What is Community?

The word "community" is derived from Latin and has been used in the English language
since the 14th century. The word community is derived from the
Latin communitas (meaning the same), which is in turn derived from communis, which
means "common, public, shared by all or many" (encyclopedia).
A community is a group of people living in the same place or having a particular
characteristic in common such as norms, religion, values, or identity.
A community is a group of people that live at the same place and share some common
characteristics. There are many types of communities that we are going to discuss in
detail, but first, let us look at the standard features of a community.

TYPES OF A COMMUNITY
3 Types of Community – Basic Communities
1. Rural Community – Types of Community
The rural community can be characterized as a natural phenomenon. Every society has a rural
community, no matter how distinct their culture or pattern of social life is. People who have
extreme similarities in objectives and ambitions of living, shape up a community that is a product
of natural, free will.
Agriculture is a fundamental part of the identity of a rural community. People of rural
communities have a higher degree of homogeneity in their character and more face-to-face
interaction with each other.
Necessary facilities such as schools, hospitals, police stations, etc. are mostly absent from such
a community life. Such communities are often perceived as due to a lack of proper
infrastructure. Typically, inhabitants of a rural community have to travel to the nearest city or
town for access to necessary facilities like medical care, etc.
Rural communities are mostly made up of smaller populations that spread out to self-sustaining
areas where natural resources are readily available.
2. Sub-urban Types of Community
Suburban communities are often perceived as intermediate to rural and urban communities.
That is why it is known as “suburban”. They are more abundant in population as compared to
the rural community and less in number relative to an urban community. Such communities are
often out-lying a larger city. They have limited resources and little political autonomy.
Suburban areas are often referred to as single-family homes or housing divisions that are closer
to each other.
Suburban areas mostly began to emerge in the 19th and 20th centuries as a result of improved
infrastructure such as railroad transport that facilitated commuting. Suburban communities are
mostly settled around an abundance of adjacent flat land. In some countries, such suburban
areas are referred to as <neighborhood= of cities or a “town”
3. Urban community
An urban community is often perceived as the opposite of a rural community. The lifestyle of an
urban community is highly impersonal, complex, and heterogeneous in their identities and
lifestyle.
Communities are the product of rational choice. There is a complex division of labor with
specialization in professions and jobs, which shapes up the identity of an urban community.
Modern facilities and infrastructure are also central to urban communities. State officials and
diplomatic activities are also fundamental to urban communities.
Urban communities are based on a larger population, and most often, urban areas are
overcrowded due to it.
Five Types of Community–Organizational Communities
Organizations are another big form of community to consider. In this section on the ‘types of
communities’, we have included the different types of organizational communities for your ease
and understanding. Following are the five types of communities according to organizational
typology
Unaffiliated
It is among the types of community that is based on individuals who are not closely associated
with each other. This can also account for subordination in some cases.
They might only be present at any validly convened meeting where their action is required for a
common objective.
Federated
Such communities are associated with each other due to a common purpose or cause. They
cooperate in a standard and collective environment. It can be seen as a partially individualistic
and unified community
Affiliated Types of Community
Affiliated communities are the ones that have some commonality or shared interest among its
members due to a connection to an organization. For example, an affiliated military community
would mean that they spend some portion of their life has a direct link to military lifestyle such
as servicing in the military or having a kinship, etc.
Hybrid
A hybrid community is one of the types of community that is based on the model of a hybrid
society that has two or more modes of subsistence. For example: transitioning from one state to
another like agrarian to industrial. A modern-day hybrid community is based on socio-technical
advancements, such as the emergence of virtual communities.
Managed Types of Community
It is a type of managed community where some management exists for the coherence of the
community.

5 Common Features/ Elements of a Community

Interest
People with common interests or passions can together form a community. For example, a
community of pianists. These communities don't have much strict code of rules, because they
are limited to the breadth & and scope of the Interest.

Actions
A community can also be made up of people who are acting together to bring a change. For
example, a community of feminists. There can be various shades of such types of communities
as well. Every culture & and philosophy interprets these actions differently.

Place
Co-existence in a geographical area can also be shape up a community. For example, a
community of Muslim ex-pats in Poland. This is a hybrid form of both the Interest & Action
types of communities. The geographical location serves also in the concept of Nationalism &
Nation-states.
Practice
Communities can be formed by people who are from the same profession or undertake the
same activities. For example, A community of young doctors. These communities are both at
national & international level.
Circumstance
Some communities are brought together by external events or situations. For example, a
community of refugees.

