Community Development Practice Research Articles

Wearing their heart on a wall: the World’s Biggest Comic

Abstract An arts-based project, using a community development approach engaging people in a community of place to address suicide prevention, is potentially powerful. This involves linking community development and mental health promotion practice. The challenge in doing this is that, conceptually, the integration between the two is incomplete and there is a lack of guidance about effective community processes. This paper analyses community development processes to create the World’s Biggest Comic (WBC). The WBC was an innovative, large scale public art project engaging local artists, some with a lived experience of mental illness, to tell a story of Will and Hope. A 15-part comic story, printed on vinyl canvas panels and mounted on buildings, covered 600 m2. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=217471332673743 Conducted in a small rural South Australian community by the local volunteer Suicide Prevention Network, the WBC aimed to raise awareness, break down stigma, and prompt life-saving conversations. Results of a mixed method impact evaluation are presented using a community development framework that considers ‘people’, ‘space’, and ‘place’. The use of sociological concepts about community and the community field, the value of relationships, and listening to the voices of those with a lived experience of mental illness, may assist practice. Some potential learnings and pitfalls in using a community development approach in mental health promotion are discussed.

A Turn to Assets in Community-Based Computing Research: Tradeoffs, Deficits, and Neoliberalism in Technological Development

CSCW and HCI scholars are increasingly adopting asset-based approaches to community-based social computing research. Emerging from asset-based community development (ABCD), an approach to community and economic development research and practice that emerged in the 1990s, advocates for asset-based approaches argue that a "needs-based approach" to development is overly focused on community deficits, and in doing so portrays communities in a largely negative light. Using ABCD methods, social computing scholars work to aid communities in identifying, classifying, and deploying their unrealized assets through sociotechnical systems. But researchers deploying asset-based approaches in CSCW and HCI more broadly have yet to grapple with the origins of ABCD in neoliberal economic shifts of the 1980s and 1990s that perpetuated distrust in the state and sought to transfer development power to private, local actors. Drawing on a case study of controversy around the construction of a cell tower in a very remote and rural community in the Midwestern United States to examine the inherent tradoffs present in asset- and deficit-based research.

Exploring ‘place-based’ initiatives in philanthropic community development: A transnational examination of Canadian and US Foundations

ABSTRACT Though the concept of place-based philanthropy is common parlance in community development scholarship and practice, there is still uncertainty around its meaning due to the multidisciplinary nature of its study and definitional variation among and between scholars and practitioners. This article presents findings from a recently edited volume created by a binational research team. Ten cases of philanthropic initiatives were explored to develop a transnational understanding of foundation engagement in place-based philanthropy. Place-based philanthropy was explored by considering collaboration with other stakeholders, initiative evaluation, systems change efforts, and issues of power, equity, and justice. Our findings suggest that place-based philanthropy among foundations is heterogeneous. While some foundations adhere to traditional forms of place-based philanthropy, others are pushing the boundaries of this type of work. This article urges both academics and practitioners to reimagine place-based philanthropy for transformative purposes.

Community development strategies to meet challenges of potential impacts of rapid economic development in Thailand

ABSTRACT In 2018, the Thai Government proposed industrial investment in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). This research aimed to identify ways for a community to safely voice their concerns about the perceived impacts of rapid economic policy under an authoritarian regime. Practice-theories of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) and Participatory Development Practice (PDP) guided community facilitators. Research methods included in-depth interviews, observation, and a consensus conference with key stakeholders. The results suggest that ABCD assisted the community in identifying physical and social capacity and cultural values as assets. PDP helped stakeholders to 1) raise awareness about inconsistency with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); 2) engage young people in voicing their concerns; and 3) achieve greater collaboration. The research showed that community development approaches can aid government policy implementation processes, to enable consistent achievement across the SDGs.

