About Community Development / Community Building

Community development differs from community organizing and advocacy in several important ways. The very term "community organizing" assumes that people are "disorganized" somehow, or not organized the proper or most efficient way. It can also mean that people are not organized in a "white-European" way, inviting ethnocentrism into community work or programming. Community organizing can, however, bring strength to a community that lacks the resources to adequately care for its citizens. When a community superstructure is damaged or missing, community organizing provides a means to repair or acquire the "damaged" or "missing" piece community resources.

Advocacy is the methodology of working on another's behalf. Advocacy often takes place when an individual or community lacks the power, resources, or access necessary to mitigate structural problems or overcome challenges. Advocacy often identifies a specific clientele or group defined by shared characteristics: disabled veterans, abused or neglected children, or the aged are some groups for whom advocacy may be a critical service.

Community development differs from organizing and advocacy by reflecting back the abilities, values, strengths, creativity, and ideals of the community. And in reflecting back the abilities and capabilities of the people, provides them with the personal support and validation necessary for continuing growth and change. Community development connotes a search for "win-win" solutions, and encourages cooperation among all stakeholders. Consequently, community development doesn't focus on "us vs. them" but instead focuses on "us" or "we."

Community development combines the components of successful programs into a framework that seeks new ways to combine resources, ways to acknowledge community assets, utilize community strengths, while encouraging self-determination and leadership. Community development recognizes and builds on the community's need for self-determination. More information on community development and successful programming can be found at Community: Foundation for Programming