Publications from ODSW Social Insights: Letters by DSW (Vol 2) | Page 11

Fundamentals of Social Work
social work, and other disciplines. The activities or channels of engagement
involve community participation, community mobilisation and constituency
building to foster community identity.

Community Participation and Empowerment
Concepts concerning community participation offer one set of explanation as
to why the process of community engagement might be useful in addressing
the physical and interpersonal aspects of people’s environments. The real
value of participation comes from appreciating the fact that mobilising the
entire community, rather than engaging people on an individualised basis
can lead to more effective outcomes (Braithwaite et al., 1994)9. Simply
stated, change is sometimes easier or more likely to be successful and
hopefully permanent when the people it affects are involved in initiating and
promoting it (Thompson et al, 1990, p. 46)10. In other words, an important
element of community engagement is participation by the individuals,
community-based organisations including voluntary welfare organisations
and institutions that will be affected by the effort or that can support the
effort.
This participation is “a major method for improving the quality of the physical
environment, enhancing services, preventing crime, and improving social
conditions” (Chavis et al., 1990, p.56)11. Neighbourhood watch groups or
community surveillance to help prevent crime is a good example. There is
evidence that participation can lead to improvements in neighbourhood
and community and stronger interpersonal relationships and social fabric.
(Florin et al., 1990)12. The community participation literature suggests that:
● People who interact socially with neighbours are more likely to know
about and join voluntary organisations.
● A sense of community may increase an individual’s feeling of control
over the environment, and increases participation in the community and
voluntary organisations.
9

10

11

12

Braithwaite RL, Bianchi C, Taylor SE. Ethnographic approach to community organization and
health empowerment. Health Education Quarterly 1994;21(3):407-416.
Thompson B, Kinne S. Social change theory: applications to community health. In: Bracht N,
(editor). Health promotion at the community level. Newbury Park (CA): Sage Publications;
1990.
Chavis DM, Wandersman A. Sense of community in the urban environment: a catalyst for
participation and community development. American Journal of Community Psychology
1990;18(1):55-81.
Florin P, Wandersman A. An introduction to citizen participation, voluntary organizations,
and community development: insights for empowerment through research. American
Journal of Community Psychology 1990;18(1):41-55.
10