8 Principles of Community Organization
8 Principles of Community Organization
To study and to be able to engage in community organization practice it is necessary to have a clear definition. There are several definitions available in the literature, which have been put forth at different times and in differing contexts. The common element in most of them is matching resources to needs. We will discuss here the two most widely accepted definitions of community organization.
You can also read: MCQ on Community
The principles of community practice play a significant role in community work. They are derived from the value base and ethical framework involved in community work which every community worker must follow while engaging in any community practice-related task. This module seeks to explain to the student how indispensable these principles are to community practice at the community level.
Meaning and Definition
Defines community organization as a “process by which a community identifies its needs or objectives, gives priority to them, develops confidence and will to work at them, finds resources (internal and external) to deal with them, and in doing so, extends and develops cooperative and collaborative attitudes and practices in the community”.
Community,” in the sense in which it is used here, refers to two major groupings of people. Firstly it may be all the people in a specific geographic area a village, a town, a city, a neighborhood, or a district in a city.
8 Principles of Community Organization
- The Principle of Specific Objectives
- The Principle of Planning
- The Principle of People’s Participation
- The Principle of Inter-Group Approach
- The Principle of Democratic Functioning
- The Principle of Flexible Organization
- The Principle of Optimum Utilizations of Indigenous Resources
- The Principle of Cultural Orientation
Community organization is a vital process for empowering people and creating positive change. The following eight principles act as guides for effective community practice, providing moral and ethical legitimacy while empowering communities and workers.
This principle emphasizes the importance of formulating specific objectives for different client groups within a community, recognizing their diverse needs.
Example: In an Indian community, creating a separate forum for women due to cultural constraints, while also developing objectives that benefit the entire community.
Key takeaway: Tailor your objectives to address both individual group needs and overall community goals.
Develop a comprehensive blueprint for your community work, including programs, resources, personnel, and space requirements. Anticipate potential problems and create contingency plans.
Example: A community worker plans to encourage girls to attend a co-educational school without considering cultural norms, leading to program failure and community displeasure.
Key takeaway: Thorough planning helps prevent cultural missteps and increases the likelihood of program success.
Effective community development relies heavily on active participation from community members. Identify felt needs, examine project feasibility, and develop strategies to involve people.
Example: In India, some ambitious community development plans have failed due to a lack of effective people's participation.
Key takeaway: Prioritize community involvement at every stage of your project for sustainable success.
Recognize the diversity within communities and work with smaller groups before developing inter-group linkages for larger-scale initiatives.
Example: In a diverse community, start by working with individual religious or occupational groups before bringing them together for a community-wide project.
Key takeaway: Build relationships with smaller groups first to create a strong foundation for larger community efforts.
Educate people and create mechanisms to facilitate wider participation, curbing the tendency of domination by a privileged minority.
Example: Implement a rotating leadership system in community organizations to ensure diverse voices are heard and power is shared.
Key takeaway: Actively promote democratic processes to prevent power concentration and encourage inclusive decision-making.
Adopt a flexible approach to accommodate people with varied abilities. Start with informal arrangements and gradually introduce rules and procedures that facilitate rather than hinder participation.
Example: Form various committees for different aspects of a community project, allowing more people to gain leadership experience.
Key takeaway: Prioritize inclusivity and adaptability in your organizational structure to maximize participation.
In resource-constrained environments, focus on mobilizing and optimizing the use of local resources, including government support.
Example: In a developing country with limited government resources, organize community efforts to improve local sanitation using available materials and labor.
Key takeaway: Creatively leverage local resources to address community needs, supplementing with external support when necessary.
Respect and understand the community's cultural milieu, customs, and traditions. However, work gradually to change harmful practices.
Example: In a community with a tradition of early marriage, respect cultural norms while gently advocating for education and delayed marriage through awareness programs.
Key takeaway: Balance cultural respect with the promotion of positive change, using a patient and culturally sensitive approach.
These eight principles of community organization provide a comprehensive framework for effective and ethical community practice. By adhering to these principles, community workers can navigate the complex dynamics of diverse communities, foster meaningful participation, and create sustainable positive change. Remember that successful community organization requires a delicate balance of respect, flexibility, and strategic planning, always keeping the community's best interests at heart.
Read: MCQ on Work with community
Reference
- Gangrade, K.D. (1971) “Community Organisation in India, Popular Prakashan, Bombay
- Harper E.B. and Dunham Arthur (1959), “Community Organisation in Action” Association Press, New York
- Ross, M.G. (1967), “Community Organisation”, Harper and Row, New York.
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