Community Leaders Research Articles

Exploring the Role of Creativity in Psychological Resilience

This paper investigates the intersection between creativity and psychological resilience, examining how creative processes and expressions contribute to the development and strengthening of resilience in individuals facing adversity. Psychological resilience, often defined as the capacity to recover from stress or trauma, and creativity, regarded as the ability to generate novel ideas and solutions, are analyzed through theoretical models, empirical research, and practical interventions. The paper reviews biopsychosocial, ecological, and developmental frameworks of resilience, highlighting the critical role creativity plays in fostering adaptive coping mechanisms and enhancing mental well-being. It further explores the empirical evidence linking creative behaviors to resilience-building, particularly in response to trauma and stress. Finally, practical implications and interventions for leveraging creativity to enhance resilience across diverse populations are discussed, suggesting tailored approaches for educators, mental health professionals, and community leaders. Keywords: Psychological Resilience, Creativity, Coping Mechanisms, Stress and Trauma, Creative Expression.

The Stability of Buddhism and Persistence of a Sufficient Living of the Laotians make Self-Immunity to Changing Socio-cultural in the Urbanity of Vientiane, Lao PDR

The research studied self-sufficiency living through the frugality practice of Laotians living in Vientiane city area. Data collections were performed using 400 surveys and 30 sets of questionnaires with community leaders, young adults, state officers, private staffs, general citizens and youths. Result found that Vientiane Laotians are strictly Buddhism and they have more than two occupations due to low wages and high cost of livings. The majority of the citizens are part of young adults’ group and women group. Due to high cost of living, urban living required Laos people to be frugal on a daily basis. They dine together and works are self-reliance. Sustainability and sufficiency are practiced among households at a medium level, but people portrayed extremely high generosity level towards each other. Environment and nature conservation are a big part of their ‘normality’. Vientiane Laotians often attend social gatherings after work. Their demonstrated strong beliefs in Buddhism, of which the religion has encouraged them to live in unity following the Sufficiency Economy Dharmachakra Model.

Community perspectives on barriers to injury care in Northern Malawi: a three delays framed assessment using focus groups and photovoice

Abstract Introduction The global burden of injury is huge, falling disproportionately on poorer populations. The benefits of qualitative research in injury care are recognised and its application is growing. We used a novel application of focus group discussions with photovoice to rapidly assess barriers at each of three delay stages; seeking (delay-1), reaching (delay-2) or receiving (delay-3) injury care in Northern Malawi. Methods Three community Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) of individuals with (FGD1) and without (FGD2) recent injury experience and community leaders (FGD3) discussed barriers to seeking, reaching or receiving care following injury. Participants from FGD1 subsequently used a digital camera and, following training in photovoice, took photographs illustrating barriers to injury care. Participants reconvened to discuss images which they believed illustrated important barriers. A framework method analysis compared barriers generated to those identified by an earlier Delphi study. Results Seven of eight invited adult community members attended each discussion group. Within the FGDs, all prior Delphi derived delay 1 barriers were described. Within delay 2, all but three were discussed by community participants. Those not covered were: 1) “communication” ;2) “prehospital care”; 3) “coordination”. Within Delay 3, only “capacity”was not highlighted by participants during the study. Additional health system barriers not identified in the Delphi were inductively derived. Within Delay 1, these were labelled; “religious or other beliefs”; “indecision”; “fear or lacking courage”; and “community/bystander engagement”. Within Delay 2, “lack of assistance” was derived. Within Delay 3; “alleged corruption”; “interfacility transfer”; and “police processes” were all identified during analysis. The photovoice group provided 21 photographs evidencing 15 barriers. Delay 1 was the most frequently captured by images (12/21).The individual barriers most frequently described were “transport” and “roads” (6/21 and 5/21, respectively). The photovoice group did not describe any additional barriers not covered in the prior FGDs. Conclusion We identified several barriers within this health system. Participants illustrated how some barriers impact on multiple phases of delay. The method was quick, low cost and participants grasped the technique and research question effectively. We recommend this approach for future health system assessments.

