Reclaiming the well-being agenda in community development

In 1977 Cynthia Cockburn published The Local State, a critique of the relationship between community development and corporate management in local government. This work prefigured wider and continuing attention to how depoliticized forms of community development can assist in the implementation of neoliberal agendas, particularly by focussing responsibility for social provision away from the state. However, in this process those who write and teach about community development have largely lost sight of the role of local government, which has itself been reformed internationally under heavy neoliberal influence. This is a serious problem because local government sponsors and shapes so much community development practice, and also because it is an institution through which wider social reform may be pursued. The implications of overlooking neoliberal localized control agendas for community development are explored via a case study from Victoria, Australia, where local government has become a principal vehicle for promoting participative ‘community planning’. As in other countries, close analysis reveals that what is represented as inclusive and empowering community engagement is effectively about containment and control. Community development intellectuals need to address the nature and implications of such policies and programs, as well as the evolving nature of the local state and the opportunities for change that may be available. If its analysts and educators were to take up this challenge, community development would be better placed to reach beyond its marginalized status in local government, to try to use the institution as a whole in the pursuit of social justice. A valuable stimulus for such endeavour could come from a special issue of the Community Development Journal which revisits the relationship between community development and the ‘local state’.

Through the lens of Ubuntu, this study examines the historical development of community development practices in Tanzania's mainland from prehistoric and post-colonial periods to the present. By utilising a literature review technique and secondary data in addition to the author's personal observations, the study provides insights on indigenous community development practices. The analysis explores the contextual understanding of community and community development in relation to post-Arusha Declaration of 1967 through Ujamaa policy and Ubuntu of pre-colonial Tanzania. One of the tenets of Ubuntu, Ujamaa evolved into a human-centered approach to community and national development. According to the study, Tanzanian communities are dynamic and change over time as a result of their experiences, history, environment, conscious efforts, and shared vision. Tanzania's history of community development dates back to the pre-colonial era, when the Ubuntu idea and group support networks were prevalent. On Tanzania's mainland, colonialism brought in Western-style community development. After independence, however, traditional African methods were revived, with an emphasis on community participation in social, political, cultural, and economic spheres. Ubuntu and Ujamaa go hand in hand, but they have also been successful in helping the community's members develop a sense of unity and shared responsibility that has allowed them to work together towards shared objectives and support one another through trying times. This has had a positive effect on the nation's modern community development, and the government is still committed to upholding other Ubuntu values that are essential for fostering an environment that is supportive of community development initiatives. The comparable viewpoint is reflected in the presence of community development officers in every community. Reviewing community development policies, indigenizing training, developing competency-based curricula, and incorporating the African Ubuntu model are among the recommendations made by this study for community development

Implementation of large-scale wind, solar and hydro projects in South African communities is intended to contribute to local economic development. Government policy, through the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Prog-ramme (REIPPPP), obliges energy companies to share revenue and ownership with local communities, thus providing renewable energy companies with a significant opportunity to position the industry as a significant contributor to community development and thus to the country’s transformation and development agenda. This investigation draws on policy documents and interview data to establish that the policy’s lack of appreciation for existing community development tradition and frameworks, commonly applied in South African development policy and programmes, has weakened its potential. Furthermore, it theoretically positions the emerging practice employed by the renewables industry in the implementation of the REIPPPP requirements, and outlines how existing academic and practical knowledge about community development and company-community relations can provide guidance and support in building an impactful practice.Keywords: community relations and development, REIPPPP, community benefit, project implementation, social performanceHighlights• South Africa is implementing a unique version of pro-poor renewable energy policy. • Industry and local communities and government need to build quality relationships to successfully implement the policy requirements.• The policy and practice ignores established community development traditions and frameworks.• Existing knowledge grounded in South African practice and policy experience can guide the sector’s understanding of and vision for development.

ABSTRACTIn a rapidly changing global environment, there have been renewed calls to position community development more centrally in social work, particularly in the face of contemporary practice challenges. This paper analyses the broad policy contexts of neoliberalism, globalisation, and governance change and discusses how these forces interact with social work and community development, drawing on examples from Australia and Ireland. The paper argues that sociopolitical forces both restrict and present opportunities for social work and community development practice and we seek to reactivate debate about the position of community development within changing and challenging contexts.IMPLICATIONSContextualises community development practice, policy, and research within contemporary environments of neoliberalism, globalisation, and governance change.Critically evaluates implications and new opportunities for social work and community development, drawing on examples from Australia and Ireland.Reactivates debate and analysis on the position of community development in contemporary social work as we move forward into the new decade, and the next global agenda for social work and social development.

