1. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT A PAPER PRESENTATION BY THE HANDS PROJECT ON 30 TH DECEMBER 2009 AT THE BENUE HOTELS MAKURDI THE HANDS PROJECT

2. The paper seeks to  Discuss the importance of citizen’s participation and leadership synergy for community and rural development  Sensitize the citizenry on the all- inclusive nature of governance and  Discuss the role of citizen commitment towards community development in Benue State. THE HANDS PROJECT

3. INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION  Community participation is the focal ingredient of an empowered community  It is necessary for a cohesive system of service delivery especially in rural communities  It is critical to individual satisfaction and eventually community success in various programs.( studies have shown)  Since rural communities are the delivery points for government mandate; it is also an important feedback tool for leadership. THE HANDS PROJECT

4. Characteristics of a participating community  The community is not just run by the elite leadership but by everyone  Power and responsibility are therefore decentralized and Community action engages the neutral enthusiasm and talents of everyone  Business is conducted openly, publicized widely and citizens are informed about opportunities for personal involvement in meaningful roles  There are no distinctions between various groups willing to offer themselves to community activities THE HANDS PROJECT

5. characteristics continued  Actively reach out to all the citizens to encourage their participation  Do not have such words as “bad idea”. Every idea is welcome and respected as a source of inspiration with potential value to the community. THE HANDS PROJECT

6. Elements of community participation therefore will be Many people Many centers Open and advertised Open to all ideas Inclusive and diverse Open processes THE HANDS PROJECT

7. Building community participation  Welcome it – be glad for the opportunity of new contributors even if they were not there in the beginning  Explain where things stand so that people can fit in easily  Offer variety of job descriptions so that new comers can find roles that fit their interest and talents  Offer volunteer opportunities as they are the lifeline of a well meaning rural community  MAKE YOURSELF READY THE HANDS PROJECT

8. READY TO 1. To turn your back on old ways of doing things 2. To invite new and challenging ideas into the community 3. Help individuals change their perspectives about the community 4. To shun personal gain, notoriety and power when success starts rolling in THE HANDS PROJECT

9. Core Development Behaviors for Working with supported communities. Each supported community is a unique group and working with them demands special skills tailored to meet their particular needs Each supported community is a unique group and working with them demands special skills tailored to meet their particular needs There are however some core special skills that a community resource development specialist should apply in every situation There are however some core special skills that a community resource development specialist should apply in every situation THE HANDS PROJECT

10. These include………..  Get to know the community leaders individually.  Get the community members involved with their state officers  Be aggressive in promoting all community benchmarking measures.  Communicate the needs and desires of the community to all agencies which could possibly provide assistance include other agencies in community meetings whenever possible THE HANDS PROJECT

11. Contd_  Be a good listener-hear what people are saying then decide on the merits or demerits of their comments  Respond to community direction- don’t simply react. The community leadership is exercising its duties by making decisions and setting priorities. This is what you should be responding to  Keep the community in the fore front for it is their program. THE HANDS PROJECT

12. Finally capitalize on pre-existing local grassroots organizations and committees. These groups can be life line and focal groups of your efforts. These groups carry out much of what get done by communities. Don’t overlook the creative potentials of building new groups when the conditions are right or the situation warrants. When viewed this way it is then easier to see the importance of hearing all voices, of using all hands, of sharing the pain, of celebrating the gain. THE HANDS PROJECT

13. Strategies to employ will include Strategies to employ will include  Learn about your community  Pay advocacy visits  Conduct a needs assessment  Draw up a strategic plan  Have a brochure and slide show on the community development program ready to go  Begin implementation  Ongoing monitoring and evaluation THE HANDS PROJECT

14. Pitfalls  Don’t be concerned with who gets the credit  Assist the community leadership but don’t get caught in doing their jobs for them  Don’t be everything to everybody  Represent the community not your agency  No task is too big or unsolvable. Be positive, it is contagious THE HANDS PROJECT

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