Strengthening social cohesion through the Manyanda tradition in Minangkabau customary society: A cultural insight from West Sumatera, Indonesia

Manyanda tradition, a tradition of taking over social roles after death, in addition to successfully maintaining social continuity in the family structure, is also a potential capital in strengthening social cohesion. However, this context has not been discussed comprehensively in previous studies so it is very important to explain. In addition to responding to the shortcomings of previous studies, this study also aims to explain the mechanisms, factors and implications of the practice of this tradition as a reflection of social cohesion based on customary and religious values. By using a qualitative descriptive case study approach, this study shows three important findings. First, the spontaneity of the community and traditional leaders when hearing the news of death and social activities forty days afterwards. Second, the dominance of spiritual and cultural factors in addition to social and structural factors that encourage the community to preserve this tradition. Third, the Manyanda tradition has implications for strengthening the community’s commitment and belief in the meaning of death, the importance of a replacement figure who takes over social roles and strengthens the tribal identity of the Nagari (local village) community. This study recommends the importance of this tradition to be preserved as the root of social cohesion.

Community Leaders’ Perceptions of the Unique Service Barriers and Facilitators Among Immigrant Families With Young Children in the Rural U.S.–Mexico Border Region

The present descriptive phenomenological study examines the unique service access barriers and facilitators of immigrant families along the rural U.S.–Mexico border from the perspectives of agency and government representatives. Twenty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine local/state government officials and 14 community agency leaders using purposive and snowball sampling. A phenomenological thematic analysis approach was utilized to analyze data from individual interviews. Findings reveal that unique barriers experienced by immigrant families in the U.S.–Mexico border region include rurality, border checkpoints, and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol presence, which have placed mobility limitations on immigrant families, cutting them off from central service providers. Programs and policies aimed at engagement of mixed-status families in areas along the U.S.–Mexico border need to create mechanisms to better reach these families.

Nurturing care: perceptions and practices of caregivers for children under five in the Ecuadorian highlands – a qualitative study

IntroductionThe importance of nurturing care for child development is well-established, and parents play a central role in providing this care. However, cultural values and traditions can influence child-rearing practices, and there are gaps in child welfare in Ecuador. Two research questions delve into caregivers’ definitions of nurturing care for children aged 0–5 and its alignment with World Health Organization’s concept.MethodsA qualitative methodology was applied to comprehensively explore caregivers’ perspectives and application of nurturing care across diverse cultural contexts in rural areas of Cotopaxi and Loja in Ecuador. Using snowball sampling primary caregivers, healthcare professionals, childcare workers, and community leaders were interviewed and participated in focus groups, examining its congruence with WHO’s Nurturing Care Framework for Early Childhood Development.ResultsWhile there is alignment with the WHO framework, the study reveals challenges such as a lack of awareness of the term “nurturing care” among participants. Findings also indicate issues in health communication, reliance on traditional medicine, and myths around nutritional practices. The role of technology in early learning is explored, noting both its advantages and disadvantages. Notably, preventive health activities were not mentioned, emphasizing a universal need for knowledge.ConclusionThis study urges tailored interventions for nurturing care, emphasizing success tied to robust healthcare and child protection. Urgency lies in cultural sensitivity, local adaptation, and targeted training for implementation. These insights contribute significantly to the global discourse, stressing the importance of context-specific approaches. Implications are crucial for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers dedicated to elevating care quality for vulnerable populations worldwide.

Badati Cultural Design as a Learning Model in Increasing Understanding and Awareness of Prospective Taxpayers

The role of the community in development is characterized by a high awareness of paying taxes. People in the age range of compulsory education are potential taxpayers. The existence of badati culture, which is believed to have positive values for the people on the island of Ambon, is then designed in the form of a learning model. Through the implementation of the Badati Learning model, it is expected that it will have an impact on the level of tax awareness of 12th-grade high school students in Ambon City. The Badati model developed has a syntax: (1) formulation of activities, (2) formation of groups in representatives, (3) representatives disseminate to small groups, (4) small groups discuss, (5) the results of small group discussions are returned to the large group, (5) representatives disseminate classically by each representative in the gandong cloth. The research and development method, with the stages of preliminary studies on community leaders and youth leaders in Maluku, model trials. Limited test stages were conducted in two schools, broader test stages were conducted in three schools, and model validation was conducted in two schools. The results of the study illustrated that the Badati model is proven to have a good impact in increasing students' understanding of the importance of tax awareness for development with the average N-gain value at each stage of the trial, which is at a moderate level (limited trial N-gain value 0.6, broader trial, 0.7, and 0.7 validation test). Keywords: Badati learning model, tax awareness