COMPONENTS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF A HEALTHY COMMUNITY

A healthy, equitable community is one that offers complete social, physical and mental well-
being to all its residents at all stages of life and has the following themes embedded across all
the components: accessibility, affordability, stability, diversity, safety, equity.
1. Healthy Housing
Stable and affordable housing protects health and provides the ability to engage in healthy
opportunities.
Healthy, Stable and Affordable Housing Socially integrated housing that is stable and
affordable, near transit, appropriate for all income and generational levels, has healthy indoor air
quality and is free of pests, mold and similar negative conditions and energy efficiency.
Health Connection
Housing is the cornerstone of a healthy community. Housing enables people to build roots in a
community - get to know their neighbors, build a social network of support, and become civically
engaged.
2. Healthy Neighborhoods
Complete neighborhoods make it easy for residents to be healthy every day in their
communities by making the healthy choice, the easy choice.
Complete Neighborhoods and Communities "People-centered= design with residential,
businesses, services, schools, jobs, recreation and transit in close proximity, high quality
infrastructure and street design with good lighting and landscaping to support mixed uses,
transit and walkability.
Health Connection
Complete neighborhoods promote health by creating opportunities for everyday physical
activity, access to healthy foods, growing the local economy, and supporting social connections.
3. Healthy Schools
High-quality education creates pathways to better health.
High-Quality Education System Strong programs from K-12 to college level and trade schools,
universal childhood and enrichment programs, affordable afterschool programs and childcare,
and opportunities for youth career and skill development and adult education.
Health Connection
Education is one of the top three determinants of health outcomes. The more education
someone has, the healthier they are. Students who eat a healthy breakfast are better prepared
to learn. Children who get regular physical activity perform better.
4. Healthy Economy
A strong local economy builds household financial security for all and promotes everyone’s
health.
Thriving and Inclusive Economy Diverse local small businesses, economic opportunities with
family, supportive wages/benefits, fair labor practices, job skills trainings, and community
support of new and current businesses.
Health Connection
Financial insecurity makes it difficult to afford and meet basic needs, leading to higher rates of
depression and stress, and subsequently more health problems.
People with higher incomes and more wealth live longer. Cardiovascular, asthma, obesity,
overweight, and diabetes are highest among low-income people. Places with income equality
tend to be healthier.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY

A community has three features: People, Location and Social System (Allender et al., 2009;
Hunt, 2009) Factors related affect the health status of the community.
Characteristics of the Population
People
Population variables that affect the health of the community include size, density, composition,
rate of growth or decline, cultural characteristics, mobility, social class, and educational level
(Allender et al., 2009).
Population size and density influence the number of size of health care institutions. This
explains the concentration of health care institutions in urban areas. Negative effects of
overcrowding include: easy spread of communicable disease; increased stress among
members of the community; rapid degradation of housing facilities; and water, air and soil
pollution. On the other hand, sparsely populated areas, like rural areas, have limited resources,
resulting in difficulty in providing health services.

Location of the Community

Location
The health of the community is affected by both natural and man-made variables related to
location. Natural factors consist of geographic features, climate, flora, and fauna. Community
boundaries, whether the community is urban or rural, the presence of open spaces, the quality
of the soil, air, and water, and the location of health facilities are influenced by human decisions
and behavior (Benson, 1980; Allender et a., 2009).

Social System within the Community

A social system is the patterned series of interrelationships existing between individuals,
groups, and institutions and forming s coherent whole (Meriam-Webster Online Dictionary,
2012b). Social components that affect health include family, economic, educational,
communication, political, legal, religious, recreational, and health systems (Allender et a.,
2009.).
ROLES AND ACTIVITIES OF COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE
Functions of Community Health Nurse:
There are seven major functions of community health nurse, those are mentioned in the
following:
1. Clinician,
2. Educator,
3. Advocate,
4. Managerial,
5. Collaborator,
6. Leader,
7. Researcher.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Community Health Nurse? Community health nurses
possess strong clinical and critical thinking skills and have the analytical ability to solve
problems and make decisions. They can adapt their nursing care to the needs of a diverse
group of patients. A community health nurse's job may include these responsibilities:
• Administering well-Being assessments and vaccinations.
•Directing expectant and new mothers to healthcare resources so they can receive proper care
for themselves and their infants.
•Conducting education programs or handing out information about lead poisoning, substance
abuse, dangers of smoking, teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
•Stopping the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, influenza or hepatitis.
• Aiding the elderly in managing chronic health conditions.
•Providing care to sick or injured children and adults.
WEEK 2

What is Community Development?

