Community Strengths Research Articles

How Experiences of Stigma and Discrimination at Various Points in the Queer Life Course Interrelate with Alcohol Use: Views from Sexually and Gender Diverse Youth

Background: The life courses of sexually and gender diverse individuals are shaped by a series of events that include acceptance of one’s own sexual orientation or gender identity, the coming out process and socialization in the LGBTQ+ (for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and other sexual orientations and gender identities represented by the plus sign) environment. Generally experienced in a cis-heteronormative context, this process is marked by stigma and discrimination and the social harms they can cause, including a higher-than-average prevalence of alcohol use. Objectives: To profile the alcohol use of sexually and gender diverse (SGD) youth from a life course perspective and to explore individual perceptions regarding the personal, social and cultural factors (including stigmatization and its consequences) modulating their consumption. Methodology: This qualitative descriptive study is grounded in symbolic interactionism. Semi-structured interviews lasting approximately 90 min were conducted with LGBTQ+ youth aged 18 to 30 using alcohol at least once a week. A thematic analysis was performed. Results: A total of 31 individuals aged 18–29 (average age: 25) were interviewed. The average score regarding alcohol use was 14.25 (Standard Deviation -SD-: 4–31), which corresponds to a moderate risk and indicates the need for a brief intervention. Our study documents how the higher alcohol use among LGBTQ+ youth is shaped by individual, community and cultural factors at different points in the queer life course. Among the factors influencing drinking are the emotions experienced when questioning sexual orientation and/or gender identity as well as the feelings resulting from stigma and discrimination. Our findings also indicate the influence of socializing in the queer community and meeting peers and partners, as well as that of LGBTQ+ cultural practices. Discussion: Our study indicates the need for grassroots-level interventions that work to mitigate social pressures in queer socialization contexts. Accordingly, any intervention, whether preventive or therapeutic, must consider the interplay of personal, social, community and cultural factors. Interventions regarding alcohol use must build on the strengths of community and the sense of belonging.

‘People-in-environments’ taking the classroom to the community: evaluation of a collaborative problem-based community learning model for social work students

ABSTRACT This paper reports on an innovative community-based ‘People-in-Environments’ learning model designed to support social work students in their development of ‘Readiness for Practice’ in an English urban metropolis. This experiential model challenges students to think differently about the meaning of communities, community resources, and their own assumptions, whilst enhancing critical thinking, self-awareness, reflexivity, and the integration of anti-oppressive values. A central element involves engaging students in embodied, problem-based, confluent learning by critically responding to scenarios using real-life circumstances and visiting diverse community locations. Drawing on qualitative questionnaires, focus groups, and anecdotal data from selected student cohorts 2018–2023, six learning themes are presented: Enhanced Knowledge, Deeper Learning; Examining the Familiar Unfamiliar; What Does Community Mean; Person-In-Environment, Self-In-Environment; A Different Kind of Empathy, and Group Work Challenges. Students’ narratives emphasize the significance of embodied, emplaced learning in unfamiliar settings. Reflexively analyzing thoughts, emotions, and materiality enhanced understanding and skill development. This model facilitates nuanced appreciation of what community means, both the intersections of geographical locales with identities and attachments, and the importance of understanding community attributes, strengths, risks, and resources. The paper concludes with suggestions for creative expansion through community mapping in placements and integrative learning in social work curricula.

Identifying the Relationship Between Residential Type and Health Outcomes of the Community-Dwelling Thai Older Adults in the Baseline Analysis of a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

Background/Objectives: As people age, their environment plays a critical role in shaping their health. With Thailand’s rapidly aging population, it is crucial to understand how different living environments affect the well-being of older adults. This study examines differences in biopsychosocial health indicators between older adults living in village communities and private housing estates in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using baseline data from the Community-Integrated Intermediary Care (CIIC) Service Model, a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial in Thailand (TCTR20190412004). The study included 2788 older adults (aged 60+). Of these, 89.49% resided in village communities, and 10.51% in private housing estates. Validated instruments were used to assess health indicators. Descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis of variance, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Older adults in private housing estates had significantly lower odds of experiencing pain or discomfort (Adj OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.49–0.84) and were 1.36 times more likely to report positive perceived health. However, they had lower odds of perceiving themselves as physically and socially active (Adj OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.57–0.97) and were 0.30 times less likely to rate their quality of life higher (Adj OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.22–0.40) compared to their village community counterparts. Conclusions: The residential environment significantly influences older adults’ health and well-being. Tailored health promotion interventions should leverage the unique strengths of both village communities and private housing estates to enhance social connections, physical activity, and quality of life, promoting healthy, active aging across diverse settings.

