What is Community
Development?
Community developments about
building active and sustainable communities based on social justice and mutual
respect.
It is about changing power
structures to remove the barriers that prevent people from participating in the
issues that affect their lives.
Community workers support
individuals, groups and organisations in this process
on the basis of certain values and commitments
Values
Social Justice -enabling
people to claim their human rights meet their needs and have greater control
over the decision-making processes which affect their lives.
Participation -facilitating democratic involvement by people in the
issues which affect their lives based on full citizenship, autonomy, and shared
power, skills, knowledge and experience.
Equality Ð challenging the attitudes of individuals, and the practices
of institutions and society, which discriminate against and marginalise
people.
Learning Ð recognizing the skills, knowledge and expertise that people
contribute and develop by taking action to tackle social, economic, political and
environmental problems.
Co-operation Ð working together to identify and implement action, based
on mutual respect of diverse cultures and contributions.
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Challenging
discrimination and oppressive practices within organisations,
institutions and communities.
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Developing
practice and policy that protects the environment.
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Encouraging
networking and connections between communities and organisations.
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Ensuring access
and choice for all groups and individuals within society.
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Influencing
policy and programmes from the perspective of
communities.
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Prioritising the issues of
concern to people experiencing poverty and socialexclusion.
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Promoting social
change that is long-term and sustainable.
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Reversing
inequality and the imbalance of power relationships in society.
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Supporting
community led collective action.