Community development empowers persons and groups within society to have the capacity to
improve their lives. Community development is a positive change and value-based process that
aims to address imbalances in welfare and power based on inclusion, human rights, social
justice, equity, and equality.
Community development involves changing the relationships between local and uncivilized
people and the elite, rich, in positions of power. This enables them to participate in the
discussion of community issues that affect their lives.
Community development is a process where community members take collective action on
issues that are important to them. This might be done with or without the support of a
community development professional or agency. Community development is intended to
empower community members and create stronger and more connected communities.
Community development is a holistic approach grounded in principles of empowerment, human
rights, inclusion, social justice, self-determination and collective action (Kenny & Connors,
2017).
Community development considers community members to be experts in their lives and
communities, and values community knowledge and wisdom. Community development
programs are led by community members at every stage – from deciding on issues to selecting
and implementing actions, and evaluation.
Community development has an explicit focus on the redistribution of power to address the
causes of inequality and disadvantage.
The United Nations defines community development as "a process where community members
come together to take collective action and generate solutions to common problems." It is a
broad concept, applied to the practices of civic leaders, activists, involved citizens, and
professionals to improve various aspects of communities, typically aiming to build stronger and
more resilient local communities.

History of Community Development

Amongst the earliest community development approaches were those developed in Kenya and
British East Africa during the 1930s. Community development practitioners have over many
years developed a range of approaches for working within local communities and in particular
with disadvantaged people. Since the nineteen sixties and seventies through the various anti-
poverty programs in both developed and developing countries, community development
practitioners have been influenced by structural analyses as to the causes of disadvantage and
poverty i.e. inequalities in the distribution of wealth, income, land, etc., and especially political
power and the need to mobilize people power to affect social change.
Thus the influence of such educators as Paulo Freire and his focus upon this work.
Other key people who have influenced this field are Saul Alinsky (Rules for Radicals) and E.F.
Schumacher (Small Is Beautiful). There are a number of international organizations that support
community development, for example, Oxfam, UNICEF, The Hunger Project, and Freedom from
Hunger, which run community development programs based upon community development
initiatives for the relief and prevention of malnutrition. Since 2006 the Dragon Dreaming Project
Management techniques have spread to 37 different countries and are engaged in an estimated
3,250 projects worldwide.
When does Community Development start in the Philippines?
The Philippine experience of community development can be traced back to 1958 when the
Philippine Government launched a nationwide program under the Philippine Assistance on
Community Development or PACD (Samonte, 1982).
Principles of Community Development
There are a lot of people around the globe engaged in the process of development
whereby their role is to mobilize members of the community and stakeholders to address real
problems among people. They all come from different backgrounds, trainings and school
thoughts when comes to community development and may represent a wide spectrum as
engineering, education, health, agriculture, religion and culture, in brief, community developers
may bring vast experience from their different fields of deployment but the most important
element must be the common goal or interest of community development
Ethical principles
Human Orientation The most important abstract human need is dignity. Essama-Nssah (2004)
sees it as the necessity of public policy to enable citizens to choose to lead fulfilled lives.
People's concrete needs are addressed whereby the focus is also on human dignity, happiness,
and contentment. Human orientation is against a situation whereby people are affected by
physical development. The important aspect here is that human beings as dignified free beings
who channel their own life in cooperation and reciprocity with others, rather than being passively
shaped or pushed around in the manner of a ‘flock or ‘herd’ animals. Nussbaum (2000: 78-80)
list the following central human capabilities as an indicator of human dignity:
1. Life: the ability to avoid premature death
2. Bodily health: the ability to have good health with adequate nourishment and shelter
3. Bodily integrity
4. Sense, imagination and thoughts: the ability to use these to imagine, think and
5. Reason in a truly human way.
6. Emotions: the ability to have attachments to things and people outside oneself
7. Practical reason: the ability to conceive of the good and engage in critical
8. Reflection about the formulation and implementation of one’s life plan
9. Affiliation: the ability to live with and towards others, and to engage in various • social
interaction with dignity and respect.
10. Other species: the ability to live with concern about the world of nature

Participation
People are mobilized not to be involved but to participate fully, that is to have a role in planning,
assessment, implementation, and evaluation phase of community development. It is of high
important that community member are made part of decision making because one way or
another, those decisions will affect the. The liberal view emphasis that through participation, a
vibrant local knowledge base is used for development.

Empowerment
The concept of empowerment has been loosely used by most people without a clear
understanding of what it entails. Like for an example if they teach one a certain skill they claim
that they applied empowerment. It is important to avoid tokenism or window dressing, which is
putting people on positions just for the mere fact of placing them.

