Community Development Practice Research Articles

Feminist Perspective of Community Development Practices in Nepal

Feminist perspective of community development encompasses the gender sensitive development practices to ensure the equitable share of benefits and progress to all community members regardless of gender disparity. This research paper aims to examine the current status of gender inequality and the application of feminist principles into community development initiatives in Nepal as a pathway for achieving gender equality. This paper has prepared in a descriptive research design which is based on the secondary information collected from different scholarly published sources such as journal article, edited books, publication of government and other organization along with online database through official websites of respective organizations, Google scholar, NepJOL and so on. The findings reveal that incorporating feminist principles in community development practices can result in positive outcomes such as increased participation of women and leadership in decision-making processes and improved access to resources and services. It concludes that incorporating feminist principles into community development initiatives can play pivotal role in achieving gender equality, reduced gender-based violence and promoting inclusive and sustainable development in Nepal. Therefore, the study suggests that it is essential to implement targeted capacity-building programs to empower women with essential skills and knowledge, ensuring their active participation and leadership in community development initiatives to promote gender equality and inclusive progress in Nepal.

Community, Village, Gender, and Social Inclusion: A Literature Review

This article provides a summary of the literature review on the relationship between community, villages, gender, and social inclusion in community development. The researchers investigate how these factors interrelate and influence social inclusion. The article outlines the role of communities and villages in promoting social inclusion and how gender influences these dynamics. The study emphasizes the multifaceted nature of inclusivity in community development, including spatial, social, environmental, economic, and political dimensions. Attention is given to meaningful participation in decision-making processes and proposals for empowering marginalized groups. The research underscores the importance of social inclusion in sustainable urban development, particularly for addressing the needs of disadvantaged groups. It highlights the necessity for more inclusive community development policies and practices that prioritize meaningful participation, social inclusion, and equality.

Developing Compassionate Community: Insights from the International Standards for Community Development

Aging populations have increased demand for hospice palliative care and support for dying persons. More broadly, community support is also becoming an increasingly important aspect of public health intervention. Compassionate communities advocate active bottom-up community participation to strengthen communities’ assets around death and dying. However, these rapidly growing initiatives face a challenge in putting values such as cultural diversity, relationship, and love into practice and in making a social impact through “meaningful participation” at the community level. Reflecting on our experiences in a recent study of dying at home in Canada, we consider potential challenges for compassionate communities more broadly. We argue that risks related to gendered inequity, neo-liberal discourses around caring work, and an over-emphasis of community resilience need to be deliberated in compassionate community policy and service development. To mitigate these risks, we argue that the eight components of the International Standards for Community Development Practice or ISCDP (from the International Association for Community Development or IACD) provide important direction about putting values into practice, for instance by advocating for service and policy improvement while engaging in practice and research on compassionate communities. We discuss how the international standards can inform compassionate community development in Canada.

Beyond the Financial Horizon: A Critical Review of Social Responsibility in Latin American Credit Unions

Credit unions in Latin America play an important role in the financial system, making a significant contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through their focus on financial inclusion, sustainability, and economic resilience. Assessing the social responsibility of these cooperatives ensures ethical, sustainable operations that benefit the population. Unlike traditional financial institutions, cooperatives are based on principles focused on mutual benefit, democratic participation, and responsibility toward their members and the community. This critical literature review, conducted through scientific databases, synthesizes findings on social responsibility in credit unions. The financial system is relevant for global economic stability and growth, comprising institutions like credit unions that facilitate capital flow. It operates through financial instruments, intermediaries, and markets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and risk management. Effective financial management involves planning, organizing, directing, and controlling resources to achieve stability and growth, integrating social responsibility. Credit unions in Latin America highlight cooperative principles, emphasizing member service, community development, and sustainable practices over profit maximization, thereby fostering economic inclusion and ethical business practices. In conclusion, credit unions provide affordable financial services while promoting values of solidarity and equity. However, as entities directly linked to communities, it is essential for them to monitor their actions in terms of social responsibility. This is important to measure and ensure their impact on society and its context. Finally, future research should focus on balancing economic viability with social responsibility, exploring innovative models, governance frameworks, and technological impacts.