Preservation of Cultural Values of Soli Lakta Mori Community Dance in Negeri Kuralele Teon Nilaseruadistrict, Central Maluku Regency

This research aims to explore and explain the process of preserving Soli Lakta Mori Dance culture in the lives of the people of Negeri Kuralele, Teon Nila Serua District, Central Maluku Regency. In this study, researchers used qualitative research methods as a basis for confirmation, verification, and analysis of data. The participants in this study were as follows: traditional leaders, religious leaders, Head of the Kuralele government, community leaders, and youth leaders. The focus indicators of this research are (1) forms of preservation, (2) ways of preservation, (3) sanctions given, and (4) inhibiting factors and driving factors for preserving the cultural values of Soli Lekta Mori Tari. There are several techniques that researchers have used to obtain data in the study, namely interviews and documentation. Data analysis techniques in this study are data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. Conclusion is the form of preservation of Soli Lakta mori dance carried out in Kuralele village, TNS sub-district has become an ancestral heritage that is passed on to the younger generation so that the value of the life of basudara people in Kuralele village, TNS sub-district can be formed in the social life order. The way to preserve Soli Lakta mori dance is (a) by finding out about culture, (b) participating in cultural activities, (c) teaching others about culture, (d) teaching culture at school, (e) posting culture on social media, and (f) not being influenced by foreign cultures. Keywords: values, soli lakta mori dance, kuralele village, preservation

Investigating the role of community organizations in communicating extreme weather events in New York City: A content analysis

AbstractThe communication of extreme weather forecasts (e.g., heatwaves and extreme precipitation) is a challenge for weather forecasters and emergency managers who are tasked with keeping residents safe during often unprecedented situations. Weather models have inherent uncertainty, and the ability for potentially life‐saving information to get to the people who need it most (e.g., those who need to evacuate) remains a challenge despite the proliferation of digital access to information and social media sites like Twitter. It is also unclear the role that community‐based organizations and super‐local governmental entities play or may play during weather events in transmitting weather information and providing assistance. In New York City, there remains robust inequality, with communities that are historically disadvantaged often suffering the highest number of deaths and level of destruction following weather events. Results from interviewing 26 New York City community leaders suggest that local organizations often act as intermediaries, passing on official weather information to members of their audience, regardless of the mission statement of their organization. Common challenges for communities in responding to extreme weather include lack of access to information, language barriers, and insufficient resources. Considerations for future weather communication strategies are discussed.

Creating an Environment Free from Sexual Violence Against Women and Children Within the Cultural Values of Mitawe in West Sulawesi

This research aims to create an environment free from sexual violence against women and children in West Sulawesi Province through the application of Mitawe cultural values. The Mitawe culture, which emphasizes politeness, respect, and dignity, is seen as an important tool in preventing sexual violence within the Mandar community. The research method used is empirical law, involving observation, in-depth interviews with traditional leaders and community leaders, as well as document analysis from the Office of Women's Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control, and Family Planning (DP3AP2KB) of West Sulawesi Province. The research findings show that Mitawe values can be effectively integrated into sexual violence prevention programs through various interventions carried out in local communities. The implementation of these values has successfully raised public awareness about the importance of respecting the rights of women and children, as well as reducing the incidence of sexual violence in several districts. Moreover, collaboration with DP3AP2KB has enabled the implementation of more structured and sustainable prevention strategies, including training for victim advocates and public awareness campaigns. This research also found that strengthening local cultural values, such as Mitawe, can be an effective approach in creating a safer society free from sexual violence. These findings provide a foundation for developing more inclusive and culturally sensitive policies in the effort to protect women and children in West Sulawesi.

