Publications from ODSW Social Insights: Letters by DSW (Vol 2) | Page 13

Fundamentals of Social Work
problems. An example is organising residents of a block of flats to address an
infestation of bed bug problem. Individuals, organisations, and communities
can be empowered by having information about problems and having “an
open process of accumulating and evaluating evidence and information”
(Rich et al., 1995, p. 669)14.
There are often activities that can trigger the community engagement
process. Some of these are tied to programme or legislative mandates,
while others involve special initiatives, such as those of public health
services, grant makers, or existing community groups. Once triggered, the
community engagement process itself can take many forms. It can range
from cooperation, where relationships are informal and where there is not
necessarily a commonly-defined structure, to collaboration, or partnerships
where previously separated groups are brought together with full commitment
to a common mission (Mattessich et al., 1992)15. Some of the Social Service
Offices will be pivotal in taking on the coordination and initiating role as
they bring about deeper discussions through their convening of platforms
among service providers and community organisations.

Outcomes of community engagement
So how do we ensure that community engagement successfully meets its
aims? These are possibilities.
● People participate when they feel a sense of community; for example,
when they see their involvement and the issues as relevant and worth their
time, and view the process and organisational climate of participation as
open and supportive of their right to have a voice in the process.
● People gain a sense of empowerment; for example when they have the
ability to take action, influence, and make decisions on critical issues when engagement efforts are purposeful and targeted.
● Community mobilisation and self-determination frequently need
nurturing. Before individuals and organisations can gain control and
influence and become players and partners in addressing social issues,
they may need additional knowledge, skills, and resources.
● As participation involves time and effort, it is influenced by whether
community members believe that the benefits of participation outweigh
the costs. Community leaders can use their understanding of perceived
costs to develop appropriate incentives for participation.
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15

Rich RC, Edlestein M, Hallman WK, Wandersman AH. Citizen participation and
empowerment: the case of local environmental hazards. American Journal of Community
Psychology 1995;23(5):657-676.
Mattessich PW, Monsey BR. Collaboration: what makes it work; a review of research
literature on factors influencing successful collaboration. St. Paul (MN): Amherst H. Wilder
Foundation; 1992.
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