Community Development and Policy in Ireland - Essay Example

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND POLICY IN IRELAND Introduction Community development is concerned about developing that are active and that can be sustained on the basis of social justice and communal respect. Community development should be based on the following underlined values; social justice, community participation, equality of all, learning and recognizing other are skills, cooperation and working together. All these should be in commitment to development and encouragement of the community1. Own community development in Ireland The present community development program in Ireland is based on increase of direct action progress that focuses on lack of employment and poverty; this has been the focus since 1970 to 1980. Currently, as from 1990 the community development process has shifted; it is now emphasizing poverty reduction, closer relationships within the state and a central social life. This period also has seen the community development sector being formalized and turned to being run professional.2 Community development in Ireland has brought a lot of positive impacts in the community there are numerous indictors and quantitative evidence to support this. Development has enabled development of infrastructures and also has enhanced considerable amounts of community activities and projects. Concepts in community development There are various concepts defining community development, others reflect community development as political. Community development is a process by which those marginalized are given an opportunity to have confidence and join others by participating in their problem solving. This is according to Combat Poverty group. Another scholar Lee argues that, this concept is based on perceptive of citizenship3. To him, community development is a way by which the community can attain they rights. These concepts in general refer to community participation. Another important concept is the Budapest declaration of 2004, which sees community development as means of empowering civil societies by giving priority to the community actions. This involves social and also economic aspects. The concept sees the community as more than being just located in an area. Though the concepts vary community development represents a structure in which the communities may express their view on the local level. To Edgar another scholar says, that community development is a result of collective mobilization as a response to growing feelings of disconnections by the societies Community development history in Ireland Community development is Ireland can be traced back to 1930s as cooperative development movement that was based of theory of self help. Between 60s and 90s the community development in Ireland gained significant growth's during this period community development put emphasizes on unemployment and self help and direct action. These initiatives were taken because of the perceived failure by the traditional approaches in talking poverty. Lee observes that, the movement of women formed in the 70 was an important aspect in advancing direct action.4 During this period associations concerned with poverty were formed. The authorities also got involved in tackling poverty by promoting organizations involved in community development. This lead to formation of a poverty reduction project through the European Union termed as "EU Poverty 2 programme," that lead to establishing of community development fund. The impact of varying community bodies such as sports and arts have increased the community responsiveness to community issues for example, racism, drugs, bulling and alcoholism, in an entertaining way, that is accessible to many people. As it has been observed in Ireland, the most active group that participate in these community activities are the youths, and the sports and arts programme has integrated them. Policy framework for community development The purpose of developing a frame work is to have a base or a foundation of working with a community. The frame work is not limited on local issues, but also can be applied on wider programs and polices. In many cases external professions influence the development of policy frame work. The outcome is normally unsustainable and hard to implement policies.5 The policies end up not taking the best of the available resources and not being able to be of much use to the community. A good frame work should in cooperate the communities priorities first and take into account their need and requirements. The community based frame work has an approach which results into equitable, applicable and sustainable change. Policy framework should be geared towards working together with communities based on their experiences. The policies developed should be based on clear understanding of the values of the communities and their commitments. This call for a strategic approaches that will; one; identifies and examines the varying context. Two; promote working together with communities so the communities are empowered educated and enabled. Three; make sure that the community is able to access the resources found within that community. Four; it has to have a clear processes for evaluating and disseminating process undertaken five; the frame work polices should link the community development together with approaches for learning. Lastly, the framework should make sure that organizations involved in community development have policies that support the community. Role of the community in policy frame work The role of the community in policy formulation starts with participation of the community in formulation of agendas policies and programs that are being set. In addition the role of the community is to be active partners by contributing in polices that affect the community development issues. In order for these to be effective the community also needs to have some powers and say in the projects being implemented. Community framework should be carried out in accordance to principles of community development which underlines the importance of participation of all the stake holders. The community and the voluntary sector play a role in formation and influencing the public policies lies in community participation of these policies. When the policy makers want make the policies they have to start with the community involved.6 The role of the community will be to identify they needs and what they require as a community, so that the policies formulated will be use to them. Conclusion Community development is based on building dynamic and sustainable communities on the basis of social justice together with mutual respect. For this to be achieved barriers that prevent community development has to be removed. The policy makers need to involve the communities when formulating policies so that the policies are relevant to the community and also the community can feel as part of the policies. For these policies to be successful community participation and involvement must be sought. In Ireland community development has enhanced community activities and integrated the community. In the words of Lee Community development is an important tool in enhancing community social and justice development issues.7 References Broderick, S. (2002): Community development in Ireland-a policy review. Community Development Journal 37 Jacob S and Popple, H. (1994): Community Work in the 1990s, Spokesman. Lee, A. (2003): Community development in Ireland. Community Development Journal 38 Popple, K. (1995): Analyzing community work; its theory and practice; Buckingham; Open University Press. Popple, H (1995): Analyzing Community Work: its theory and practice, Open University Press. Taylor, G. (2005): Negotiated governance and public policy in Ireland; Manchester; Manchester University Press. Read More