The Breakdown: Police-Community Communication and its Impact on Safety and Security in South Africa

The article explores the importance of good police-community communication in South Africa, focusing on the historical context, theoretical models, and factors affecting collaboration and trust. It highlights the role of community policing programs in safety advocacy and the challenges in productive police-community relations. . Methodological approach: review of the body of literature on the relationship between the police and the community in South Africa. Examples of particular police-community collaborations. The study suggests that effective public safety and crime reduction depend on trust and cooperation between police and communities. It suggests strategies to enhance ties, such as increasing openness, accountability, and community involvement. The audience includes academics and students, emphasizing the importance of efficient police- community communication for a secure South Africa, promoting justice and equity. The findings can guide policy choices and strengthen plans for public safety in South Africa. This study explores strategies to improve police-community collaborations in South Africa, focusing on public safety, crime reduction, and trust. It highlights the importance of openness, accountability, and community involvement in fostering these relationships. The study's findings can guide policy decisions and strengthen plans for public safety, promoting social justice and equality. The audience includes policymakers, law enforcement officers, community leaders, academics, and students. A safe and secure South Africa relies on efficient police-community communication.

Communication in the Era of Media Convergence and Tourism Enhancement in Samut Songkhram Province Based on the Digital Economy

This qualitative research aims to explore the problems and obstacles of communication in the era of media convergence for tourism promotion and the ability to enhance tourism in Samut Songkhram Province based on the digital economy. An in-depth interview was used to collect data from 27 people: Samut Songkhram representatives or community leaders, tourists, and communication and tourism scholars. The data was analyzed by content analysis and interpretation to present a descriptive narrative. The findings revealed that problems and obstacles to communication in the era of media convergence include the need for a more concise communication process in tourism. Many steps in coordinating cause inconvenience and slowness, which is considered a high cost and expenditure for communication in tourism. As for communication, the era of media convergence and the ability to enhance the provincial tourism of Samut Songkhram based on the digital economy, the respondents thought that they should use integrated communication that combines all platform media to foster innovation in development and support the economy from the grass root which creates and distributes income to residents in Samut Songkhram community. They should develop technological skills and creativity to achieve excellence so the community can adapt to the current and future changes. In this regard, the discussion revealed interesting information that communication in the era of media convergence, where content is delivered across multiple platforms simultaneously, can be used as a guideline to elevate Samut Songkhram tourism with the concept of "Digital Economy Creative Tourism," which Samut Songkhram communities must adjust to keep up with changes that occur all the time.

Exploring distance learning in rural private schools in the Philippines: Challenges, coping mechanisms, and model development

The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to the educational landscape, impacting not only public schools but also private learning institutions. This study explores the experiences of private schools at the administrative and faculty levels, focusing on the challenges encountered and the coping mechanisms employed in implementing distance learning. A descriptive phenomenology research design was used, emphasizing the subjective experiences of private school administrators and teachers. The researchers applied phenomenology to understand the core structure of their experiences in remote teaching and learning, with the goal of informing best practices and guiding potential changes in policies, theories, or responses to distance learning.Private schools faced a range of challenges due to this sudden shift, including insufficient professional preparation for teachers and inadequate technological infrastructure, both of which significantly affected the quality of distance learning. Despite these constraints, school leaders and teachers collaborated to propose strategies for mitigating the impact of these challenges. Key recommendations include prioritizing internet connectivity as a basic project for IT infrastructure with the support of school personnel and community leaders. Additional strategies involve offering diverse teaching modalities, conducting learner assessments, establishing effective communication and feedback systems, practicing efficient time management, fostering positive relationships, demonstrating professional integrity, advocating for ongoing training and simplified instruction, and recognizing the unique value of each learner within their academic environment.

A multilevel modeling analysis of community-based mental health and psychosocial support group intervention for refugee newcomers in the United States.

