COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
TERMS DEFINED
People can use the
same word or phrase but have different meanings. This is particularly
true in the field of community organizing and community development. Unless
the different definitions are understood, real communication cannot occur.
Definitions: A.
are general ones while
B. are used more by
neighborhood residents.
* Neighborhood or Community-Based
A. The geographical
location of a facility or program.
B. A facility
or program was developed with meaningful involvement of neighborhood
residents and their organizations.* Meaningful Involvement/Empowerment
A. A meeting that is held in a neighborhood
where a plan was reviewed and
residents were asked for their feedback.
B. Neighborhood residents and/or
representatives from their organizations had a decision-making role in
the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a plan, program, etc.
* Partnership/Collaboration
A. A plan/program is developed by
a group and they want the neighborhood association (and neighborhood residents)
to help them implement it.
B. A neighborhood association joins
with one or more other organizations as a (partner)
in shared decision-making when addressing a mutually agreed upon
problem or concern. Mutual respect, understanding, and trust are
cornerstones of this relationship.
+ Community Oriented
Policing
This problem-solving
approach to law enforcement is neighborhood-based and requires a
partnership with the community. This partnership is built on the
trust developed between the officers and residents.
These definitions obtained from the MSU Center for Urban in Affairs,
Grand Rapids, Michigan
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