Ownership
CDs should practically gain the sense of ownership of the project. Ownership is a critical
concept in community development because people assume that ownership means that they
are in control in literal sense that they even entitled to make decisions without involving other.
Sustainability
The golden rule of community development is that no community development project should
damage the environment because sustainable development does not compromise a single
universal goal. The frank definition of sustainable development states that it is development that
meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generation to meet
their own needs.
Release
It has been mentioned that development‘s ultimate goal is to eradicate poverty completely, not
to address or deal with some manifestation of poverty. In other words, the success of
development will come after people are living out of deprivation trap.
Practical principles
Learning talks to gaining skill and knowledge from the project but in western culture people
become so conditioned to ideas of excellent, perfection and professionalism.
Compassion
Now it becoming clear CDWs is very special unique people with a broad range of skill that are
carried by something that are closed to sympathy and empathy. The facilitating and enabling
task of the CDWs is not just another ordinary job whereby anyone can assume the role. The
principle of compassion is very ironic as CDWs. A simplest explanation of compassion is that
the person with compassion stands in the shoes of the object of his/her compassion.

Adaptiveness
As stated in the previous study unit, CDWS must avoid blue print projects because they are
likely inflexible. Adaptiveness require change of mind set because one is entering a new
environment or new setting so is in high demand to be optimistic.
Simplicity
The principle of simplicity contrasts with the notion ‘bigger is better’, no ‘simplicity does’.
Chambers (1978:211) talks of the big project trap and says that the learning, releasing approach
is not suited to complex techniques. This principle is quite clear, the smaller and simpler a
project the easier it is to get long-lasting results.
Approaches in Community Development
The community development approach involves different methods and techniques of operation
and functioning with communities for conventional programs and organizations. Community
development approaches include the needs-based approach, problem-solving approach,
participatory approach, asset-based approach, community-based approach, power-conflict
approach, welfare approach, and rights-based approach.
 The needs-based approach focuses on the community's needs, deficiencies, and problems. It
focuses on identifying needs in a deteriorating community and creating external inputs to meet
those needs. As a traditional approach, is generally understood as a deficit model that focuses
on the community's needs, deficiencies, and problems.
 The problem-solving approach focuses on different methods and approaches that can be
used in creating different solutions for the problems that are faced by communities
 The participatory approach focuses on ensuring that people are educated and encouraged to
participate in the development process. People should participate in every step from initiation to
evaluation of every development project and program.
 Asset Based Community Development is an approach to sustainable community-driven
development. Asset Based Community Development's basis is that communities can drive the
development process themselves by identifying and mobilizing existing, but often unrecognized
assets.
 The power conflict approach concentrates on creating a peaceful community. The process
deals with solutions that will deal with conflicts that slow the progress and hamper the
development process

Community development work

Community groups identify important concerns and issues and plan and implement strategies to
mitigate their concerns and solve their issues.
Characteristics:
1. Power relations between agencies and community members are constantly negotiated.
2. The problem or issue is first named by the community, then defined in a way that advances
the shared interests of the community and the agency.
3. Work is longer term in duration.
4. The desired outcome is an increase in the community members’ capacities.
5. The desired long-term outcomes usually include a change at the neighborhood or community
level.

When to use community development

Community development is not always a suitable approach to use. Community development
may be particularly appropriate:

1. To address social and community issues – community development is a good approach

when you are trying to create change at a community or neighborhood level. For example, if
your goal is to improve community safety, increase community cohesion, reduce social isolation
or create communities that are better for children.
2. for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities – community development is a
good approach to use with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities because it can
enable self-determination and strengthen local First Nations organisations and grassroots
community groups (Higgins [AIHW & AIFS], 2010)
3. for disadvantaged communities – community development initiatives work well in
disadvantaged communities where they can alleviate some of the impacts of disadvantage on
children and families by building social capital and social inclusion (Ife, 2016; McDonald, 2011;
Price-Robertson, 2011; Ortiz et al., 2020) and can empower community members to challenge
inequitable conditions that are negatively impacting their wellbeing (Ife, 2016).

Community development may not be the best approach if:

1. You already know what you want to do – If the outcomes you want to achieve and the
activities that you will use are already decided then there is no space for the community to
determine outcomes and activities. Similarly, if you don’t have the authority or resources to
implement the community’s decisions, community development is not a suitable strategy.
2. You have limited time or short-term funding – Community development is a long-term
process. Engagement and planning can take a year or more, and it can take several years to
implement projects and ensure sustainable results.
3. Your focus is improving specific individual skills – If you are seeking to build individual
skills in a specific area (e.g. parenting skills or literacy), a program that targets these directly
may be more appropriate.