A growing number of resettlement agencies adopt and implement interventions and programs to promote community-based mental health and psychosocial support (CB-MHPSS) among refugees and asylum seekers in the United States. However, few studies examine how multilevel factors either facilitate or interfere with mental health and other associated outcomes. Adopting a realist evaluation approach, this study examines the effects of multilevel (i.e., community, group and individual) factors on mental health coping and emotional well-being (EW) among asylum seekers and refugee newcomers in CB-MHPSS group interventions. A total of 235 adult refugees and asylum seekers participated in 31 CB-MHPSS intervention groups implemented by 11 HIAS affiliate agencies in 2021. A series of bi-/multivariate and multilevel modeling analyses were conducted to investigate the impacts of individual, group or agency, and community-level factors on competency for coping and EW among intervention participants. Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions grounded to the local community help facilitate individual-level improvement in competencies for mental health care and EW. Multilevel modeling analyses attested to multilevel effects of individual, group, and community settings on MHPSS outcomes, highlighting the impacts of intervention facilitator types and group composition, as well as community's unemployment rates. This study sheds light on the value of community-based, participatory approaches to psychosocial interventions; focusing on the role of refugee community leaders and bicultural staff who deliver MHPSS activities, which was a key feature that enhanced the well-being and coping of refugee newcomers across various settings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Cross-Cultural Women's Dialectics to Promote Gender Equality Within SDGs and Reducing Potential Conflict in Manado

Objective: The aim of this research is to verify the findings obtained from the previous research, as well as to explore the role of women in promoting gender equality and within the process of preventing conflict, especially in Indonesia's patriarchal culture. Theoretical Framework: the main concept using in this research is the findings of the previous year's research revealed that in general there were three factors that led to latent conflict, religious factors, political factors and economic factors. This research also uses dialectic communication theory. Method: The methodology used in this research is descriptive qualitative with a case study research approach. Research data was obtained through focus group discussions with community leaders to obtain solid results. Results and Discussion: The research results show that experts or sources confirm that the three conflict factors are latent, namely: religion, politics and economics. Then the role of women is still very limited, because women do not have much space to move in public spaces, although this does not reduce the role of women in efforts to prevent conflict and maintain harmony in society. Research Implications: The findings from the research can be used as a reference in creating policy texts regarding how to maintain peace by prioritizing the role of women in society in Indonesia. Originality/Value: This research contributes to the literature by explaining latent factors that can become potential conflicts and how to prevent them through a cross-cultural dialectical process carried out by women.

Community responses and adaptations following the closure of a rural pharmacy and primary care facility.

This study investigates the experiences of one rural community in Central Pennsylvania following the closure of its singular pharmacy and primary health care facility. It aims to understand community members' responses and adaptations to declining health care accessibility and broader implications for rural health policy and practice. Employing a qualitative case study design, researchers conducted 26 in-depth interviews from May to December 2022. Interviews were grounded in a phenomenological approach and focused on participants' perceptions of their community and experiences accessing health care. Data were analyzed thematically following a coding reliability approach. The closure of the health care facilities resulted in significant social and economic impacts, particularly among vulnerable groups, such as older adults, people with disabilities, and working-class families. Participants reported increased reliance on their social support networks to access care, delays in seeking care due to the strain from longer travel distances, and loss of familiar and trusted care providers. We also found an over-reliance on local emergency medical services for routine care. Although the community demonstrated resilience through the use of social networks, some adaptations carried health risks, including delayed care and unmonitored use of alternative remedies. This study highligths theneed for health care policies that address the immediate loss of services and support the social networks and economic stability that rural communities rely on in the absence of local health care facilities. This research contributes insights for policymakers, health care providers, and community leaders working to support rural communities facing similar health care losses.

‘They Don’t Want to Label It’: Insights from Communities Not Enrolled in the Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities

ABSTRACT More than 800 municipalities and 11 states and territories in the United States have joined the Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities (NAFSC); however, to our knowledge, no studies have examined the many communities that have not joined. The present study explored the factors that inhibit communities from joining the NAFSC. Data were drawn from semi-structured interviews conducted with 12 community leaders in Massachusetts and Maine. Results indicated variation in perceptions and attitudes, with some participants seeing benefits to joining but encountering barriers to doing so, while others did not see sufficient benefit to joining to make the effort worthwhile. Key themes included lack of human and financial capacity, concerns over aspects of the NAFSC model, and desire to maintain local control over the process and components of age-friendly efforts. Participants voiced a need for funding and technical assistance in order to expand their age-friendly work.

