Concepts and Techniques of Community Participation

This course examines concepts and techniques of community participation for diverse democracy. It analyzes the changing context and core concepts of participation, major models and methods of practice, and practical techniques for involving people in organizations and communities. It assesses formal efforts by agencies to involve people in their proceedings, indigenous initiatives by groups to influence institutions and decisions, and their potential for community empowerment and civic engagement in democratic societies which value diversity as an asset. Special emphasis is placed on increasing involvement of underrepresented groups located in economically disinvested and racially segregated areas worldwide.