The New Trend of Grassroots Social Governance: The Connotation Extension and Logical Deconstruction of The "three cooperatives" Model

"Community, social organization and social worker" as the key element of "three community linkage" is the latest practice form and theoretical form of grassroots social governance, in the community needs satisfaction, community interest adjustment, community culture cultivation and community strength The cohesion and other aspects have achieved remarkable results. The "three cooperatives" is composed of community "two committees", social organizations and social workers in the main structure, presenting the "state-society-individual" linkage level, which is essentially to build a benign interactive relationship between government and society. In reality, a network matrix structure of "vertical to bottom, up and down interaction, horizontal to side, criss-cross, internal and external integration" has been formed, which finally realizes the structural embedding and functional coupling of various subjects. With the continuous deepening of theory and practice, the connotation of communities, social organizations and social workers should be expanded and extended, and the "linkage" relationship needs to be considered in multiple dimensions. Summarize and summarize the innovative modes and practices of linkage across the country in a timely manner, clarify the dilemmas and difficulties, and on this basis, deconstruct the thinking logic, operation logic and domain logic of the "three cooperatives" mode, and strive to understand and grasp the essential laws of grassroots governance.

Positive Deviance in Nutritional Practices for Two-Year-Olds in Poor Fisherman Families in the Belawan Health Center Area, 2022

The problem of malnutrition is still the main problem faced in human resource development. The problem of growth and development of Baduta is a serious problem because at this age the process of physical and intellectual growth and development is critical. Malnutrition problems mostly occur in poor families but are not caused by poor families who have well-nourished children. The Belawan Community Health Center working area is one of the community health centers with the highest number of cases of malnutrition in Medan City. To overcome this, a program is needed that is believed to be effective and sustainable. One of the existing programs to overcome the problem of malnutrition and malnutrition is positive deviation. This research aims to identify positive behavior in feeding (type of food, processing of food ingredients, mealtimes and method of feeding) of toddlers who are well-nourished in poor fishing families in the Belawan Community Health Center Working Area in 2022. This research method is qualitative research with a narrative approach. Researchers studied individual lives by asking one or several individuals to tell stories about their lives related to positive behavior in feeding well-nourished animals. This information is then retold by the researcher in a narrative chronology. The findings of this research indicate that addressing nutritional challenges in children can be effectively achieved by leveraging the potential and resources within the community. This is done through the identification of positive deviant behaviors, particularly those related to beneficial feeding practices. These practices encompass aspects such as the types of food provided, the methods of food preparation, the timing of meals, and the approach to food administration. Keep up the great work! The way you’re thinking about integrating community strengths is spot-on for creating sustainable solutions.

Wealth inequality and community vitality in the aftermath of the Australian “Black Summer” bushfires

AbstractThis study investigates the adverse impact of community‐level wealth inequality in the aftermath of a natural disaster, and explores the role of community strength (i.e., community identification, cohesion, and identity continuity) in potentially mitigating these negative effects. Using geo‐targeted survey data from communities affected by the 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfires in Australia (N = 363), we found that greater perceived wealth inequality was associated with lower confidence that the community would make necessary changes to meet the threat of future bushfires, lower collective efficacy regarding future bushfires, and lower anticipated quality of life. However, we also found evidence some of these adverse effects were attenuated among those who reported higher levels of community identification and community cohesion. This study illustrates that problems posed by wealth inequality extend to the context of disaster recovery and climate change adaptation, and further underscores the socially mediated nature of this threat by demonstrating the potential for community strength to play a buffering role.

Resilience and strengths in the Black autism community in the United States: A scoping review.

Gaps in research knowledge pertaining to resiliency factors and strengths among the Black autism community, inclusive of autistic persons and their support system exist. A scoping review was conducted to further explore quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies that investigate resiliency factors and related strengths in the Black autism community in the United States. A total of 436 articles were identified, with 28 studies included in the final review. Results demonstrated that (1) strengths of Black autistic persons across the life course have been disregarded in research; (2) Black caregiver advocacy, while common, is also a developmental process that can be supported by community-based interventions; (3) informal supports including family and friends play an instrumental role in supporting the well-under investigated being of Black parents of autistic children; and (4) spirituality is often endorsed by Black caregivers of autistic children, such as playing a role in acceptance of the autism diagnosis and with coping with difficult life situations. Research and practice implications are discussed.