The Impact of Village Fund Allocation on the Economy of Lhokseumawe City

This study aims to investigate the impact of Village Fund allocation on the economy of Lhokseumawe City, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, this research analyzes trends in Village Fund allocation over the past few years through secondary data, and conducts in-depth interviews with relevant stakeholders, such as local government officials, community leaders, and local entrepreneurs. The results of the study indicate that the Village Fund has made a significant contribution to local economic growth, including increasing people's purchasing power, creating new job opportunities, and stimulating investment in certain economic sectors. The Village Fund also promotes the development of basic infrastructure such as roads, irrigation systems, and healthcare facilities, which enhance accessibility and the quality of life for the community. However, this research also identifies challenges in the management and utilization of the Village Fund, such as issues of transparency, accountability, and the sustainability of fund usage. Policy recommendations are needed to improve the effectiveness of Village Fund allocation and ensure its benefits are equitably distributed among all residents of Lhokseumawe City.

Efforts to Develop Tourism Village Programs in an Effort to Improve Original Village Income in Gronjong Wariti Tourism Village, Mejono Village Plemahan District, Kediri Regency

Gronjong Wariti is a village tourism that has the characteristic of providing a tourist village as an entertainment object for tourists. The development of Gronjog Wariti Tourism Village has been attempted to develop to face a number of obstacles, including the many informal tourism managers. This research method is descriptive qualitative. The subjects are the Head of Mejono Village, the Head of the Gronjong Wariti Tourism Village Management Board, community leaders and residents of Gronjong Wariti Tourism Village. Interviews and observations are used in data collection. In this study, data analysis was carried out by collecting data, reducing data and presenting data to draw conclusions. The findings of this study explain that efforts to develop Gronjong Wariti Tourism Village can be seen from the aspects of tourist objects and attractions, tourism infrastructure, tourism facilities, and management/infrastructure management, the community. In terms of tourist objects and destinations, the village government has coordinated with the people to clean and rearrange tourist objects so that they can be visited by tourists. In terms of tourism infrastructure, the management of Gronjong Wariti Tourism Village works together with the community to provide places of worship, parking lots, toilets, food stalls, souvenir shops, and others. In terms of tourism facilities, the management of Gronjong Wariti Tourism Village has collaborated with the community to provide home accommodation and transportation services for tourists. In terms of management/infrastructure, the village government has developed a regulatory system to manage and develop tourism villages. In terms of the village community, the village government has made socialization to the community and tourism managers.

Understanding Behavioral Drivers of Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation and Vitamin A- and Iron-Rich Food Consumption among Women and Adolescent Girls in Niger.

This study examined drivers and barriers to iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation and consumption of iron- and vitamin A-rich foods among women of reproductive age (WRA) and adolescent girls in Niger. This was an exploratory qualitative study using focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews. This study was conducted in the rural areas of three districts in Maradi and Zinder regions of southern Niger. The study included a purposive sample of 56 WRA (15-49 years), 34 non-pregnant adolescent girls (10-14 years), 105 family members and community leaders, 32 health workers, and 12 national and regional level stakeholders. Respondents demonstrated widespread knowledge of recommendations for IFA during pregnancy and had positive attitudes toward supplements. However, supply barriers were significant, and adherence was limited by side effects, among other constraints. Despite knowledge about and positive attitudes towards micronutrient source foods, respondents reported that limited food access was an overriding constraint to increasing consumption. WRA were seen as nutritionally vulnerable, however husbands were often not able to provide sufficient nutritious food and there was a cultural expectation that wives serve themselves food last. Adolescent girls were not seen as nutritionally vulnerable and there was little family support for their consumption of nutritious foods. Projects should work with local actors to develop multi-pronged solutions that address supply and access barriers for IFA and micronutrient-rich foods and to improve social support for nutrition.