A growing number of occupational therapists are re-engaging in work with communities and populations to advance a social justice agenda. To assist in this endeavour, many are coupling occupational therapy and community development theory, as reflected in the social occupational therapy field. Social occupational therapy practitioners work with groups of people who do not necessarily have a health diagnosis or illness but who nonetheless experience occupational issues due to structural barriers within society. Practitioners work across micro- and macro-levels to not only alleviate symptoms of these issues but also to transform their root causes. Although community development is a logical partner to assist such practice, there are inherent tensions in the coupling of these disciplines. This study aimed to explore what theory occupational therapists were using from occupational therapy and community development to guide them in their social occupational therapy practice. This study employed a collaborative and participatory qualitative research method. Four occupational therapy community development practitioners each participated in two one-on-one dialogical interviews with the first author. These were transcribed and analysed using Braun and Clarke's method of thematic analysis. Findings were grouped into two themes: (a) Occupational therapy and community development - synergies and tensions, and (b) Of the profession but not in it. Findings highlighted the theoretical shortcomings of occupational therapy for community development practice, theoretical tensions between the two disciplines, and the 'underground' nature of occupational therapy community development practice. Practitioners should be supported by the occupational therapy profession to be effective community development practitioners, capable of advancing the profession's vision of social justice. Future research should explore methods to support practitioners to navigate tensions between occupational therapy and community development, and bring this practice 'above ground'.

Community development as an academic discipline is concerned with the critical examination of how the forces of structural change, economic inte- gration, institutional development and renewal impact on the capacity of individuals, groups and communities for self-determination. As an area of professional practice, community development intervenes through distri- butive and collective strategies to enhance social justice and economic equity between groups and communities locally, nationally and internation- ally. These are achieved through development strategies that seek to increase the skills and capabilities of people to act on their own behalf to transform their communities through participation in economic, sociopoli- tical and institutional developments. For community development inter- vention to be effective, transforming and sustainable, it must be participatory; the process must be collaborative with members of the client community defining what their needs and issues are, what they con- sider to be their well-being and what processes would work best within their context. The need for community development intervention to ensure social justice and economic equity is particularly critical in societies where indigenous people and other minority ethno-cultural communities are marginalized by socio-economic and political processes such as coloni- zation, globalization and political and economic restructuring. The concept of 'community' used in the papers for this special issue of the Community Development Journal reflects the variety of settings and the diver- sity of community development practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. At one level, 'community' is used to refer to geographical locations such as rural and urban communities and, more specifically, neighbourhoods, but may also relate to a whole town or even region; whereas at another level it

There is growing interest in the integration of new technology and community development, particularly on the value that Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can add to community voices in setting development agendas. In the digital age, youth are emerging as leaders in capturing, packaging, and sharing information about their communities. Yet, there remains little documentation of the connection between in-depth field work with youth, new technology, and community development. To that end, this field report documents experiences of working with youth to map their community in the informal settlement of Mathare in Nairobi, Kenya. These youth created the first open data map of Mathare. The initiative—referred to locally as Map Mathare—offers key insights into how youth from urban informal settlements can utilize GIS technology to further their own development agendas. These youth can be engaged to work with community leaders and development practitioners to create valuable information to inform community development efforts.

