Community Practice Issues in the 21st Century

Abstract

ABSTRACT Community practice has developed an increasing array of models and skills in response to environmental stimuli and the development of social work practice. The beginning of the 21st Century is a period of rapid and complex change. This paper identifies key factors, as well as challenges facing community practice advocates. This paper proposes that many models of community practice, often operating simultaneously and in conscious and close relationship to empowerment-oriented, new social movements, will be necessary to advance social justice values and the interests of oppressed populations in the coming decades. Finally, this paper raises special challenges in this environment for empowerment-oriented practitioners.