Indigenous knowledge and sugar sweetened beverages: Qualitative adaptations towards chronic disease prevention and intervention

Sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) are a concern for Indigenous populations and are associated with multiple chronic diseases. To address this concern, we culturally tailored and tested the feasibility of an evidence-based SSB-reducing curriculum. The modified curriculum was designed for Indigenous men and is thematically based on traditional values, ancestral teachings, and community strengths while promoting healthy lifestyles. A community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach was used to develop an interview guide using an Indigenous-centered theoretical framework. Two Indigenous content experts conducted both individual and focus group interviews (n = 14) with urban community leaders and athletes. Two Indigenous qualitative scientists analyzed the data with the support of an inter-tribal community advisory board. Results included imagery utilization, the importance of water, marketing, taste, and building routine. These findings guided the development of 6-month Indigenous focused SSB intervention consisting of 12 in-person intervention sessions and 27 short messaging service (SMS) messages.

President Wonder Woman and Congresswoman Batgirl: the authoritarian Überfrau and democratic resilience in superheroine comics

ABSTRACT Comic books are important sites where norms related to gender, leadership, and democratic engagement are negotiated. In this essay, we examine two comic book depictions of women’s political leadership: Diana Prince/Wonder Woman’s stint as US president, published in 1944, and Barbara Gordon/Batgirl’s tenure as a member of US Congress, published between 1972 and 1980. We contrast Wonder Woman’s tale of democratic fragility and gendered conflict with a Batgirl narrative that promotes a more complex view of women’s political agency and subordinates superheroism to the strength of democratic community. We contend that Wonder Woman #7 reflects the fascist tendencies observed in other Golden Age comics and theorize Überfrau as a counterpart to Übermensch, rooted in an ostensible ethic of protection and authoritarian white femininity. Reading Wonder Woman #7 through the lens of the Überfrau reveals the contours of an antidemocratic white women’s authoritarianism that continues to resonate in twenty-first century politics. An antidote to the reactionary Überfrau is offered by Batgirl, who eschews the role of super savior and puts the responsibility for democratic health into voters’ hands. We conclude by examining how these contrasting visions of women’s political leadership are echoed by women politicians in contemporary political culture.

Strength of community and good PR overcome traditional noise limits for music venue

This case study explores the coexistence between a residential development and an adjacent live music venue in Newcastle's Ouseburn Valley. Music noise from the Tyne Bar is accepted by nearby residents with very few complaints, despite the music noise levels exceeding traditional noise limit guidelines. Using mixed methods including noise measurements, modelling, interviews, and grounded theory, the study reveals several socio-cultural factors enabling this tolerance. Key findings indicate the residents' strong sense of community and cultural affiliation with the venue, and the Tyne Bar's active engagement with the community. Residents closer to the venue perceive the noise as an inevitable trade-off of the location, rather than unbearable. Strategies are proposed to integrate newcomers into the sonic environment and enable a sense of control over the music sound. This case study challenges strictly noise-centric guidelines, highlighting the need for holistic frameworks integrating objective limits with subjective experiences shaped by residents' sense of place, identity, and community relationships. These subjective experiences can be systematically understood through a soundscape approach, and actively managed along with the music sound level to achieve better outcomes for all stakeholders.

Affordances of community-oriented praxis in teacher education: a configurative review

This configurative review explores how nurturing and enacting a community-oriented praxis (COP) in teacher education can enhance teacher candidates’ preparedness for teaching roles whilst addressing some broader educational and societal concerns. Here, CoP is defined as practices that consider, connect with, and draw on local community strengths, needs, and aspirations for the good of individuals, communities, and society more broadly. We review 31 cases in 37 articles on explicitly community-oriented teacher education (COTE) initiatives from nine country contexts where teacher educators, school-based mentors, and members of local communities collaboratively facilitate the learning experiences of participants in teacher education (i.e., teacher candidates). An analysis of the motivations, processes, and outcomes of the initiatives in the COTE cases highlights benefits such as developing teacher candidates’ pedagogical content knowledge and research competence; fostering social justice consciousness and critical action; and facilitating the sustainable recruitment and retention of teachers especially in marginalised contexts. Implications and possible directions for teacher education are discussed.

