SECTION VI - CONCLUSION

 

Community development and capacity building are processes that increase the ability of people, as individuals and groups, to prepare for and respond to opportunities and challenges in their communities. Community development should belong to the community and be from the community. It should not be imposed from the outside. Whether it is a multifaceted process or a fairly straight-forward and simple undertaking, it should lead to improved or enhanced community living.

As an introduction to community development this handbook was designed to develop an understanding of:

• the terms community development and community capacity building;
• the conditions within communities that support community development;
• the community development process;
• the attitudes, knowledge and skills needed for effective community development; and
• common problems and solutions.

This handbook was not intended to be comprehensive or to cover every situation that might occur. Much of community development is common sense and group participation in finding solutions or creating opportunities. As each community is unique, each initiative will be distinct. We have, over the past few years, learned a great deal about what works and what doesn't but there is still much to discover. What we do know is that to undertake an effective community development effort you need to have the following:

• a common vision, purpose and plan;
• an understanding of and the ability to initiate the community development process;
• resources, tools and techniques; and, most important,
• people who are ready, willing and able to take the lead and see it through to the end.

Our community cultures are changing, and more and more we are looking at community-based accountability and responsibility for the future. This is a significant shift in attitude and signals the acceptance that ordinary people often know what is best for their lives and have the interest and capacity to make it happen.

This handbook is a good starting point, but it is simply one of many resources that can assist you to initiate, develop and sustain community development. Use the ideas presented in this handbook along with other available resources to further develop your understanding of these concepts and processes and how to apply them in your own community.

Many colleges and universities have courses and programs that explore community development in depth and offer everything from workshops to degree programs. As well, there are countless numbers of technical assistance providers and experienced people in community development who have gained insight over the years from actually doing it.

In addition, there is a wealth of resource material available. To create a list of such material in this handbook would be difficult as it would quickly become outdated. Consequently, we urge you to research appropriate information or resources by asking those in the field of community development, by talking to government representatives, through your local library or by using the internet.

Keep learning, sharing information, generating ideas and doing good community development. Canada, as a country, is recognized world-wide for the quality of its people and the richness of our communities. We are presented with an opportunity now to continue this legacy and involve more people in creating sustainable communities and brighter futures.

 

EVALUATION FORM

 

We are very interested in hearing from you about what we are doing right and what might need some improvement. Your comments and feedback about this handbook are welcome in any format through the following numbers:

Mail:
Employment Programs Learning and Development Unit
Attn: "Community Development Handbook"
Human Resources Development Canada
5^th Floor, 140 Promenade du Portage
Hull, Quebec K1A 0J9

Other
Email: learning-apprentissage.lmld-apmt@hrdc-drhc.gc.ca
Fax: (819) 997-5163
Phone: (819) 953-1920

Specifically, we would appreciate hearing about the following, which will be used as an evaluation of this handbook and the information it contains.

• How did you hear about and locate this handbook?
• What is your overall assessment of the handbook?
• What parts did you find most interesting or useful?
• What improvements would you make?
• For what purpose(s) have you used or will you be using this handbook?
• Do you have any additional comments you wish to make?

 

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