Engaging in Community Development Practices, Public Libraries as Flagship Bearers: A case study of Mulanthuruthy Public Libraryas Flagship Bearers: A case study of Mulanthuruthy Public Library in Ernakulum District, Kerala, Indiain Ernakulum District, Kerala, India

Engaging in Community Development Practices, Public Libraries as Flagship Bearers: A case study of Mulanthuruthy Public Libraryas Flagship Bearers: A case study of Mulanthuruthy Public Library in Ernakulum District, Kerala, Indiain Ernakulum District, Kerala, India

Bridging the gap between social work and community development: implementing a post-graduate training partnership

ABSTRACT Although, arguably, the origins of social work in the UK have been closely aligned to community development in the past few decades, social work has occupied a bureaucratic landscape focusing primarily on individual risks and needs, leading to both fields drifting further apart. Dismantling of shared values and practices was fueled by layers of government policy and legislation, driven by a neoliberal agenda and public management reforms. However, a horizon of hope emerged when university staff in Social Work and Community Development Departments in Northern Ireland were approached to examine the need to reintroduce community development principles and practices into social work training. This paper aims to trace the development of a post-graduate diploma in community development approaches for professional social workers and analyses research that explores community development as the essence of social work. The programme was developed through a synergistic partnership between university, health trusts and the professional awarding body. Tracking 4 years of programme delivery, the paper highlights the effectiveness of, and learning from, collaboration between the two professions at strategic, technical, and operational levels. We posit here well-learned lessons for future collaborations and make recommendations providing a route map to mainstreaming community development in social work practice.

Reflections on evaluators' role in community needs assessment

Evaluators play a critical role in shaping evaluation practices, but in practice this can be challenging to accomplish in ways that are productive as well as healing. This article discusses evaluation practices in the context of a project commissioned as needs-based to assist with community recovery after a racially motivated mass shooting in an urban neighbourhood marginalised by crime, income, race and unemployment. Development of an unmet needs survey included incorporating initial data collected by empowered community leaders with subsequent data collected by evaluators through focus groups and surveys. Evaluators then analysed and organised the data into a report that community leaders could submit to local and state officials. Identifying details were omitted out of an abundance of concern and respect for the privacy of the communities and constituents that were directly and indirectly affected by the tragedy that inspired this discourse.
 
 
 
 This article presents a reflective discussion between evaluators on whether or not it would have been appropriate to suggest integrating an assets-based community development (ABCD) approach within a commissioned community needs assessment. It also covers the evaluators’ process of using a critical lens to retrospectively assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of adopting an asset-based community development (ABCD) approach. The discussion emphasises the importance of acknowledging and engaging with the diverse perspectives held by the wider evaluation community. It recognises, too, the value of ongoing dialogue and debate to encourage evaluators to critically reflect on the appropriateness and implications of integrating a variety of approaches within community needs assessments. This article also explores how the authors ‘made space’ for this conversation, including aspects of content analysis and consideration of crucial conversations, parameters and ethics, in the hope of further stimulating discussion and fostering a decision-making process that would encompass a range of viewpoints, ultimately driving more effective and responsive community development practices.
 
 

PENINGKATAN KEMAMPUAN DAN KREATIVITAS SANTRI PONDOK PESANTREN DAARUL ULUUM BANTAR KEMANG KOTA BOGOR MELALUI PELATIHAN MEMBUAT GANTUNGAN POT BUNGA

Creativity is the result of a relationship between talents, processes, and the environment in which individuals or groups create new and useful products. Creativity knows no age. From childhood to old age. This activity aims to foster creativity and improve the skills of OSIS Board of Daarul Uluum Bantar Kemang Islamic Boarding School, Bogor City through training in making flower pot hangers. The method used in this activity is Community Development Practice and combined with the Peer Assisted Learning Model. The trainees were able to make several models of flower pot hangers from kur rope, cloth rope and cotton rope. Through this activity there has been an increase in the ability and knowledge of the students and they are increasingly aware of the importance of creativity in being creative. This is reflected in their enthusiasm for being able to make several models of hanging pots in a relatively short time.

