understanding social problems

There are inextricable connections of political, economic, and cultural influences to individual wellbeing. It is essential for community workers to

understand that those larger systems are made up of people and as such take on an identity of their own – hence, community as the client. The

Community Tool Box states: “By community, we mean a group of people who share a common place, experience, or interest. We often use this term for

people who live in the same area: the same neighborhood, the same city or town, and even the same state or country. People may also consider

themselves part of a community with others who have had similar experiences.” (Chapter 1, Section 3).

When an entire group of people are identified as a community, it is possible to interface with that community in a way that takes into consideration

the composition of that community, its social dynamics and history, etc. This comprehensive understanding of community supports the work in

developing programs to support the community’s constituents and the development of interventions and advocacy strategies aimed at creating larger

social change.

For this discussion, you will demonstrate your understanding of the concepts of the community, collective self-determination and how this can either

create social problems or improve the quality of life for all people, especially those perceived as vulnerable or disenfranchised.

For your initial post provide answers and discussion to the questions below :
1.Briefly describe a “community” you are a member of, or one that you have an interest in working with. a.What are the critical attributes of this

community, e.g., social interaction, common interests, goals, common experiences characteristics, locale, etc., in other words, its “personality”?

Why do you believe this to be so?
b.What are the particular attributes of this community that may limit its access to resources and opportunities that others may have?

2.Thinking about the resources that this community is not able to access: a.What steps would you take to ensure access to resources that would

benefit the whole community?
b.How do these steps differ from the steps taken when working with individuals? How are they the same?
c.What are the interpersonal skills needed to be successful in supporting the community? How do they differ from the steps taken when working with

individuals? How are they the same?

After writing your initial post, respond to at least two (2) of your classmates’ posts, using the following as your guide
a.How is your understanding similar/different from your classmates’ in regard to community as client? Please explain and give specific examples.
b.Are the steps your classmates described logical and complete and do they ensure the benefit of the whole community? Explain and give specific

examples. Are there any other steps you feel would be necessary to include? Why or why not?

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