COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
“Community” refers to a group of people with a shared system of values and identity, interests and concerns.
The United Nations defines “Community Development” as “a process where community members come together to take collective action and generate solutions to common problems.”
Community Development Principles
Community development involves the principles of sustainable development, empowerment, inclusivity, social justice and equality, human rights, and participative democracy (collaboration).
We, at Plan Sustainable develop a “Community Development” plan for communities based on the following principles.
1. A Community Development plan is a tool for exploring the community interests and challenges and improving the quality of life of members of the community.
2. Community development planning is a “Collaborative” process. This process is based on the effective participation and engagement of all members of the community.
3. Community development is a long-term ongoing process. Creating a community development plan may take several months to complete.
4. Implementing a community development plan is a dynamic process and may take several years to achieve the proposed goals and objectives.
5. Community development initiatives are likely to focus on improving the quality of life of disadvantaged and marginalized groups of the community. A community development plan can alleviate some of the impacts of disadvantage on children and families by building social capital and social inclusion.
6. In a community development planning process, we support community members through the provision of information needed to identify issues and plan actions. We share information on local data, good practice around particular identified issues, and relevant programs and resources that are available.
7. A community development plan would connect with and build local networks and local leaders, undertake community engagement and plan, deliver and evaluate projects and programs. Community development practice has a focus on facilitation, education and representational and resourcing skills.