Introduction - Reflective Practices in Community Development Roles
This study has been focused to explore and discuss core skills needed for community development with respect to a reflective manner. It has been observed that the life skill of the community has been associated with interpersonal communication, problem-solving ability and behavioural approaches. In terms of the practice of community development, a few core skills with respect to interpretation, analyse, networking and advocacy have been required. Therefore, this study has featured with exploration and practice of those skills in terms of achieving the goals of sustainable development. Thus, those skills have a major role in terms of the effective handling of social processes. The reflection of a practitioner of CD practice has been discussed and narrated with the reflective cycle of Gibbs.
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It can be described that self-awareness has played a critical role in terms of improving or boosting professional practices. In terms of the practice of community development, core 6 areas have been recognised through the study. Therefore, I have recognised that accurate sense is essential in terms of retaining the rigid concept of "Community development practice". This area has helped a lot in order to recognise the skill gap throughout the journey of a "Community development Practitioner". Besides that, It has been explored that the skills of interpretation, analyse, networking and advocacy have major roles in terms of engaging with communities.
On the other hand, concise and accurate knowledge of collective work and action has been required for making an effective group work. Along with that skill of advocacy played a significant role in terms of exploring the areas of community learning in terms of the promotion of social change. I have observed that communities have been comprised of challenges of poverty and inequality. In terms of managing such issues, skills of positive leadership have been recognised as critically essential (Cldstandardscouncil.org.uk, 2023). Along with that in order to understand the issues of different communities, active listening and interpretive manner have robustly helped to understand the situational context.
It has been observed that awareness of accountability was highly demanded during the practice of community development. This type of skill has profoundly helped me to take action and be responsible for the welfare of communities. It has been experienced that the skill of accountability has strengthened the relationship with representatives and groups of individuals associated with the development process (Law.ac.uk, 2022). This has guided a lot during the journey of the development process of communities in terms of recording information and systematic collection of inputs.
Feelings
In contrast to the scenario, it has been felt that self-awareness has played a major role in terms of understanding the need for communities and approaches to handle it. Thus, adequate quality of supervision has been retained during the journey of a practitioner of "Community Development" (CD).
It has been observed that CD practices have been comprised of a few principles those are principles of human rights, inclusion, collective action and empowerment. In terms of meeting the skill requirement of CD practices, knowledge of those principles is critically essential. The practitioner or community development groups have been associated with addressing and resolving core issues under laid in the community (Iacdglobal.org, 2023). Therefore, the skill of recognising power relations across organizations and members of the community is too significant. It has been experienced that "Research skills" have a major role in terms of documentation and formulation of reports based on the context of the community.
Besides that, non-verbal along with verbal communication skills have a significant role in terms of communicating with the team and community members. Excellent communication skills generate concrete reliance and trust among the stakeholders of the CD practice. Thus, a much more extended and high level of outcome with respect to the project has been noticed. Along with that positive and non-judgmental attributes of behaviour have helped a lot in terms of connecting with community members and empowering them. It has been experienced that skill or ability of critical and creative thinking have been highly demanded in case of resolving issues and conflict.
On the other hand, it has been observed that presenting data with respect to the CD practice requires analytical and interpretive skills. These types of skills have helped a lot in terms of forecasting and monitoring the operation progress of CD practices. It has been noticed that this type of development practice has a dependency on advocacy and a strong network. Therefore, methods or approaches of network building have been learnt with the position of a practitioner of CD practice. Therefore, it can be stated that concrete experience has been gathered from the position of CD practitioner (Yen et al. 2022). Along with that also recognised skill gaps and learned the approach to fulfilling such skill gaps.
It has been also evaluated that the skill of infusing motivation and inspiration has a major role in terms of becoming a community development leader. Along with that, it has been recognised that the issues or challenges of communities are different thus the skill of agility can help by addressing diversified areas of CD.
It has been found that understanding and accurate knowledge of the "Community Development Process" must be retained by CD practitioners. The formulation of an accurate process of CD was difficult to conceptualize during the beginning phase of practitioner ship. However, it can be stated that the skill of active listening, analysing and interpreting have helped robustly in terms of conceptualising the formulation of the CD process. At the very beginning, it has been learned that development has a major dependency with respect to the public participation process. Therefore, there has a high need for excellent skill in communication that helps to understand community issues and demand.
In contrast to the scenario, it has been experienced that a vision and objective need to be formed in the context of the CD practice. It has been evaluated that a few distinct theories have been associated with theoretical prospects of community development. That has a major role in terms of formulation of a comprehensive plan with respect to community development. It has been noted that a critical understanding of those theories can help practitioners with accurate planning (Ledwith, 2020). I have explored the theory of power relationships, structural functionalism, and Symbolic interactionism and Conflict theory. Thus, it has been evaluated that the theory of structural functionalism has been associated with the creation of needed structure in contrast to community development.
