Community Participation

1. It is critical that we all actively participate in the communities in which we live and work in a meaningful way. From your perspective:

a. What is meant by “meaningful participation”?

b. What do you think is meant by diverse community knowledge?

c. What about diverse expertise and perspectives?

d. How do these factors contribute to community participation?

2. Every community has both needs and assets. To improve our communities we need to understand both. A way to assess community assets and needs a variety of research, analytical or reflective tools can be used. In your experience:

a. What are some of the tools communities can use to assess their assets?

b. What are some of the tools communities can use to assess their needs?

3. How does your academic discipline contribute to building and sustaining functional communities?

4. How does lifelong learning and develop contribute to community participation and active citizenship?

Commentary on the extent to which you have mastered the competencies using the rubric below.

 

Answer

 

1.
a) Meaningful participation.
It requires that everybody in the society has a duty and responsibility to deliver, and has a
sacred obligation to support the well-being of the community to enhance its progress
(Hindsworth & Lang, 2009)
b) Diverse community knowledge
It means that the people in the community categories themselves according to the life
experience, professional discipline and achievements rather than the regular categories of gender,
nationality or social-economical background.
c) Diverse expertise and perspective
It is when people see themselves reflected in a community and they are to engage with
the society to satisfy the needs of the society using their unique skills and talents. The people
believe in themselves, and they trust their greatest assets that are within the community.
d) How above factors contribute to community participation
Diversified knowledge has a positive impact on the community engagement in that the
society will not be categorizing people on a regular basis instead they will categorize them
according to the basis that is beneficial to the community. On the aspect of the diversified
perception and expertise, the society will believe in its ability and the assets they have hence they
will commit themselves to the well-being of the community.
2.Tools for assessing community needs and assets.
A survey is the most common tool for assessing the gaps and strengths of a community.
The survey can be complex (target a large group of people) or simple (target a small group of
individuals). The primary objective of this is to understand the opinion of the neighborhood

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about the society. It will involve careful planning on how to identify the available resources in
the community satisfy the needs.
Asset inventory is another tool of assessment which collects the information relating to
the society through observation (Fontbonne University & Fontbonne Community Connection,
2008). This technique is done by assigning a small group of people to tour around the
community noting down places, people, and other things that are of value to the community.
They then discuss them and share the information with others.
Community mapping is the third tool of assessment that helps to reveal the different
perspective of people. It is conducted through various meeting or gatherings which the
community members are invited.
3. How business studies contribute to building and sustaining fictional community.
Through studying business, I will gain skills that will help to identify and solve some of
the community gaps hence making the community look pretty. Business people have a
diversified knowledge in trade; this involves seeking for resources to satisfy some of the needs in
the community.
4. How lifelong learning and development contribute to community participation and
active citizenship
Learning is a continuous process that is viewed as key to success and a basic necessity of
life. Through education, people gain knowledge and skill of how to live well and relate friendly
with others (Owens & Rayner, 2015). Learned people are aware of their duties, responsibility
and what the community expects from them hence they make an effort to enhance the well-being
of society.

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References

Fontbonne University, Fontbonne University, & Fontbonne Community Connection.
(2008). Fontbonne Community Connection materials.
Hindsworth, M. F., & Lang, T. B. (2009). Community participation and empowerment. New
York: Nova Science Publishers.
Owens, S. E., & Rayner, T. (2015). Knowledge, policy, and expertise: The UK Royal
Commission on Environmental Pollution 1970-2011.