Opportunities for the integration of muslim immigrants in European Union countries

The presence of Muslim immigrants in European Union countries has become an undeniable reality, as these immigrants have become an integral part of the demographic composition of EU societies. The strength of these immigrant communities has increased as a result of the intensification of family reunification policies, which have contributed to reshaping and expanding minorities within the European space. Consequently, questions, concerns, and doubts have arisen about the integration of these immigrants into most national communities. These apprehensions are primarily based on the legal mechanisms required to integrate these minorities into the nation-state, which is founded on citizenship rights in Europe, and on the practical measures that guarantee their integration in an appropriate form and content. On this basis, the adopted integration policies that attempt to reposition Muslims in Europe at the economic, social, and, to some extent, cultural levels raise many concerns about their ability to integrate these Muslim immigrants and about the possible opportunities for their proper integration in light of their cultural, religious, and social specificities. Through this paper, researchers attempt to examine the opportunities for these Muslim immigrants to integrate, considering the legal complexities and social problems they face, which hinder their complete integration into these societies.

Examining naloxone access and interest in secondary naloxone distribution on an American Indian Reservation in the Northern Midwest of the United States

BackgroundIndigenous communities in the United States experience disproportionate rates of overdose morbidity and mortality due to a range of historical traumas and ongoing oppression. Limited health and harm reduction service access on some Tribal lands exacerbate these challenges. To date, little is known about naloxone access on tribal reservation lands. MethodsWe used cross-sectional survey data from community members on the reservation lands of a northern Midwest Tribe in the United States. We explored the prevalence and correlates of recent (past 6-month) naloxone receipt and interest in secondary naloxone distribution among all participants and people who used drugs (PWUD) recently. Correlates included sociodemographics, cultural identity and spirituality, witnessing overdoses, stigma, and drug use characteristics. ResultsAmong 227 Indigenous participants, the average age was 45, 62 % were women, 53 % were single, 29 % were not working, 29 % had experienced recent hunger, and 8 % considered themselves homeless. 91 % said that Indigenous spiritual values were important to them. Sixteen percent had witnessed a recent non-fatal overdose, and 6 % had witnessed a fatal one. Twenty-four percent of the overall sample had recently received naloxone, and 40 % of PWUD had received it. Witnessing both fatal (p<0.001) and nonfatal overdoses (p=0.001) were associated with receiving naloxone. Further, 63 % of participants were willing to distribute naloxone. ConclusionsInnovative strategies to expand naloxone access that are culturally relevant and responsive are needed in Indigenous communities. Cultural connectedness and shared identity are key strengths of Indigenous communities that can potentially be leveraged to implement secondary naloxone distribution programs.

Rural community-centred co-planning for sustainable rural health systems.

Sustaining rural healthcare services is challenging because of numerous systemic factors. Rural communities can inform the design of sustainable rural health models; however, further evidence of effective co-design is needed to guide implementation. The study aim was to co-design a series of place-based and evidence-informed rural health models, to improve local health system sustainability. A rural region (categorised as Modified Monash Model 5) defined by three adjoining Shires in Central and Northwest Victoria, Australia. A health executive co-planning network led the co-design, with input and oversight from a broader cross-sector group. Healthcare professionals (n = 44) and consumers and carers (n = 21) participated in interviews, and an online survey was completed by healthcare professionals (n = 11) and consumers and carers (n = 7) to provide feedback on the preliminary results. Community-based participatory action research was applied incorporating co-design methods and systems thinking. Data were collected through qualitative interviews followed by an online feedback survey. Mixed method data analysis (QUAL-quant) was conducted with qualitative directed content analysis of interview transcripts and quantitative descriptive analyses of survey responses to aid prioritisation. Healthcare priorities, strengths and challenges, and proposed rural health models are described. A rural health system sustainability strategy was developed with three integrated pillars: 1. Workforce strengthening, 2. Integrated health services and 3. Innovative models of care. Community-centred co-design with rural health stakeholders was effective for generating locally tailored ideas and potential health models that emulate community strengths and resources, and provide a foundation for further planning, implementation and evaluation.