The need for proactive environmental planning in local government: Examining challenges and pathways forward in Indiana

ABSTRACT Many factors, including regulations, community values, and economic and environmental considerations, influence environmental planning decisions. Across the nation, local elected and appointed boards and commissions are responsible for planning and land use regulations. However, few studies have focused on environmental planning through comprehensive and parks and recreation plans. Using Indiana communities as a case study, this research highlights the theory and practice of environmental planning and community development, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and the presence of social capital. Statewide focus groups found that communities integrate varying environmental planning processes into comprehensive and parks and recreation plans. As a result, these plans represent underutilized potential to guide conservation and collaboration. Integrating environmental planning into local government activities is limited by time, political will, and community awareness. As such, communities need continued support and resources to build social capital that leads to engaging with the public, decision-makers, and collaborators in meaningful ways to foster effective environmental planning.

Developing Compassionate Community: Insights from the International Standards for Community Development

Aging populations have increased demand for hospice palliative care and support for dying persons. Community support is also becoming an increasingly important aspect of public health intervention. Compassionate communities advocate active bottom-up community participation to strengthen communities’ resilience around death and dying. However, these rapidly growing initiatives face a challenge in putting values such as health equity into practice and in making a social impact through “meaningful participation” at the community level. We reflect on potential challenges related to gendered inequalities, neo-liberal discourses around caring work, and an over-emphasis of community resilience, and argued that these need to be deliberated in compassionate community policy and service development. To address those concerns, in this chapter we argue that the eight components of the International Standards for Community Development Practice or ISCDP (from the International Association for Community Development or IACD) provide important direction about putting values into practice, for instance by advocating for service and policy improvement while engaging in practice and research on compassionate communities. We discuss how the international standards can inform compassionate community development in Canada.

All that glitters: extraction as communication in international voluntourism practice

ABSTRACT “Extraction” may be understood as both a metaphor and in a Marxian materialist sense, the set of material and discursive conditions through which international workers and travelers experience and understand the nation of Peru. This article examines the popularity of voluntourism programs through the lens of extraction. The politics of extraction is understood in terms of neo-colonial power relations that unite practices of humanitarian engagement and community development with contributions to the personal growth of voluntourists. These travelers anticipate personally enriching themselves through their intercultural experiences. They anticipate gaining emotional and experiential wealth that is associated with (often vague) notions of helping others. By drawing on semi-structured interviews and three months of ethnographic fieldwork at key sites in Peru, as well as by tracing a historical trajectory of extraction, I argue that within contemporary neoliberal modes of humanitarian engagement, an extractive ontology prioritizes the enrichment of foreign individuals and agencies over the wellbeing of communities in need.

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.

Beyond academic development as institutional practice: advancing community-led approaches

ABSTRACT We introduce the special issue entitled ‘Beyond academic development as institutional practice: advancing community-led approaches’ and offer critical commentary that advances the concept and practice of academic community development. Through repeated readings of the 10 articles from diverse contexts included in this issue, we draw out four main themes highlighting why and how academic communities beyond single institutions support academic development. First, we revise the initial conceptual framework of ‘academic community development (ACD)’, which focused the call for papers, presenting six dimensions rather than the previous three continua. Then, we consider the degree of ‘institutionalisation’ of this range of initiatives. From that analysis, we derive a typology of ACD initiatives. We then consider a) what common interests have been served by these communities, and whose they are; b) the focus of these communities in relation to the revised conceptual framework; and c) the essential ingredients for success. We emphasise that communities leverage assets in ways that traditional needs-based academic development often does not. We conclude with implications for typical academic development work.

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.

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.

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.

Pendalaman Ilmu Nahwu dengan Metode Diskusi di Asrama Darus Shibyan

Deepening the science of Nahwu is very urgent, because Nahwu science is a tool science that must be mastered before studying other sciences. The application of the discussion method is very effective for the marhalah ibtidaiyah students in the Darus Shibyan dormitory who in fact still find it difficult to understand the basics of Nahwu. The aim of this research is to assist the students of the Darus Shibyan dormitory to be more in-depth and critical in the Nahwu science lessons, so that they can understand Arabic. The methods used are community development and discussion practice. The data collection technique uses observation and documentation. As a result of this research, the students of the Darus Shibyan boarding school were able to understand the basic Nahwu rules, and were able to describe I'rab and its position. This identifies that the discussion method is an alternative step to deepen Nahwu knowledge.

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.