Community Development Theory

Define: Community Development Theory focuses on a "community" of persons which can be defined in a variety of ways: geographical, cultural, socioeconomic status, language, and more by increasing public participation to use participatory democracy for community decision-making. Key to this theory is creating structural change that is non-reversible by introducing other structural changes or stabilizing current structures to protect from future changes.

Cook, J. (1994, October 1). Community Development Theory. Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://extension.missouri.edu/p/MP568
Apply: I mean, duh. I feel one of the critical aspects of the theory is participation being view as a mode of self-help, which is an empowering ideal in the United States. Framing and practicing community organization as a mode of self-help is crucial from attempting to gain status as a community organizer, as our role is that of the backstage manager.

Adapt: My time spent overseas was largely focused on making structural changes and stabilizing other structural changes in an attempt to create order in an area of unrest. Using community development theory while working internationally can also help to reduce the paternalistic feel and help to prevent exploitation of the area for capitalist gain.

For more reading on community development theory, see: http://communityandtheories650.blogspot.com/