Engaging with Communities

Abstract

This chapter explores the second key areas of competence required of all community development practitioners, as outlined in the International Standards. These are the knowledge, skills and sensitivity of approach required to engage first with a community. By preparing for that engagement and doing the necessary background research, the community development agency and practitioner begins to understand the problems and needs faced by disadvantaged and vulnerable communities. It then moves on to ways of introducing yourself and your agency and what technical expertise and resources you can offer; of how to engage with community leaders and activists and other members of the community. It explores how to identify what members of a community are concerned about and the aspirations people have. By getting the engagement process right, trust is built to work together. Finally, the chapter presents five case studies drawn from around the world describing how community development practitioners engaged with communities, exploring the range of approaches adopted and from that the actions then taken to address issues of concern.