“Want to help someone? Shut up and listen”: Foreign aid, maladaptation, and community development practices in the Pacific

AbstractMotivationThrough a Fiji case analysis, this article elaborates on how well‐intentioned foreign aid initiatives can result in maladaptation for local communities. When most well‐intentioned foreign aid institutions become aware of development problems in the Pacific Island Countries, they start planning development interventions. However, maladaptation can occur where there is insufficient community input, creating conditions that worsen situations and make communities more vulnerable.PurposeThe study highlights a way to improve the sustainability and effectiveness of development projects with local communities by analysing two case studies. One is a community project driven by a civil society organization (CSO) and the other is community‐driven development (CDD) project in Fiji.Approach and methodsThe researcher engaged in community field studies while working as a civil servant in Fiji for 12 years and has continued these studies as a researcher for five years. The data used in this article are both experiential and research‐based. Action research took place when the author supported CDD programmes based on traditional farming. This study provides a longitudinal view that includes critical auto‐ethnography and talanoa.FindingsThis study finds that the CSO did not appreciate community aspirations and local knowledge, leading to community maladaptation in response to their programme intervention. By contrast, CDD in the same locale saw community members take control of strategizing, carrying out development activities, and monitoring. This directly contributed to community resilience and collective well‐being, in addition to making the CDD activities more sustainable than those dependent on donor funding.Policy implicationsThis article showcases the value of CDD for Pacific communities and the importance of accounting for local aspirations and worldviews. Thus, policies in Pacific Island Countries should ensure that any community development programmes respect people's culture and understand their notions of well‐being and resilience, and so contribute to more self‐determined development.

Structure of Labor: Toward a New Theory of Community and Economic Development

Abstract In the United States, the rise in income inequality and downward intergenerational social mobility since the 1970s represent twin problems facing community and economic development today. This paper proposes a Structure of Labor theory to apply at the local and regional level to address these development challenges. The objective is to provide a simple local approach to development that maximizes upward economic mobility and enables individuals and communities to achieve their development goals in the 21st century development landscape of the United States. The proposed theory fuses free-enterprise principles with state-planned dirigiste efforts to maximize the best of both theoretical perspectives. After reviewing pertinent literature and articulating the Structure of Labor theory, the latter sections of the paper explicate its implications for community and economic development practice.

ACCOUNTING ASSISTANCE FOR MASJID AL IJABAH KAV TANAH BARU DEPOK

This service aims to analyze the problems of the mosque's financial system, design a mosque's financial accounting design that is in line with the socio-cultural conditions of the local community while still in accordance with applicable accounting standards, as well as implementing and assisting with the application of the mosque's accounting system. The approach used is Community Development Practice which was adapted from Vincent II, J.W. Jack is one of the approaches taken with community development which is directed at increasing access in order to achieve better conditions. The results of the mentoring resulted in two things, namely the mosque entity being able to identify mosque assets which so far have not been inventoried. The second mosque entity can produce financial statements of non-profit entities including statements of financial position, activity reports, and cash flow reports that can be accessed by stakeholders.

Tracking Racialized Gentrification-Induced Displacement of Indigenous African American Residents

The disproportionate racial impact of gentrification-induced displacement is becoming more of a topic of debate because of the growing evidence and continued outcry of institutional and systemic racism from communities of color. The lack of research in tracking displacement requires new approaches to studying gentrification to address the challenges of investigating the impact on communities of color. In addition to studying the economic, political, and socially motivated reasons for gentrification, the application of a racism-centered framework can shed light on the role of white hegemony in community and urban development policies and practices. Social work researchers can significantly contribute to the body of literature regarding the impact of gentrification-induced displacement of African American residents by applying one of the many social work frameworks in research. Understanding the disproportionate racial impact of displacement on indigenous residents can inform social policies regarding community development strategies and propose interventions to mitigate the impact.

