Approaches to Community Development

There are two primary methods of approaching community development. The conventional or traditional approach- need-based community development- is to identify the issues, problems, and needs of a community. Building on a community’s assets rather than focusing on its needs for future development is the basic approach of asset-based community development. By focusing on successes and small triumphs instead of looking at what is missing or negative about a place, a positive community outlook and vision for the future can be fostered. This approach also focuses on a sustainable approach to development.

Readings

Haines, A. (2009). Asset-based community development. In R. Phillips & R. H. Pittman (Eds.), An introduction to community development (pp. 38–48). Routledge.