Civil society

Civil society and the value of community work

Which activities from the list below can be described as “community activities”?

Community development works with the potential that already exists in the community – with the abilities, skills, knowledge and capacity of its inhabitants, association members and institution representatives. The main goal of community development is to build active and sustainable communities, based on social justice and mutual respect that contributes to a healthy and active civil society. Community development is used to assist individuals and the community in understanding their problems, to educate and motivate the people to self-help and independence. It supports the development of community life and building the feeling of ownership and fellowship in the local area. Last, but not least is that community development helps to facilitate creation of conditions for adequate living and building community solidarity.

Community development can be very clearly distinguished from service by the definition that consider community development as a participation model that empowers citizens and is aimed at increasing the citizens' power throughout the areas that influence their lives and at supporting people of all ages in their active citizenship. On the other hand, advocacy means simply advocating for a certain group of people/individuals with the aim to achieve their rights for them. In comparison with advocacy, community development supports and employs human capital. It enhances the growth of skills and knowledge of individuals, groups and the community as a whole.

Community empowerment which helps to build power in a community through the goals mentioned above creates a strong civil society and prevents socially-pathological effects in a given society. A community centre can be the most important agent of fulfilling these goals in the community as a "message carrier" and as the "scene" for community development and organising.

In comparison with community development, community organising promotes organisational strategies, which support the systematic use of partnerships and problem-solving techniques, to address the immediate conditions that give rise to public issues. Methods used are, for example, empowerment of the community based on individual group dynamics, organisational management and contacts with other bodies.

Both methods of community work are neccessary and work together towards a more powerful, sustainable and active civil society with a strong social capital with an interest to make a positive change.

1. What does the term community mean to you?
2. To what kinds of communities do you belong to?
3. Have you ever done anything to improve life in your community?
4. What values or views do you share with your community? Do you ever do any activities together?
5. In what kind of issues would you be willing to get engaged?