COMMUNITY ORGANIZING
Definition
Community organizing (CO) is a process of building groups with shared goals to engage
in collective action, focusing on empowering marginalized populations.
It involves formation, organization, mobilization, action, and evaluation (Stall and
Stocker, 1997).
Community organizers guide problem identification, collaborative solutions, resource
mobilization, and sustained engagement.
Figures like Adams and Alinsky emphasized participation, power dynamics, and listening
to community members.
Community organizing builds the base for future movements despite being distinct from
broader social movements.
Steps in Community Organizing (Manalili, 1985 as cited by Quintin, 1988):
1. Entry in the community - Prepare thoroughly and integrate respectfully into the
community.
2. Integration with the people - Build relationships and trust through immersion in
community life.
3. Community Study/Situation Analysis - Analyze data and identify pressing community
issues.
4. Identifying and Developing Potential Community Leaders - Spot and develop leaders
within the community.
5. Core Group Formation - Create a representative core group of community leaders.
6. Setting-up the Organization - Establish structures, elect leaders, and create policies.
7. Strengthening the Organization - Sustain the organization through ongoing development
and refinement.
Role of Community Organizing:
The role varies by community context and needs.
Jack Rothman’s Models:
o Community Development (CD): Change attitudes and behaviors through education
and participation.
o Social Action (SA): Reform societal systems for marginalized groups through
political mobilization.
o Social Planning (SP): Change social conditions by altering policies to improve
access to resources.
Saul Alinsky’s Conflict-Confrontation Model: Use conflict to mobilize people, leverage
self-interest, and use pressure tactics.
Paulo Freire’s Conscientization Model: Develop critical awareness and use education as
empowerment, promoting reflection, dialogue, and transformation.
Community organizing empowers communities through awareness, participation, and
collective action.
PARTNERSHIP BUILDING
Definition
Partnerships are collaborative relationships based on shared goals, respect, autonomy,
and accountability (Brinkerhoff, 2002).
Partnerships are crucial for effective watershed management involving diverse
stakeholders.
Core Principles:
1. Trust - Built on transparency and accountability.
2. Mutuality - Requires reciprocity, respect, and open dialogue.
3. Solidarity - Emphasizes compassion and equal participation.
4. Accountability - Defined rights and obligations agreed upon by all partners.
Steps in Partnership Building (FAO):
1. Scoping and Building - Define challenges, gather information, consult stakeholders,
identify partners, and plan activities.
2. Managing and Maintaining - Manage the structure, mobilize resources, and implement
plans.
3. Reviewing and Revising - Measure performance, review impact, adjust roles, and revise
programs as needed.
4. Sustaining Outcomes - Institutionalize the partnership for long-term commitment or
decide on termination.
Role of Partnership Building:
Partnerships play a vital role in achieving goals, both formally and informally.
Formal partnerships ensure structured systems for smooth collaboration.
In community development, partnerships advance advocacy and social progress.
Partnerships must actively contribute to community goals, or they risk dissolution if
commitments are unmet.
DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY LEADERS
Definition of Community Leader:
Community leaders are permanent residents responsible for community well-being and
improvement (Community Toolbox, 2015).
Organizers identify, train, and develop natural leaders lacking social orientation.
Leader formation should be structured and institutionalized for sustainability.
Acquisition of Knowledge:
Develop socially-aware leaders through community exposure, social issue discussions,
coaching, and mentorship.
Formally establish a core group of leaders and provide formal leadership training.
Steps in Developing Community Leaders:
1. Spotting Potential Leaders - Build relationships focused on community development.
2. Awareness Building - Engage potential leaders in conscientization processes.
3. Core Group Formation - Establish the community organization with structures and
recognized leaders.
4. Formation of the Organization - Set up the organization with policies and leadership
structures.
5. Function Leaders - Deploy leaders to actively serve in the community.
6. Leadership Advancement - Continuously develop leaders and prepare successors.
Community Leaders and Community Action:
Effective leaders must be indigenous members who represent the community’s concerns.
Community leaders act as voices, facilitators, and conflict managers grounded in local
needs.
Leaders must actively listen, understand different sectors, and remain committed to
community growth.
Trustworthy and responsible leaders build credibility and guide progress toward shared
goals.
