
AFTER COMMUNITY IMMERSION
14. Validate and evaluate if the programs and activities were
conducted appropriately and as planned.
15. Provide copies of your final documentations output to the
College National Service Training Program Office (CNSTPO) and to
the community where you conducted your immersion for records
purposes.
Your documentation may serve as a baseline study for the
community and other batches of NSTP students in conducting
community immersion. This will avoid unnecessary repetition of
activities and may be a basis for enhancement of other previously
conducted activities.

Most importantly, enjoy time with the community people. Mother Teresa puts it “Love cannot remain by itself – it has
no meaning. LOVE HAS TO BE PUT INTO ACTIONS; AND THAT ACTION IS SERVICE