Contributions of African Traditional Knowledge to Community Development Theory and Practice

Africa's capacity for developing, testing, and applying traditional knowledge is closely linked to its indigenous knowledge capacity. This paper explores the role of Indigenous knowledge in community development and the challenges associated with its integration into development theories and initiatives. Colonialism, which diminished the relevance of traditional knowledge and promoted Western development techniques, has left a legacy of dependency on Western knowledge systems. As a result, the contribution of Indigenous knowledge to community development and other developmental practices has often been overlooked. This study employs a quantitative research method based on secondary data analysis to investigate these issues. The findings highlight the significant potential of Indigenous knowledge in contributing to development efforts. However, various factors, including restrictive rules, regulations, standards, and limited funding for Indigenous knowledge research, documentation, and application, hinder its full utilisation. To address these limitations, this paper recommends the development of a clear research agenda for Indigenous knowledge, with articulated research objectives and expected outcomes. Additionally, the establishment of frameworks for validating knowledge within the educational system is proposed. These measures aim to enhance the recognition and integration of Indigenous knowledge into development practices, fostering a more holistic and culturally sensitive approach to community development.

Basic Health Service Delivery to Vulnerable Populations in Post-Conflict Eastern Congo: Asset Mapping.

Populations in post-conflict settings often have increased healthcare needs, residing in settings where basic services needed to maintain good health may be non-existent or hard to access. Therefore, there is a need for better identification and reallocation of resources as part of the post-conflict health rehabilitation effort. Assets can be described as the collective resources that individuals and communities have at their disposal, which protect against adverse health outcomes and promote health status. This study applies an asset-based approach to explore the most optimal design of health services and to identify the resource constraints for basic health service delivery to the most vulnerable communities in eastern Congo. We implemented the asset mapping in two phases. Firstly, we combined a qualitative survey with community walks to identify the assets already present in the communities. Secondly, we conducted group discussions to map out assets that are the core of asset-based community development (ABCD) practice. We finally documented all assets in a Community Asset Spreadsheet. Overall, 210 assets were identified as available and potentially valuable resources for the communities in eastern Congo. Among them, 57 were related to local associations, 23 to land and physical environments, 43 to local institutions, 46 to individuals, 35 to economy and exchange, and only 6 to culture, history, and stories. Drawing upon the findings of the qualitative survey, community walks, and group discussions, we concluded that an important number of resources are in place for basic health service delivery. By activating existing and potential resources, the most vulnerable populations in eastern Congo might have the required resources for basic health service delivery. Our findings support the use of an asset-mapping research method as appropriate for identifying existing and potential resources for basic health services in a post-conflict setting.

Can U.S. planned communities become diverse? The case of industry-leading master-planned communities in five metro areas

ABSTRACT The history of master-planned community (MPC) development is inseparable from the history of race- and class-based discrimination and segregation in the United States. This paper investigates the place of exclusion and inclusion in planned community development practice. We undertook qualitative and quantitative analyses of the MPC development practice from the 1990s to the present. Through archival analysis and interviews, we demonstrate that, beginning in the early 2000s, MPC developers started to embrace diversity for financial success. We further confirm this trend by quantitatively analyzing U.S. Census Bureau data. We find that MPCs built since 2000 are racially and ethnically more diverse than their predecessors, with greater emphasis on middle-income households. Based on these findings, we carefully posit that American MPCs are moving toward greater diversity, a clear departure from their history of exclusion. We conclude with policy implications for various levels of the government to take advantage of this trend.

