Using a ‘domains’ approach to build community empowerment
Author:
- 11 March 2005
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in Community Development Journal
- Vol. 41 (1) , 4-12
Abstract
This paper provides two case study examples of how community empowerment can be better conceptualized, planned and applied within a programme context by using a ‘domains’ approach. What is new about this approach is that it does not start with a blank slate onto which participants inscribe their own problems or needs but provides a predetermined focus through each of nine ‘empowerment domains’: Improves participation; Develops local leadership; Increases problem assessment capacities; Enhances the ability to ‘ask why’; Builds empowering organizational structures; Improves resource mobilization; Strengthens links to other organizations and people; Creates an equitable relationship with outside agents; and Increases control over programme management. The importance to community development practice is that the approach provides a more systematic means for community empowerment in a programme context.Keywords
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