NSTP NOTES

Community
What is a community?

 A community refers to a group of people gathered together in a geographic area, large or

small, who have common interests, actual or potentially recognized in the social welfare
field. -Arlien Johnson
 As per concept, a community may be categorized as geographical or functional.
 The term geographical community is defined in the purview of group of persons living in
the same group of persons living in the same geographical location like a certain village,
town, neighborhood, district, area or territory.
 Meanwhile, community is said to assume nature if the aggregate of people though not
necessarily based on living on the same geographical location, is bonded by a common
end such as fighting for the same cause, having the same interests and goals.

Elements of Community
 As a trainee, one should be aware of the elements of a community in order to understand
the dynamics thereof. The important elements are demographics, history, culture,
economy and structures.
 DEMOGRAPHICS- this tells about the movement of the population in the community that
you want to serve. Demographics includes population distribution and density.
 HISTORY- this allows you to identify certain patterns of change and people's way of
adapting to these changes that can be useful in plotting your activities. This includes the
events of the past that contributed to the development of the community.
 CULTURE- this helps you adapt to what certain causes and ideology the people you are
serving believes which helps you create a more contextual and appropriate program for
the community. Indigency, religion, traditions, norms and beliefs are some to be
considered.
 ECONOMY- the economical stature of the community to be served determined the
financial needs and budget of the project to be proposed, and helps in the creation of a
well-budgeted and rounded program for the community. Occupation, modes of living,
needs, necessities, and some other related to finances should be considered for the
creation of the program.
 SOCIAL STRUCTURES- this enables you to gather and acquire data in a more efficient
and orderly way. Social or community structures are the ones who have the hold to the
community as well as the important data needed to be used for the project. Some
structures include physical structure, political structure and social structures.