Supporting recovery, healing and wellbeing with Aboriginal communities of the southeast coast of Australia: a practice-based study of an Aboriginal community-controlled health organisation’s response to cumulative disasters

BackgroundThe recent crises of bushfires, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic on the southeast coast of Australia were unprecedented in their extent and intensity. Few studies have investigated responses to cumulative disasters in First Nations communities, despite acknowledgement that these crises disproportionately impact First Nations people. This study was conducted by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal researchers in partnership with Waminda, South Coast Women’s Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation, an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO). It investigated the collective experiences of people affected by cumulative disasters to identify the practices that support healing, and recovery for Aboriginal communities. The study addresses a knowledge gap of how Waminda, designs, manages and delivers responses to address complex health and social issues in the context of cumulative disasters.MethodsUnderpinned by practice theory this study employed Indigenous-informed, narrative inquiry. Culturally-appropriate, multiple interpretive methods were used to collect data including: observations; yarns with Aboriginal community members, yarns with Waminda practitioners, management and board members; interviews-to-the-double, visual images and documentation. The data were collated and analysed using the phases of reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsThe paper articulates a suite of culturally safe and place-based practices that enhance social, emotional and spiritual well-being following cumulative disasters. These practice bundles include: adopting a Country-centred conception of local communities; being community-led; viewing care as a collective, relational, sociomaterial accomplishment and having fluid boundaries. These practice bundles ‘hang together’ through organising practices including the Waminda Model of Care, staff wellbeing framework and emergency management plan which orient action and manage risks. The paper demonstrates the need for disaster responses to be community-led and culturally situated. ACCHOs are shown to play a crucial role, and their local responses to immediate community needs are grounded in contextual knowledge and use existing resources rather than relying on mainstream system-wide interventions.ConclusionsThe paper suggests crafting responses that focus on assisting communities (re)gain their sense of belonging, hope for the future, control over their lives and their capacities to care for and to be cared for by Country, are key to both enhancing healing, health and well-being and harnessing the strengths of communities.

Empowering Housewives in the Environment Training for Making Friendly Liquid Soap in Sumbersari Village

Training on making dishwashing soap for women or housewives in Sumbersari Village, Ngampel District, Kendal Regency, was chosen to be disseminated because soap is one of the main needs for maintaining good hygiene standards in everyday life, even though soap is not included in basic needs group. This training in making dishwashing soap aims to enable people in Sumbersari Village, Ngampel District, Kendal Regency, to make their own dishwashing soap to meet their daily needs, reduce people's expenses for purchasing soap which is quite expensive, and open up business opportunities as a home industry. if mass produced. This activity was carried out using the ABCD method through five stages, including identifying community strengths, asset mapping, community economic analysis, creating relationships and activity priorities, as well as monitoring and evaluation. The result of this training is to provide practical experience and increase public knowledge regarding environmentally friendly soap making. This is proven by the participants' ability to understand the process of making environmentally friendly liquid soap well and the participants' desire to apply the knowledge gained

Penyuluhan dan Sosialisasi Guna Meningkatkan Kesadaran Bahaya NAPZA bagi Remaja Desa Sumbersari

Abuse of Narcotics, Psychotropics and Addictive Substances (Drugs) among the younger generation is a crucial issue that threatens the future of the nation. This abuse has a significant negative impact on the mental and physical development of the younger generation. Therefore, prevention efforts through education, routine counseling and positive activities in the community are very important. The socialization program on the dangers of drugs was carried out at the Sumbersari Village Hall, Ngampel District, Kendal Regency. The targets for this activity are teenagers from Sumbersari Village. This activity is carried out using the ABCD method which includes identifying community strengths, asset mapping, community economic analysis, creating relationships and activity priorities, as well as monitoring and evaluation. The results of counseling regarding the abuse of narcotics, psychotropic substances and other addictive substances in Sumbersari village show significant benefits for the younger generation. Participants' responses emphasized the importance of the understanding provided. The suitability of participants' expectations with the reality of the activity can be seen from the appreciation for the presence of food and similarities with socialization at school. Participants' understanding also increased thanks to the material presented in an interesting way. Comfort during activities is an important factor in maintaining participant concentration. However, participant satisfaction was affected by schedule discrepancies.

'Our culture makes us strong': Understanding and working with community strengths among Aboriginal people in western Sydney.

