Participatory Methods in Community-based Coastal Resource Management - Volume 1 - Introductory Papers (IIRR, 1998): Community organizing and development process: The community organizer

Participatory Methods in Community-based Coastal Resource Management - Volume 1 - Introductory Papers (IIRR, 1998)

Community organizing and development process

		Definition
		Purpose
		The community organizer
		Time frame
		Commonly-used approach

The community organizer

The community organizer (CO) is a vital person in facilitating the whole community organizing process.

Figure

A community organizer should have:

· an understanding of development theories and concepts and processes of community organizing
· good social and community relation skills to promote social integration in the community
· an ability to work with other teams of professionals
· the knowledge and skills to enable communities to access specialized technical assistance in instances when this is needed
· sensitivity to the local culture
· gender-sensitivity.

Questions to ask yourself as a community organizer

· Do I talk to both men and women in the community?
· Do I feel comfortable living in the community with minimum amenities?
· Do I dress appropriately for community work?
· Am I sensitive to the culture of the people?
· Is my presence felt in the community?