Communities and Local Government
A selection of images representing communities.
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Glossary
Glossary of terms relating to Community Empowerment
Active citizenship
Citizens taking opportunities to become actively involved in defining and tackling the problems of their communities and improving their quality of life.
One of the three key elements of community empowerment. (See community empowerment, strengthened communities, partnership in meeting public needs, community engagement).
Active communities
Communities in which citizens are empowered to lead self determined fulfilled lives, and in which everyone regardless of age, race or social background has a sense of belonging and a stake in society.
Civic Pioneers - Together We Can problem solving projects
Civic pioneers are councils who are committed to developing and sustaining opportunities for local people and groups to influence what happens in their communities.
Community
A community is a specific group of people who all hold a something in common. Community has tended to be associated with two key aspects: firstly people who share locality or geographical place; secondly people who are communities of interest. Communities of interest are groups of people who share an identity - for example the Afro-Caribbean community or those who share an experience - for example the homeless community.
Community capacity building
Activities, resources and support that strengthen the skills and abilities of people and community groups to take effective action and leading roles in the development of their communities.
(Building Civil Renewal: Government support for community capacity building proposals for change. Review findings from the Civil Renewal Unit).
Community Empowerment
The term refers to the development of strong, active and empowered communities, in which people are able to do things for themselves, define the problems they face, and tackle them in partnership with public bodies. Community empowerment involves three essential elements: active citizenship, strengthened communities and partnership in meeting public needs. Its practical process is community engagement. (See community engagement, active citizenship, strengthened communities, partnership in meeting public needs).
Community engagement
A working definition of community engagement is the process of working collaboratively with and through groups of people affiliated by geographic proximity, special interest, or similar situations to address issues affecting the well being of those people.
Community organisation or group
A community organisation or group differs from a voluntary organisation in that the control lies in the hands of the beneficiaries as individual users, members or residents. Community groups or organisations tend to be smaller organisations with limited funding and no or very few staff however they cannot be defined in this way. There are some larger organisations that are community organisations such as some community centres, or residents' organisations by virtue of the fact they are for mutual benefit and are controlled by their members.
Community sector
The web of personal relationships, groups, networks, traditions and patterns of behaviour that exist amongst those who share physical neighbourhoods, socio-economic conditions or common understandings and interests. It is the community itself taking action to get things done. The community sector ranges from small informal community groups to large multi-purpose community organisations. The community sector covers the entire range of policy and services. Its activities can range from nurseries and playgroups to community centres and village halls, from tenants' associations to environmental groups, from arts and sports groups to credit unions, and from self help groups to scout groups.
(Source: Compact Code of Good Practice on Community Groups).
Guide Neighbourhoods
Guide Neighbourhoods are strong, successful, resident-led neighbourhood organisations who have tackled issues such as crime, poor housing and unemployment in their community. They share their knowledge and experience with other neighbourhoods trying to tackle similar problems.
Partnership in meeting public needs
Public bodies' involvement of citizens and communities, within the established democratic framework, in improving the planning and delivery of public services. One of the three key elements of community empowerment.
Public services
Services that are wholly or partly funded through taxation. They include national, regional and local government and statutory agencies.
Strengthened communities
Communities that are able to form and sustain their own organisations, and to bring people together to deal with their common concerns. They are one of three key elements of community empowerment.
Voluntary and Community Sector
Commonly used term encompassing both the voluntary sector and the community sector. (See separate definitions for the voluntary sector and the community sector).
Together We Can problem solving projects
See Civic Pioneers.
Voluntary and Community Sector
Commonly used term encompassing both the voluntary sector and the community sector. (See separate definitions for the voluntary sector and the community sector).
Voluntary sector
The community sector differs from the voluntary sector, which is defined as: 'groups whose activities are carried out other than for profit but which are not public or local authorities. These organisations would normally be formally constituted and employ paid professional and administrative staff. They may or may not use volunteer help.'
(Source: Community Development Foundation).
