BASIC PRINCIPLES OF

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
There are fundamental principles of community development, which
form the underlying foundation of every developed society. As the
renowned psychologist William James observed, each individual is
unique, and consequently, every group and community differs from
one another due to various temperamental factors.
The primary principle of community development is to recognize and
address local needs.
 Community and Development
 What is community:
Community is a physical place but it also can be defined as people who live in
the same location, share common interests, jointly own or participate in
something, share common characteristics or have mutual relations.
 What is development:
Development relates to realizing potential, growth or expansion of something,
or making something more effective. Put together simply, community
development is the act of growing, expanding or making more effective groups
of people who have mutual interests.
 Community development
 United Nations: Community development is a process designed to create
conditions of economic and social progress for the whole community with its
active participation and fullest possible reliance upon the community’s
initiative.
 Amartya Sen: according to Amartya community development works for
expanding people’s freedom and capabilities to lead lives they value. It
involves improving opportunities and removing obstacles in community.
 Gunnar Myrdal: community development as a comprehensive process
addressing both social and economic issues.
Princoples Of Community D
evelopment
 1. Coordination and Adoption
 It is essential for the social organizer to thoroughly understand the local
needs, environments, and conditions, as well as the basic requirements of the
community for development. Being aware of both the positive and negative
reactions to a program is crucial. Therefore, any initiatives undertaken should
align with the values and norms of the society and be suited to the local
conditions. The social organizer must ensure that the community's
sentiments are not disturbed and should strive to gain cooperation without
causing offense
 Community Participation
 Everyone has a valuable contribution to make, and community members can
participate at any level. Volunteers and community members play a crucial
role in decision-making, evaluation, service provision, participation, and
setting the direction at all levels of the organization
 Inclusion
 The diverse contributions that individuals bring are appreciated, regardless of their
background or abilities. Individual and local needs are recognized and often
addressed through informal interactions. Identifying these needs and issues using
various methods is essential for guiding the planning and development of activities
and programs.
 Access and Equity
 Centers are designed to be accessible and welcoming to everyone. They strive to
promote a more equitable distribution of economic resources and power among
people by focusing on improving the social, environmental, economic, and cultural
infrastructures within their communities.
 Networking
 Building connections, forming alliances, collaborating, and working with individuals,
groups, other agencies, government, and businesses are essential. These efforts
require a blend of formal and informal methods to effectively foster connections
within local communities.
* "centers" refers to community centers or hubs that serve as focal points within a
community
2. Choosing the Local Leaders to the Forefront
 People possess varying levels of potential and abilities. Those with strong
potential and leadership qualities should be placed in key roles. The principle
of committed local leadership is the foundation of any community
development process. This leadership is not about political power, but about
guiding human welfare—leadership devoted to altruistic goals. A true leader
engages with the community, making the selection of the right leader crucial
for successful community development.
 Community Ownership
 Members play an active role in decision-making and take ownership of the
center’s activities. Each center is governed by a voluntary management
committee made up of elected members who live, work, or participate in the
local community. This governance model is developmental, fostering
cooperation and collaboration among staff, volunteers, participants, and the
broader community, thereby creating a variety of community benefits.
 3. Three Pronged Attack of Backwardness