Therefore, significant experience in structuring roles and responsibilities has been gathered from the concerned project of community development. That has robustly enhanced the personal skill attribute with respect to the managerial aspects of the organizations. It has been evaluated that communities have been developed through interactions across multiple groups and distinct types of power perspectives. In view of the scenario, the theory of conflict can be enormously incorporated in terms of the mitigation of power practice issues. In contrast to the theory of "Symbolic interactions", it has been evaluated that a diversified nature of participation of groups has been noticed (Roberts, 2019). Thus, a distinct nature of perception and point of view has been noticed across different communities. Therefore, I have evaluated that the policies related to community development need to be formed based on the symbolic interactions of communities.
Analysis
I have analysed the "Community Development National Occupational Standards" (CD NOS) have a major role in terms of performing an accurate collective action. It has been explored that collective action begins with the engagement of people who are available in communities. Therefore, a high need for collective goals and voices has been recognised with respect to the position of CD practitioner. Thus, it has been analysed that the identification of positive resources and creative skills is essential in terms of accurate community development practice (Kenny and Ife, 2020). On the other hand, I have also analysed that during collective action, a huge opportunity in contrast to collective learning has been gained through the journey of a CD practitioner.
It can be stated that a lot of things have been learned from the collaborative nature of work through shared experiences. The experience has been analysed with respect to much wider political, social and economic prospects. That has influenced me to perform a critical reflection on my own pursuits with respect to the beliefs and values that experienced from the journey of community development. It has been analysed that CD NOS have been associated with the concrete exploration of the role of the practitioner with respect to community development. Therefore, it can be stated that during the journey, adequate assistance in terms of evaluation, monitoring and review of CD activities have been performed.
The CD has been underpinned with a bunch of values that have a major degree of difference from each other. Thus, it has been analysed that the most significant values of CD are "Community empowerment", "Collective action", "Anti-discrimination" and "Social justice and equality" (Cavaye and Ross, 2019). I have assessed that understanding those values is essential for the role of a practitioner in terms of transforming people with a positive approach in a community. Besides that, it has been coined that formulation or seeding of trust across the individuals of the community is essential in terms of gaining shared experiences.
Conclusion
It has been learned that understanding community values and identification of needed skills with respect to the CD practice is essential. The skill gaps with respect to knowledge and shared experience have been overcome by strengthening communication skill and an active listening approach. On the other hand, I have also learned to about the structural development process in the context of the CD practice. Along with that, during the practice of community development, significant lessons with respect to the monitoring skill have learned (Leclair et al. 2019). It has been an experience that effective compilation of any operation requires optimum equilibrium with respect to teamwork. However, teamwork can be positively infused with the skill of empowering, motivating and inspiring.
It has been learned that in terms of bringing a social change with CD practice needs for planning and execution based on an accurate understanding of community issues and needs. Therefore, analysis and interpretive skills have helped a lot and those skills need to be expected in gaining shared experiences. As a "Community development practitioner", a huge knowledge of sharing support and experience in terms of better development of personality pursuits has been developed (Lynch et al. 2021). On the other hand, the evolving role of CD practitioner ship has generated an approach of personal and experiential and boosted continual professional development.
Action Plan
Based on the experience and learning gathered from the role of CD practitioner ship, I have recognised a few skill gaps. Thus, a personal development plan needed to be followed in terms of overcoming such gaps and becoming much more capable of such roles. It has been observed that critical and creative thinking aspects of personality need to be enhanced. Along with that in terms of delivery of motivation and inspiration, a leadership style needs to be followed along with a personal development plan. This can help by accurately promoting CD practice in future and a better outcome for the organization can be gained.
A personal development plan needs to be formed based on the recognised skill gaps.
Focus on verbal and non-verbal communication boosting needs to be made for excellent communication practice during community development role.
The critical thinking ability needs to be boosted with a plan of action and aligned with the continuous development plan.
Conclusion
The experience and learning gained from the role of "Community development practitioner", have been comprehensively narrated with "Gibbs' reflective cycle". Thus, the journey of the concerned role in contrast to the suitability of skills has been performed and skills gaps have been recognised. This reflective study can help with skill development with respect to community development practice. Therefore, in future, a huge benefit in terms of leading CD practice can be precisely performed with competent skill and required knowledge of community development. Hence, it can be stated that the formulation of earning logs based on experience can be generated.
