Community Organizing 1
Community Organizing 1
with Communities
Discuss the nature of Community as a basis for CO practice:
Concept of Community:
• Definition of Community
• Types of Community
• Major & Secondary Community Structures
• Major Classifications of Community
• Elements of Community
• Distinctive Features of Community Organization as Social Work Method
• Characteristics of Progress Community
You must know a
lot about the
community
• Ecologically
• Cultural
• Politics
• Economics
• Spiritual
(the nature of communities in general)
ACTIVITY:
• Describe the community you are presently residing in terms of:
a. Physical Structure;
b. Culture; and
c. Communication Pattern and/or Decision-Making Process.
Definition of Community:
• Group of people living together in geographically defined area with a common history and
defined patterns of relationship
• These patterns are organized into specific institutions (family, economy, politics, education,
religion, health, etc.) intended to provide the means in assisting people carry out their day to day
activities
• Patterns are oriented to represent values and norms socially accepted by the people and which
becomes aids in solving community problems
“sociological eye”.
Different Approaches in Understanding the
Community
Structural Approach -The community here is seen as a structure of
relationships. There are two major processes that are involved: the
communication pattern of the people like, who communicates what, with/to
whom, and how; and the decision-making pattern of the people like, who
decides what, with whom, and how? This approach also presents the types and
nature of organized groups in the community.
Different Approaches in Understanding the
Community
Normative Approach- This sees the community as a social personality with a
set of values, customs, traditions, folkways, mores, and beliefs. Based on the
perception of the insider, the community’s social life from “womb” to “tomb”
is seen and analyzed.
Understanding Community and their Dynamics involves core competencies that focus on
the ability to understand: the community of place, the nature of public issues, the dynamics
and interdependencies of the various segments of the community, the basics of community
development work.
Basic Understanding of the Community
The ability to more fully understand the complexity and dynamics of issues and situations in
a community context is important to be able to develop effective programs.
Community Demographics
The ability to understand demographic profile and trends in a community is essential to
identifying issues and sustainable alternatives
Community Economics
• The ability to understand the economic base of a community and the dynamics
between the various economic sectors—including the ways in which money turns
over in the community, leaves the community, or is invested—are important to
providing a vibrant economy.
development. Community
Power Structure
Natural
Resources and
Sustainability
Community Development Process
ion
• The ability to know how to organize and
pat
ici
mobilize resources for action, as well as
rt
possible barriers, is necessary in
a
le P
developing programs that are meaningful
o p
and effective.
Pe
Values and Principles of Working in the Community
Self-determination - people and communities have the right to make their own
choices and decisions.
Empowerment - people should be able to control and use their own assets and means
to influence.
CO
Organization Resource
Building Mobilization
PARTICIPATORY
IGP or Coalition
DEVELOPMENT
MED Building
Socio- Networking
Economic and
Work Advocacy
Social Base
Environmental Federation
Activities Building
Management