Free Essay On Build The Community

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Before gaining entry into an unfamiliar community, the organizer needs to assess the community. The assessment needs to include the issues that need to be addressed, and also what can be done about the issues. The assessment must also include observations of the community and identify what resources are available. An outside organizer must seek assistance from someone with close ties to the community in order to further their agenda in the community. If the organizer identifies an issue that needs to be addressed, they should partner with someone from the community. Partnering with a local community figure can have several benefits. If people in the community realize that one of their own members are interested in the issue, then the community members are more likely to support the efforts of the organizer. In addition, the community would be more likely to take ownership of these issues instead of feeling like the issue does not affect them directly. Figures such as a church leader, political organizer, community leader or volunteer coordinator would be idea individuals to assist the outside organizer. Most individuals do not like outsiders coming into their community and telling them what to do. If the community realizes that there is an issue, many times they want one of their own to present the issues to them, or give them suggestions on correcting the problems. By having support from an inside community official, it would make it easier for the organizer to gain acceptance from the community.
After the issues have been identified it is important to gain entry into the community. It is not always the easiest task however, because as mentioned previously, many communities do not like outsiders coming into their community and telling them what to do or how to fix their problems. It is essential that the outside organizer use tact and negotiate their way into the community. This can be accomplished by networking with individuals who control the political climate of the community. These individuals are called the gatekeepers. They are called gatekeepers because they regulate who can gain entrance into the community, and they also have a lot of information and resources about the community. The gatekeepers know how the community functions and they know how to get things accomplished within the community. These individuals may include police officers, clergy, community activists or longtime residents who are recognized in the community. Once the outside organizer meets with the gatekeepers of the community, the organizer must be willing to meet the gatekeeper on his/her terms. If the organizer meets the gatekeeper on his/her terms then the organizer will gain credibility and trust from the gatekeeper. The gatekeeper might be a resident who has no official authority within the community, but is known as a good and reliable citizen. If the community respects that gatekeeper and that individual has a lot of pull in the community, then it is a good idea for the outside organizer to connect with that person. If the organizer can gain credibility with the gatekeeper, they will have an easier time gaining entry into the community.
Organizers must be culturally sensitive when identifying issues within a community. Organizers must remember that they will be seen as outsiders and therefore they must tread lightly within the community. Just because the organizer identifies an issue in the community, they have to be cautious in their approach and make sure not to become too aggressive. An organizer can lose all of their accomplishments and gains by talking down to the community, commanding individuals to action or making the community feel as though the organizer has the last word on the issue. The organizer needs to work with the gatekeepers to identify facilities to hold meetings, and to identify potential individuals that could use their services. Church facilities, local community centers and other familiar places that the community frequent would be good places to hold initial organizing meetings and outreach programs. Organizers will need to bring attention to their meetings and get participants for their programs. The organizers can work with the community official or gatekeeper and pass out flyers, attend local events and spread the word on social media sites. For example if the organizer is targeting individuals in the community who are seeking healthy nutrition programs, the organizer can create a social media site such as Facebook or Twitter to spread their message.
Once the community has been assessed, the issues have been identified and entry has been gained, it is now time for the organizer to develop the goals for the community and the outreach program. The organizer must set goals so that the community can know what is expected of them and what outcomes will be delivered. Phase two of the goal setting takes place after the goals have been identified. The goals are then prioritized into the most important goals. During phase two it is essential that the organizer remain impartial. The goals should be voted on by the members and the majority vote should govern the priority listings. Participants who are directly affected by the identified issues and community officials who will be funding the program should be included in the goal prioritizing in phase two.
The last step in building a community is to put the plan into action. This is one of the most important elements of establishing community programs. The goals that were created and prioritized by the group must be put into action. Implementing these goals is the first step in the process, followed by evaluating the effectiveness of the program, maintaining the program and reviewing the goals for any changes or additions. The implementation of the goals could take place in an initial kick off session, or could span over several months. The organizer must also establish measures to evaluate the program. The evaluations could be in the form of participant surveys, data collection or general feedback. Finding ways to maintain the program in the community is important, as the organizers must be sure that program has enough funding. The program should be reviewed periodically to ensure its compliance with the programs goals.