Gene Theodori Texas A&M University (979) 845-2240 g-theodori@tamu.edu Vision To Action Gene Theodori Texas A&M University (979) 845-2240 g-theodori@tamu.edu

Working Definition of Community Community: a place-oriented process of interrelated actions through which local residents express a shared sense of identity while engaging in the common concerns of life.

Elements of a Local Society A geographic dimension physical space Human life dimension people living there Relatively complete organization institutions and patterns of behaviors that cover the broad range of human interests

Fields Emergent Dynamic Boundless Wholes

Social Fields Process of social interaction Actions Associations Actors

Education Government Environmental protection Faith-based Economic development Recreation

Economic development Faith-based Government Education Recreation Environmental protection

Economic development Faith-based Generalization Action Government Education Recreation Environmental protection

Stanton Local Society

Sanderson Local Society

Community is not a given.

Community is a variable.

Community Development Community development: a process of building and strengthening the social and economic viability of the community.

Community Development Purposive Positive Structure oriented Exists in efforts of people

Community Development Community development is purposive. It is the intentional consequence of actors engaging in associational actions to initiate and maintain community.

Community Development Community development is positive. The purposive intentions of the actors revolve around a shared commitment to improving their community.

Community Development Community development is structure oriented. The purposive and positive actions of actors are direct attempts to establish and/or strengthen the community as an interlinking and coordinating structure of human relationships.

Community Development Community development exists in the efforts of people and not necessarily in goal achievement. Simply stated, community development is purposive action undertaken with positive intentions at improving community structure.

Development in community Community Development Development in community - Task accomplishment Development of community - Structure building

Principles of Community Development The long-term theme of community development should be to develop the community as a human relationship structure, rather than to develop things in or through the community.

Principles of Community Development Community development must reflect and express the values and wishes of the local population.

Principles of Community Development Community development requires a commitment on the part of special interest groups to align their efforts with those of other groups.

Principles of Community Development Community development requires that attention be given continuously to problems and needs in all areas of local life.

Principles of Community Development Sustained community development requires an organizational structure.

Principles of Community Development Community development requires communication.

Principles of Community Development Community development requires a commitment beyond selfish gain, at least by a small number of people in any community who can really make it work.

Stages of Community-Based Planning Initiation Organization of sponsorship Identification and analysis of critical community-level issues

Stages of Community-Based Planning Visioning, goal setting, and strategy formation Recruitment Implementation Evaluation