Creating Empowerment Communication Model: Case Study Of Community Dialogue Process

The challenges that communication practitioners face in empowering communities living near multinational companies are significant, especially in ensuring these communities receive their social rights from the profits generated by these companies. Often, mining companies show little concern for the environmental consequences of their exploration activities on affected communities. These qualitative case studies use various research methods, including observation, interviews, document analysis, and descriptive data analysis techniques, with beneficiaries and relevant officials as the primary informants. The core objective of this study is to build a model of communication empowerment through the process of community dialogue. This study focuses on the case of a geothermal exploration project in Kamojang, Garut, using a case study approach to explain the development of an empowerment-oriented communication model through dialogue. This analysis underscores the critical significance of addressing the participatory needs of marginalized communities. Communication models for community empowerment developed near mining company operations are essential in preparing these communities to be self-sufficient, even after the closure of exploration sites. The study not only emphasizes the urgent need to empower communities affected by the company's activities but also showcases practical models for achieving this empowerment through dialogue. It serves as a valuable blueprint for improving communication strategies in the same context, with potentially broader implications in corporate social responsibility and community development practices.

Poverty, wealth and no revolution in sight: Social work, community development and promoting the art of dissent as insurrection during the neoliberal era

This article explores the impact of neoliberalism on the linked areas of social work and community development practice, and makes the contention that practice is often poverty driven rather than poverty informed. Using notions of dissensus and insurrection, the argument is made that the authority of the neoliberal discourse on the social structures of Aotearoa New Zealand creates conditions in which revolutionary reform is difficult, leaving the better option of continuous, variously situated, insurrections and dissents against the neoliberal story that responsibility for fault is seated within individual families and communities rather than being a function of deliberately created policies that serve the wealthy at the expense of the poor.

Interactional theory as a keystone of learning in action, creativity, innovation, and democracy

ABSTRACT This reflexive practice article is about how we, the authors, have put Kenneth P. Wilkinson’s theories into use in our Community and Economic Development practice, particularly the interactional theory of community. It is our aim to discuss ways this theory has shaped how we view and work with communities in the hopes of supporting a purposive, reflexive, and democratic practice that fosters innovation, creativity, and learning, with the ultimate intention of supporting community members and communities in their journeys to improve their own collective well-being. In this article, we briefly discuss ways that interactional theory has been most useful in shaping our scholar-practitioner-educator’s mind-set, how our observations from dozens of communities have nuanced our understanding of interactional theory, and how we see the theory being applied in the future given our rapidly changing and unpredictable world.

Community Development Practices through Corporate Social Responsible (CSR) Program

Conflicts that occur between companies and communities often have detrimental impacts, both for companies, communities and local governments. Conflicts that occur are usually over land ownership or customary land issues, while one of the main factors causing conflict is community dissatisfaction with companies that are considered to have less attention and contribution to society. The conflict that occurred between the company and the community was in accordance with the media coverage of klip.com (2022) which stated that the Tebo Regency Government mediated to resolve conflicts between the community and two companies in the area which had been going on for a long time. This research is aimed at finding solutions to conflicts involving communities and companies through community empowerment schemes in the CSR program. As a result, the implementation of community empowerment in CSR programs is proven to reduce conflict between communities and companies. In essence, community development must not create dependency, but must be able to encourage the creation of more creativity and self-reliance in society.

Local Experience in Improving the Health Quality of Malnourished Children (Stunting) in Rundeng Village – West Aceh Regency

This article aims to explore local experiences in improving the health quality of children suffering from malnutrition (stunting) in Rundeng Village, Johan Pahlawan Subdistrict, West Aceh Regency. This study was conducted through a community engagement process utilizing the operational steps of community development practices. The research findings indicate that the stages of implementing health quality improvement for stunting cases involved two main methods: the construction of decent housing and the provision of supplementary nutrition to the Pertamina Meulaboh mentoring group through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. The research implications provide important guidance in the process of reducing stunting cases, emphasizing the importance of planning innovations and third-party interventions in improving health quality, especially in villages that have not been reached by sustainable development programs. However, this study has its own unique characteristics in terms of practical aspects that may not be generalized to different locations, thus requiring a broader examination of the scope and operational domain of different research.