Strengths-based approaches to health care are often seen as an alternative to deficit-based approaches and are common in Aboriginal health settings. Despite this, there is little existing research that describes Aboriginal peoples' perspectives about the strengths of their communities. This paper describes cultural strengths and resources as understood by Aboriginal people living in western Sydney. In-depth interviews were used to collect qualitative data from two communities on Dharug and Dharrawal Country in western Sydney Australia. Data come from a larger study, which focused on how cultural strengths supported sexual well-being. Fifty-two interviews were conducted with Aboriginal young people (aged 16-24 years) by trained peer interviewers. Additionally, 16 interviews with Aboriginal adults (25 years and older) were conducted by members of the research team. While opinions varied, four key areas of cultural strength were identified: (1) strong kinship relationships; (2) knowledge sharing; (3) shared experiences, identities, and values; and (4) knowing Country. Throughout these four themes, the sense of connection and belonging is viewed as an important overarching theme. Communities are not homogenous with regard to what they view as cultural strengths. Knowing Country and practising culture meant different things to different individuals while providing a similar sense of belonging, connection, and identity. Health service providers, policies, and programs can use this information to understand the continuing impacts of past policies and events whilst recognising that each community has strengths that can be drawn upon to improve service engagement, knowledge sharing, and health outcomes.

An Indigenous-led buprenorphine-naloxone treatment program to address opioid use in remote Northern Canada

Background/purposeIn response to the opioid use challenges exacerbated from the COVID-19 pandemic, Fort Albany First Nation (FAFN), a remote Cree First Nation community situated in subarctic Ontario, Canada, implemented a buprenorphine-naloxone program. The newly initiated program was collaboratively developed by First Nations' nurses and community leaders, driven by the community's strengths, resilience, and forward-thinking approach. Using the First Nations Information Governance Centre strengths-based model, this article examines discussions with four community leaders to identify key strengths and challenges that emerged during the implementation of this program. Methodsthis qualitative study amplify the positive aspects and community strengths through the power of oral narratives. We conducted 20 semi-structured face-to-face interviews with community members who helped lead FAFN's COVID-19 pandemic response. Utilizing the Medicine Wheel framework, this work introduces a holistic model for the buprenorphine-naloxone program that addresses the cognitive, physical, spiritual, and emotional dimensions of well-being. ResultsRecommendations to support this initiative included the need for culturally competent staff, customized education programs, and the expanding of the program. Additionally, there is a pressing need for increased funding to support these initiatives effectively and sustainably. The development of this program, despite challenges, underscores the vital role of community leadership and cultural sensitivity to address the opioid crisis in a positive and culturally safe manner. ConclusionThe study highlights the successes of the buprenorphine-naloxone program, which was developed in response to the needs arising from the pandemic, specifically addressing community members suffering from opioid addiction. The timely funding for this program came as the urgent needs of community members became apparent due to pandemic lockdowns and isolation. Holistic care, including mental health services and fostering community relations, is important. By centering conversations on community strengths and advocating for culturally sensitive mental health strategies that nurture well-being, resilience, and empowerment, these findings can be adapted and expanded to support other Indigenous communities contending with opioid addiction.

Peran Tokoh Masyarakat dalam Pelestarian Kearifan Lokal Pasca Ketiadaan Kepala Adat di Desa Adat Cireundeu Cimahi

Establishing a cultural community becomes a valuable asset capable of supporting the dissemination of cultural values. The community in Kampung Adat Cireundeu Village, Cimahi City has long upheld traditional values. This research aims to explain how the Cireundeu community can preserve and maintain its culture despite the absence of an official adat leader. Using a qualitative method with a case study approach, data collection techniques were derived from interviews, observations, and documentation studies. This research found that the Cireundeu community successfully overcame this challenge through collective leadership mechanisms and the use of modern technology. Community figures, including elders and the deputy adat leader, play a crucial role in preserving customs and traditions through the effective distribution of responsibilities and active involvement in various customary activities. Despite facing some obstacles, such as uncertainty in decision-making and suboptimal coordination, the Cireundeu community has adopted adaptive strategies that allow them to maintain cultural preservation and ensure their social continuity. This research demonstrates that even without an Indigenous leader, community strength, local figures, and local innovation can support cultural preservation in sustaining the Indigenous community.