Foundational phases for community development: An expanded conceptual model for community development practice and higher education

Abstract

ABSTRACT The field of community development is exponentially growing in both education and practice. Of the notable theories referenced in community development, Bhattacharyya's theory on Solidarity and Agency remains one of the most cited works among researchers. This article presents a conceptual model named The Foundational Phases for Community Development which can act as a guide for community development leadership and education across a range of community types including communities of place, interest, practice, and identity. The Foundational Phases for Community Development model accepts Bhattacharyya's concepts of solidarity and agency along with the addition of “capacity” as an essential goal within the community development process. Moreover, this model transforms these goals into three interconnected sequential phases made up of specific activities and strategies that can be replicated by various forms of community development leaders to address issues and meet the objectives of communities of varying complexity.