The Family: Why Must it be involved in Community

Development?
The family is the first and basic unit of society. It is natural for families to interact with other
families and with the society as a whole. Every family is different in terms of structure, level,
and even strengths.

There are two family roles in society: social and political. Social role is the responsibility of
the family to build a loving community by helping the neighbourhood or community,
especially those in need.

Social Responsibilities of the family

1.ADVANCING HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS - The family is a small community in which genuine
human relationships are first formed. Some characteristics of human relationships include
support, assistance, and respect for the right of every citizen to lead an orderly and peaceful
life in the community.

A humane society is the result of its people having harmonious relationships. These family
members will most likely help in doing the same for the other members of the community.

Likely, there are also people in the community who are engaged in vices such as alcoholism,
drug abuse, and gambling, and are involved in violence, divorce, or broken families. The
government, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and churches have implemented
many programs to maintain the bonds and love of families and communities. Parents
Education service program, Youth for the community, and the couples for Christ.

2.SERVING FELLOW FAMILIES - One strength of the Filipino family is its family orientation.
Filipino families are closely knit. However, one weakness of this is extreme family-
centeredness. A caring family should also serve other families.

It believes that poverty is not a loss of resources or equipment but a lack of love and giving.
This group encourages members to volunteer their talents, skills, time, and resources to
help the poor live a dignified life. The organization is concerned of restoring the dignity of
poor families by engaging in a beautiful, healthy, and productive community.

3.WELCOMING WILLINGLY A FAMILY IN NEED - Good families are willing to accept families in times of
extreme need. They ignore the sacrifices and challenges when helping others.
- Showing sympathy to the bereaved family when a family member dies

- Feeding the hungry or helping the unemployed

- Providing temporary shelter for those who have lost their homes in a fire

- Helping or supporting the educational needs of children from poor families

4.DEMONSTRATING ACTIONS TOWARD THE COMMON GOOD OF THE NATION AND THE WORLD - There is a
saying that goes, “The pain in one part of the body is felt by the whole body”. Any problem
experienced by one family may be felt by the country and the world. Every family is
connected to the community, the nation, and the world.

The family plays a role in the progress and development of its country; hence, it also plays a
role in the progress of the world. The family needs to be one with the country and the world
in advancing the values of unity, justice, care for the environment, freedom, and peace for
all the people of the world.

POLITICAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF A FAMILY

1.SUPPORTING THE GOVERNMENT - The family and government support and work together to
overcome any of their shortcomings in developing a harmonious society. It must take care
of the needs of every family such as economic, social, educational, political, and cultural
support.

In this principle, families will do their best to fulfil their role in community development.

2.OBSERVING THE MPLEMENTATION OF LAWS AND SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS – Government and

institutions provide humanitarian support to families in need. Among these laws are the provisions of the
family code in the Philippines. These laws include those on institutions for marriage and child support, fair
employment and benefits, drug use, and promoting responsible and free expression. Family responsibility
includes following these laws for the family members’ own good as citizens.

3.DEFENDING FAMILY RIGHTS - The best way for every family to contribute to and be involved in
defending family rights is by teaching its young members, the children, to be good citizens. A family can help
develop in these children the values of truth, freedom, justice, love, and common good and shape them into
responsible and good citizens. The family should be at the forefront of monitoring the laws and institutions for
their well-being and other citizens.