Despite different ideologies and degrees of development, Cuba and South Africa share aspects of a historical legacy of colonization, racism, slavery, liberation struggle, revolution, and postcolonial development. A close relationship binds their leaders, President Fidel Castro and former President Nelson Mandela. They share many contemporary human resources development priorities designed to promote peace, social justice, and equality including programs in education, literacy, teacher training, housing, healthcare, community development, and environmental conservation. As South Africa proceeds through another decade of transformation and post-apartheid rule, her relationship with Cuba features in the development agenda as the country balances internal needs with competitiveness in the global arena, as President Castro noted in his Matanzas Rally address on July 26, 1991: “[H]ow far we slaves have come!” (Mandela and Castro, 1991: 41).This chapter considers the relationship between the two countries in light of their historical legacies, their respective human resources development programs, particularly in education, and their collaborations for mutual benefit in the pursuance of improved education, social justice, and a better life for all citizens. A brief overview on the details of Cuban and South African postcolonial development and developments in education are given here, as these have been thoroughly documented in the literature. I offer some illustrations from my own research on educational transformation in South Africa during the years 1990 to present and from two visits to Cuba.KeywordsHuman Resource DevelopmentApartheid RegimeBlack Economic EmpowermentCuban RevolutionFamily Social CapitalThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

This paper presents considerations which recommend an ethical principle to help guide community development practice towards consciously achieving social justice. Here community development is defined as the activity of participating in community responses to changes in its internal or external environment which help insure the survival of or enhance the quality of life for those living in the community. Community development practitioners are those engaged in that activity and thus would include those individuals who reside in the community and those who come from the “outside.” An ethical principle would provide a standard for practitioners and observers by which to judge such activities. Justice is defined in terms of fairness and recognition of inequality not implying inequity. The goal is to provide an ethical principle for community development practice which brings about social justice.

Purpose: This study sought to investigate the role of arts and cultural events in community development and social cohesion. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the role of arts and cultural events in community development and social cohesion. Preliminary empirical review revealed that such events acted as catalysts for economic and social revitalization, enhancing local business and infrastructure through increased foot traffic and investment. They significantly boosted social cohesion by providing a platform for diverse groups to engage and share cultural experiences, thus strengthening community ties and civic engagement. Additionally, participation in these events was linked to improved mental health and personal well-being, as they offered emotional and psychological benefits that extended from communal to individual levels. The findings highlighted the necessity for ongoing support and investment in the arts, underscoring their integral role in fostering cohesive, vibrant, and resilient communities. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social Capital Theory, Cultural Development Theory and Urban Regeneration Theory may be used to anchor future studies on the role of arts and cultural events in community development and social cohesion. The study provided comprehensive recommendations across theoretical, practical, and policy realms. It advocated for the integration of cultural activities into theories of social capital and community dynamics, emphasizing their dual role in fostering both inclusivity and deeper social bonds. Practically, it offered guidance on making cultural events more accessible and engaging for diverse communities, while on the policy level, it pushed for increased governmental investment and the incorporation of arts into broader development strategies. The study also suggested innovative funding models, continuous program evaluation, and the use of cultural indicators to track and enhance the impact of arts on communities. Additionally, it underscored the importance of promoting and advocating for the benefits of cultural events to secure sustained support and recognition.

Sport can serve as a powerful tool for community building, fostering inclusion, challenging intolerance, and advancing social justice. It also supports positive youth development and active citizenship. When embedded in local life and accessible beyond athletics, sport creates unique conditions for community development and inclusive action. Sport and equity-focused community development are about relationships. The perspectives and behaviors stemming from youth participation in sport—what they learn about human relationships, relationship building, and life skills—carry forward through time in all phases and facets of their lives. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), Ireland’s largest amateur sporting and cultural organization, exemplifies this potential. More than a sports organization, the GAA plays a central role in Irish society, offering opportunities for people of all ages to engage in sport, fitness, and well-being, while actively contributing to community life. GAA clubs often function as local social hubs, creating spaces for connection across generations. This article uses the GAA as a case study to explore how sport can be a unifying and inclusive structure for community building. Specifically, we will (1) examine the link between sport, youth, and active citizenship; (2) explore connections between sport, community, inclusion, and social justice; (3) offer a historical and cultural overview of the GAA; and (4) consider how organizations like the GAA can support efforts around inclusion, tolerance, and sustainability. The discussion will highlight implications for future community programming and policy.

Community Development for Social Change provides a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of community development and associated activities and discusses best practice from global experience and links that to the UK context. The book integrates the realities of practice to key underpinning theories, human rights, values and a commitment to promoting social justice. A range of practice models are described and analysed, including UK models, popular education and community organising as well as a range of practice issues that need to be understood by community development workers. For example, strategies to promote individual and community empowerment, challenging discrimination, building and sustaining groups, and critical reflection on practice. Finally, a range of case studies from the UK and overseas illustrates good practice in diverse contexts. These case studies are analysed with reference to the values of community development, the promotion of social justice and the underpinning theories. It is an essential text for those on community development courses as well as for a range of workers, including local government, national and local voluntary agencies, and community based organisations.