Learning Logs 1
Background
Community development is an effective process where the members of the community has supported or promoted by the agencies to understand and take a collective effort on issues are significant to them. The major purpose of community development is to systematize or organized the population across the world, especially in the United Kingdom (Iacdglobal.org, 2022). This helps them to collectively plan, prioritize and identify to solve their problems and issues that are finally conducted sustainable development. This helps to empower the members of the community and build strong and effective connected communities. Families and children have been directly involved in initiatives of community development that can benefit from improving self-efficacy, knowledge, skills and empowerment.
Model of Reflection
There are different types of community development models such as asset-based, goal-oriented and need-based. A community has used one model and more than one model depending on their needs and demands either only one time or a long-term period that covers the different stages of the community. This study has taken the need-based models of community development that focus on the specific requirement of groups and individuals in different areas (Ambarsarie et al. 2019). It includes needs and requirements that may occur for more police services, more schools, hospitals and five departments for the development of the community population. Community managers or leaders and other local officials can need to hold effective meetings with the members of the local community during using this model. The purpose of the meeting is to define the biggest needs and requirements of the community and then spend money on addressing the problems through development projects.
Critically analyze, evaluate and reflect the model of reflection
The need-based model of community development is one kind of traditional model of community development. The National Occupational Standards has supported community activities, community development workers, delivery or development of strategic plans and also evaluation of better community development practices (Molope and Oduaran, 2020). Along with that, community development practitioners' employers supported and guided by the National Occupational Standards of community development through need-based approaches. It has been observed that there is no direct and immediate relationship between understanding statements, knowledge and criteria of individuals with the underpinning of knowledge statements of the overall all National Occupational Standard.
The processes of community development have focused on the set of values towards the community development practices basis that helps to eradicate any kinds of discrimination and inequality among individuals, communities and organizations effectively. It has been improving equality, social justice, mutual trust, loyalty and collaboration or cooperation among the members of the community (Ledwith, 2020). It has been beneficial for the overall development of the community through the need-based approaches. It has been assumed that the need-based approaches have eliminated the negative attitude of the citizen, reducing inequality, alleviating poverty, and eliminating unemployment.
Analyzing the theory that helps to address the situation
Structural functionalism theory of community development has demonstrated the community as a whole and a complicated system of integration. Community development is concerned that the structural functionalism theory has improved different areas that include education, the legal system, religion, the economy, family, health care and many more (Edwards and Jones, 2019). It has been focus on the structure of community development, the condition of institutions, the overall articulation of associations and role patterning. The important concepts of this theory of functionalism have included then latent functions, manifest functions, social functions and social structure.
This theory has believed that a needs-based approach has been suitable for the fulfillment of needs and demands of the common it and individual through collective consciences. Functionalists have believed that collective consciences and shared beliefs or values have been helping to achieve the social order that has been beneficial for the community (Roberts, 2019). It has been observed that the values consciences have been effective in form of the basic integrating principles of community development.
Learning Logs 2
Background
The National Occupational Standard has been highlighting the clear and in-depth values, processes and skills required for appropriate and more effective community development practices. A broader range of populations in different roles and settings has undertaken this community development. The practitioners of community development can be both paid including employed workers and unpaid such as voluntary workers, and community activities (Gov.au, 2021). All practitioners of community development need to be capable of the essential knowledge and skills. Five major values underpin all practices of community development such as collective action, community empowerment, anti-discrimination, equality, social justice and working together.
Model of Reflection
The models of community development have been allowing individuals living in specific are to develop their immediate surroundings or backgrounds. It has been observed that models differ broadly based on different factors that include available funds, current economic situation, and individual and community needs. Goal-oriented models of community development have been helping to set a clear vision and mission in order to increase the long-term development of the community, individual, organization and environment (Gilchrist, 2019). Local officials have set goals with as well as without the approval of the community that need accomplishing by community funds. The goals can be huge ranging and can not exactly fulfill the needs of the community.
It has been observed that the goals are essential for creating a sustainable or stable business environment, increasing the livelihoods of the people and attracting new companies (Roberts, 2019). On the other hand, goal setting has led to increases in agency productivity, better decision-making, and improved administrative accountability towards the values and interests of the community.
Critically analyze, evaluate and reflect the model of reflection
The local community goal setting ensures the different services that fulfill the basic needs of the individuals such as health services food services and welfare and safety services of the community. It has been providing affordable, decent and safe housing, supporting affordable housing development and rehabilitating existing housing. It established viable and safe attractive neighborhoods to support the project of public environment, safe public facilities and eliminate blighted areas (Lambert et al. 2020). Along with that, it has been enhanced resources for better or positive family, community and individual growth. It has developed special services for children; the elderly and handicapped people develop recreation opportunities and provide information, mediation, counseling and fair housing.