 Life is a multifaceted and ever-changing process. To improve human

conditions, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the various
aspects and dimensions of all problems. When addressing a social issue, the
first step is to identify its underlying causes. To effectively address these
root causes, any program designed should be comprehensive and aimed at
fostering a modern and developed political system, economy, and society. A
social worker, therefore, must possess a thorough understanding and a
holistic approach to these challenges.
 Social Action
 Internal and external factors affecting the local community are carefully
analyzed, and relationships between individuals, groups, and organizations
within the community are transformed through collective action.
 Advocacy:
 Centers advocate for community members by acting with them or on their
behalf to meet individual and group needs.
 4. Self Help
 This refers to the disparity in community resources. In developed countries, social
work often emphasizes self-help. However, in our country, poverty makes this
approach difficult to implement. As a result, government financial and technical
support is necessary to get things moving; some form of government aid is
unavoidable.
 Individuals are encouraged to come together in a supportive and caring group
environment where they can share information, knowledge, skills, and life
experiences. This collective sharing helps each participant work towards
achieving their personal goals.
 Empowerment
 A process is implemented that respects, values, and enhances people's ability to
take control of their lives. This approach encourages individuals to meet their
needs and aspirations in a self-aware and informed manner, leveraging their
skills, experience, and potential. Change and growth are fostered by informing
and empowering both individuals and communities.
 5. Insight and Psychological Path
Ways
 Social workers must follow psychological pathways, which involve studying
the entire social system, including the norms, values, and overall social
structure. They need to understand the ideology and the influence of
religion on the social setup. In our society, people's ideas and behaviors can
sometimes be deeply rooted in old and traditional beliefs, with strong
adherence to these orthodox principles. To address this, social workers
adopt psychological pathways, carefully observing and understanding the
mindset of the community to effectively engage with them.
 Lifelong Learning
 Learning is woven into every aspect of center activities, helping to build and
enhance the personal skills, knowledge, abilities, and resilience of
individuals. Through both formal and informal pathways in education,
employment, and self-development, centers foster the health, well-being,
and connectedness of people and their families.
 6. Prediction About the
Repercussions
 Dynamic communities possess a vision and a deeper understanding of the
future. They approach challenges in a calculated and scientific manner,
anticipating and preparing for what the society may face in the coming
years. Emerging problems are identified and addressed proactively. When a
social program—such as one focused on education or health—is introduced,
its potential long-term effects are considered, as planning for the future is
both necessary and indispensable. In line with these principles, the social
worker plays a vital role, encompassing both major and minor functions:
 a. Social Diagnosis: A social worker acts as a social diagnostician, much
like a doctor in the social sphere. They identify problem areas and blind
spots within the community.
 b. Treatment: A social worker also serves as a mediator and negotiator,
akin to a social doctor. They work to resolve conflicts among different groups
and individuals, providing solutions to the problems identified.
 Example: Establishing a Community Health and
Wellness Initiative
1. Coordination and Adoption:
 Action: Begin by coordinating with local healthcare providers, community leaders,
government health departments, and NGOs to adopt a comprehensive health and
wellness initiative. This ensures that the program is tailored to the specific health
needs of the community and that all key stakeholders are on board. Engage
community members in the planning process to foster a sense of ownership and
ensure the initiative is well-integrated into the community.
2. Choosing the Local Leaders to the Forefront:
 Action: Identify and empower local health advocates, such as respected elders,
teachers, or local healthcare workers, to lead the initiative. These leaders will be
crucial in promoting the program, encouraging participation, and bridging the gap
between the community and external healthcare providers. Their leadership will
help ensure the program is culturally sensitive and locally relevant.
3. Three-Pronged Attack on Health Issues:
 Action: Address health issues in the community through a three-pronged
approach:
 Prevention: Implement preventive health measures such as vaccination drives,
hygiene education, and nutritional workshops to reduce the incidence of common
diseases.
 Treatment: Improve access to medical treatment by organizing regular health
camps, mobile clinics, and partnerships with local hospitals for subsidized care.
 Awareness: Conduct awareness campaigns on critical health issues like maternal
and child health, mental health, and chronic disease management, empowering the
community to take proactive steps towards better health.
4. Self-Help:
 Action: Encourage self-help by training community members to become
health volunteers or peer educators who can disseminate health information
and provide basic care within their neighborhoods. Establish support groups
for chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, where individuals can
share experiences and strategies for managing their health, fostering a
supportive community network.
5. Insight and Psychological Pathways:
 Action: Approach the program with an understanding of the community's cultural
beliefs and practices related to health. For instance, if traditional medicine is
prevalent, find ways to integrate it with modern healthcare practices in a respectful
manner. This helps in gaining the community's trust and participation, making the
initiative more effective and sustainable.
6. Prediction About the Repercussions:
 Action: Anticipate potential challenges or changes that may arise from the
initiative, such as resistance to new health practices or shifts in social dynamics as
health improves. Plan for these by including strategies to address concerns, such as
community discussions and continuous feedback loops. Additionally, predict how
improved health outcomes might affect other areas, like local productivity or
education, and prepare to support these positive developments.
 Summary:
 This Community Health and Wellness Initiative is a comprehensive approach
designed to improve the overall health of the community. It involves coordinating
efforts across different sectors, empowering local leaders, addressing key health
issues through a multi-faceted approach, promoting self-help, respecting the
community's cultural context, and anticipating long-term effects.