The Role of a Man - Essay Example

For the purpose of this essay, I chose to interview Bruce Howard the chairperson of the Welfare Association of Golden Bridge Residents. Howard has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills as evidenced by highly satisfied residents of Golden Bridge and his overall performance. He is a father of three daughters and married to a doctor who works at the community clinic.

What role does this person play in their community?

My responsibilities include meetings being run effectively, ensuring security within the area, and ensuring proper functioning of utilities,  that is, street lights, sewer systems, and water. The community is a residential estate comprising of a clinic, children’s playground, grocery store, cafe, and a mini-mall. Therefore, part of his responsibilities includes proprietors of these businesses are satisfied with the working environment and that residents are satisfied with the services and products offered.

What are the characteristics of an effective community leader?

I believe an effective community leader should place the interests of the people he serves before his/her own. In order to cater to the community’s needs properly, he/she must also interact and listen to views from the community members frequently. This will enable him/her to address their needs more effectively. At the same time, a community leader should be careful not to spend too much interacting with community members such that it distracts him/her from the duties. When solving conflicts among members, a community leader should be impartial; listen to both sides equally, and arrive at a justifiable decision. When it comes to allocating resources for community projects, a community leader should exercise prudence to ensure resources are not wasted. In addition, a community leader should communicate regularly with members before, during, and after a project. This allows members to give their opinion, offer their expertise, and generally be informed (Eaton, 2012).

What are the most important issues/concerns facing their community? 

In Golden Bridge, the major issues of concern include security, where cases of petty theft have been reported to Howard, conflicting community projects, repair of streetlights, and garbage collection services. There are three community projects meant to begin before the first quarter of the year. These projects will cost the residents an enormous amount of money although the benefits to be accrued are also huge. Howard is faced with the challenge of identifying criteria for appointing a leader for every one of these projects. There are members that have volunteered to oversee the projects; however, Howard and two other members of the board are concerned that they are not qualified for the position. Qualification in this case is concerning having “people skills” necessary when supervising and communicating with persons participating in the projects.

What should the community do to address these concerns/issues?

Howard, the secretary and vice-chair lady is concerned that the three members volunteering for the leadership positions will put off the other members who have also volunteered in helping out with the projects. Howard strongly values the members volunteering to help with the project, as having to hire workers will deplete the community’s funds. In addition, he views the projects as an opportunity for members to bond and get to know each other better. On the other hand, rejecting the three people volunteering to oversee the projects may discourage them and prevent them from participating in the future. To sort this out, Howard has decided to appoint assistants that are sociable to the three people.

In addition, another issue of concern is finding a garbage collection company, which will come into the estate at least once a week to collect garbage from people’s houses and will provide garbage bins. It has been noted that there is a lot of litter within the area, and the members feel that having garbage bins strategically located would curb the problem. At the same time, residents want a reliable garbage collection company as the current one fails to come consistently. Howard is also trying to identify an electrician who can fix the streetlights, as residents feel safer when they are functioning properly.

What strengths does this community have?

This community is located in a prime area that investors could be attracted to easily. This serves as an advantageous point for it. Notably also, Golden Bridge has a stream running through it and this acts as a source of water for the community. The water is used by residents to water their gardens, which keeps the estate looking lush and beautiful. Moreover, there is a water fountain in the middle of the children’s playground that everyone uses to cool off during the summer. Howard likes to think that the residents of Golden Bridge are also a strong point, as they are professionals who are constantly looking to develop the area and help each other out.

How might a community social worker work in this community?

Since the community has quite a number of teenage children, a social worker may come in to provide counsel to them; steering them away from drug and alcohol abuse, advising them on university choices, and encouraging them to explore their potential and discover their talents. One of the community projects expected to start before the end of the first quarter is a community center meant to provide the children of the area with a healthy place for socializing. A social worker may work there as the manager to ensure that the children are occupied with beneficial activities and that they have someone to approach with their problems. The social worker could suggest recreational activities for the children.