This article explores the development of Indigenous knowledge in relation to the ecosystem and how traditional concepts of planetary well-being can enhance ecosocial work approaches. From an academic point of view, ecosocial work is a unique paradigm that seeks to understand a holistic view of human health, social justice, and environmental sustainability. There is a strong focus on community development in ecosocial work, which is why the profession must be equipped with tools to address the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized groups including refugees and First Nations peoples. While these threats to human life and planetary well-being are well documented, little is known about the divergence of Indigenous epistemology in ecosocial work and how cultural strategies can enhance recovery and resilience building with community. Connecting cultural knowledge with contemporary ecosocial work theory and practice can provide effective pathways for communities suffering from grief and loss. This article explores Indigenous perspectives on living symbiotically with the natural world alongside traditional approaches toward enhancing community wellness. As Indigenous academics, the authors tell this story.

Community Development Society (CDS) started in 1970 in response to a need to provide opportunities for practitioners in the newly emerging community development profession to build their skills and advance professionally. unique vision of the founders was to closely link those involved in researching the discipline with those involved in the practice. strong network with local public officials charged with making the policies within which community development (CD) practitioners operate was a desired outcome. In many, if not most, instances, the CD person in the community shapes the climate within which CD activities are conducted. In Vol 1., No. 1., of the Journal, Duane L. Gibson wrote regarding goals for the emerging CDS: Here I would like to learn of new and tested ideas for improving the quality of community life--explicitly and objectively review so that I can determine whether they might work for me. Explorations of how you staff up, put a team together, organize to do a job. Here I would like to have a chance to examine and debate, with my colleagues, new theories of planned change. I want to be exposed to a wide range of ideas and people, a wider range than we may, perhaps, have at this time. Here I would like to consider new and unique approaches to the training of workers to serve community development ends.... It would include, hopefully, a journal to which we would all contribute ... In the same issue, C.B. Ratchford listed several major conditions in society, at that time, including: rapidity of change; urbanization; specialization and its consequences; large-scale social organization; expanding role of the public sector; creative federalism; and the affluent society. While specific topics and issues have changed in the past 40 years, the commitment of the Society to fostering effective community development has not. principles of good practice, updated several times, remain at the core of the Society's efforts to promote community development and will continue in the future. Adherence to these core values is one reason why the CDS has remained strong. In the past 40 years, the Journal has remained a major force in helping to upgrade the knowledge and capacity of CDS members but has also become a major publishing outlet for CD practitioners all over the world. It covers a broad range of issues pertinent to practitioners and scholars alike. recent survey of CDS members listed the Journal as one of the most valued services received. timeless mission and principles set for the Journal have made the broad core topics addressed consistent over the years. For example, the initial issue of the Journal discussed: The Community Development Profession in Today's Society; The Good Community--What Would It Be?; A Dynamic Approach to Participation in Community Development; and Training in Community Development. articles published in any recent issue of Community Development: Journal of the Community Development Society fit well into these topic areas. CDS in the future On the 40th Anniversary of CDS, the need for research and practice on CD topics is as strong, or perhaps even stronger, than in the 1970s. Advancements in knowledge, understanding, and practice of community development, many of which were fostered by the Society, mean that we can now address critical issues in more informed and successful ways. Subtle differences between business development, economic development, and community development are now recognized. While creating jobs is often among the highest priority issues, successful development practitioners understand and appreciate the need for effective community development. Researchers have made major contributions to our understanding of the importance of private-public partnerships, the role of community and private foundations, ways to bring all groups into development discussions, and the need to educate and motivate groups that in the past have not been part of the decisionmaking process. …

The community development profession appears to emphasize the normative neutralityl of community development practice, or at least the non-controversial nature of its normative orientation. In this paper, we argue that such views of community development are deficient because they do not account for community conflict. If community development practice is to avoid unjust or self-defeating activity, then normative principles—principles of justice—must be developed for resolving conflicts of interest within and between communities.