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Author(s): |
David G. Hinds |
The concept of community capacity is central to community development and the transformation of communities. This publication reviews the difference between development in a community and development of a community, the importance of knowledge and purpose, and key distinctions between form and function.
The publication also proposes a model for conceptualizing community capacity, comprised of three inter-dependent elements: (1) community environment; (2) community structures; and (3) purpose-based action. Ways that communities may be defined and a discussion of the significance of neighborhoods are presented to support the concept of community environment. Community structures presented include individuals, organizations, networks, and interim structures. The work concludes with presentation of a framework for purpose-based action, comprised of five purposeful approaches, accompanied by a discussion of the skills, tools, and roles needed to pursue them in achieving community purposes.