Goal orientation for community development has been providing a sound basis for the evaluation, implementation and planning of community growth. It has been noticed that setting goals have been provides effective ways to escape the anxiety, and frustrations of negative citizen participation and reaction by involving citizens from the beginning (Newell et al. 2020). The process and procedures of the goal-orientation strategy allow citizen to clarify their values, state their needs, get clear views regarding their problems and evaluate their community. In case the community takes a period of time to examine and analyze its objectives carefully rather than assist the traditional situation that helps to find new ways for the betterment of community development.
Analyzing the theory that helps to address the situation
Conflict theory articulated that communities have been established through the interaction and attention of the different individuals, communities and groups that have different kinds of powers. Community developers or managers have a need or required conflict theory that provides insight regarding why there are competition and differences among the organizations and groups within the community (Ambarsarie et al. 2019). It has been observed that the conflict theory has been set as the goal-orientation program that has been beneficial for identifying the loopholes and differences between the group and organization in terms of their position, powers and capabilities.
It has been increasing the special awareness within the community that has been beneficial for the members of the community to tackle the different conditions and situations. However, it has been noticed that the theory of conflict supports the ideas of effective social programs that assist poor people, the elderly and handicapped people (Lambert et al. 2020). According to the conflict theory, there is a lack of balance in the distribution of resources improved conflicts between the groups. These conflicts can lead to acts and protests of violence that people want to access to resources through active participation in acts and protests.
Learning Logs 3
Background
Community development has been a holistic method grounded on the principles of human rights, social justice, inclusion, empowerment, collective action and self-determination. It considers members of the community to be experts regarding their communities and lives and also the wisdom, knowledge and values community (Cldstandardscouncil.org.uk, 2022). National Occupational Standards have been defining the skills, understanding and knowledge that need to be undertaken in the different functions taken out by the practitioner of community development. Community development has been a transformative procedure of change that results in it has been essential to the revitalization of communities, organizations, groups, and individuals in enabling them to improve their capacity and potential.
Model of Reflection
Asset-based model of community development is a bottom-up and localized way of strengthening communities through identifying, harnessing and recognizing existing assets. It includes capacity, resources, skills, knowledge, enthusiasm and experiences that common cities and individuals have which can assist in improving and strengthening things locally. This method facilitates individual and community empowerment by helping or supporting them to share and identify their strengths and then task together to build their social innovations (Croydon.gov.uk, 2021). In order to improve the ageing police vehicles fleet with the extra cash, the assets exchange has been allowing the c community to improve its overall structure or system without spending cash on any item.
Asset-based model of community development establish on the assets that have been found in the association mobilized individuals, institutions and community to compare together to develop and realize their strengths (Nurturedevelopment.org, 2022). Asset-based developments help the community and individuals to improve the living standards of many inhabitants at one period.
Critically analyze, evaluate and reflect the model of reflection
"Asset Based Community Development (ABCD)" has been an effective technique for driving sustainable community development. ABCD model draws out the success and strength in a shared history of the community as the beginning point of change. It has been noticed that all the assets has been existing in the community and organization, ABCD pays specific attention towards the assets inherent regarding the social relationship as effectively evident in both formal and informal networks and associations (Nurturedevelopment.org, 2022). The community drive approach of ABCD is in keeping associated with the practices and principles of development of participatory approaches, where active empowerment and participation are the basis of the practice. It has been noticed that it has been an effective technique directed towards economic development, and sustainability that has community driven.
Most communities have addressed economic and social problems with a little amount of total potential and capacity. The capacity of the community has not been used and has been needed. This is a significant opportunity and challenge to community engagement and development. All the members of the community have something to provide for their community development. The asset-based strategy of community development premises that individuals and communities have been driving the processes of development themselves by mobilizing and identifying existing assets but unrecognized assets (Depaul.edu, 2022). There are different components of ABCD such as degree, audience, behavior and condition. On the other hand, it has been observed that the initiatives of ABCD have not been acknowledging internal control dynamics in the community.
Analyzing the theory that helps to address the situation
Symbolic interactions theory has stated that different groups within the community see people, places and events in different ways. Community development and policies reflect these views effectively in terms of the development of community, organization and people. This theory has been understood by the relationship of the community members the through the meaning of symbols and behaviors of the people (Ledwith, 2020). In this way, there is certain behavior and attitude of the people can be predicted. It has been providing insight towards the small scale of people's interactions and recognizing the perceptions of real life that are changing and variable. It also considers the community social environment that helps take place of learning activities within n the community. On the other hand, it has been complicated to quantify things through symbolic interactionism because this theory is subjective and deals with interpretations (Edwards and Jones, 2019). This theory has to neglect the emotional aspects of the people's conduct and emphasis the logical behaviors of the people.
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