‘Every moment of business as usual is a lost moment for making change’ (Time to Listen). I recently read a great article written by Robert Chambers on the Participation, Power, and Social Change blog talking about the great innovations in and proliferation of participatory methodologies. Many development professionals are coming to realize that we cannot continue with business (top-down development) as usual. The importance of competent facilitation, self-reflexivity, and listening to and respecting those at the grassroots with whom we work are cornerstones of our Community-Based Development Certificate program and our work. Through continuous mutual learning in the field our instructors then take what they learn and facilitate our courses in a way that everyone can share and learn from each others’ experiences while keeping up with best practices in bottom-up community development. The Community-Based Development Certificate course calendar has been scheduled through the end of 2013. Registration for the Spring Session I of online courses closes end of day Sunday, January 20 so register now to become a part of “the quiet revolution of proliferating Participatory Methodologies”. Register online: https://sandbox.villageearth.org/wordpress/
GSLL 1501 – Approaches to Community Development
This course provides a framework for community development based on a participatory, bottom-up, multi-sector model. Various approaches have been used in community development with varying degrees of success. One approach that has consistently demonstrated effectiveness is the Village Earth model based on participatory practices.
Through personal and structural empowerment, the objectives of economic well-being, environmental sustainability, and socio-cultural vitalization can be met. By looking at an overview of the entire development process and using case studies, this course will prepare participants to work in the field of community development and illuminate how all of the development efforts fit together to support the overall goal of sustainability.
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:
Compare different development approaches and evaluate their effectiveness.
Understand the basic principles that underlie sustainable development.
Incorporate participatory practices into community development activities
Design a development project based on the Village Earth model
Who should take this course? This course is suited for people who are interested in community development and work or plan to work in this field. This includes people working or volunteering at NGOs, NPOs, governmental organizations, without border organizations, or missionary organizations. In addition, people involved in funding community development projects benefit from this course.
