1.

Introduction In this assignment I would be defining the following models, community development, social planning and social action model. After defining I would then discuss how would I advise a new community development practitioner on the use of these models above in community development? Community development is the process of helping a community strengthen itself and develop towards its full potential. As facilitators; we work in partnership with local people and organizations to meet identified needs. We believe that literacy is a key component of sustainable development. 2. Definition of terms 2.1. Community development: is the process of helping a community strengthen itself and develop towards its full potential. 2.2. Social planning: is a process that helps communities identify strengths and weaknesses and determine ways to improve the quality of life in the community. 2.3. Social action: 2.4. Community: refer to a group of people that identifies itself as a community because of shared experiences, backgrounds, values, religion, or culture.

3. How would one can advise a new community development practitioner on the use of these models in community development?

3.1.What is community development? In order to advice a new Community development practitioner, one has first defined community development so that the new community development practitioner has definition in his or her mind and it can be easily to hear advice. Community development is a structured intervention that gives communities greater control over the conditions that affect their lives. This does not solve all the problems faced by a local community, but it does build up confidence to tackle such problems as effectively as any local action can. Community development works at the level of

local groups and organisations rather than with individuals or families. The range of local groups and organisations representing communities at local level constitutes the community sector. Community development is a skilled process and part of its approach is the belief that communities cannot be helped unless they themselves agree to this process. Community development has to look both ways: not only at how the community is working at the grass roots, but also at how responsive key institutions are to the needs of local communities. Good community development is action that helps people to recognize and develop their ability and potential and organise themselves to respond to problems and needs which they share. It supports the establishment of strong communities that control and use assets to promote social justice and help improve the quality of community life. It also enables community and public agencies to work together to improve the quality of government. Locality development serves as a base for other organizing, and, in itself, is often aimed at community-wide issues that affect everyone: economic development, public health, etc. Its goal is the building of community capacity to deal with whatever needs or issues arise. It also shows itself in smaller community projects -- neighborhood clean-ups, the building of a community playground, etc. - that help to define and build a sense of community among diverse residents of a locality. A community development worker works collectively with a particular community or communities to bring about social change and improve quality of life. They work with individuals, families or whole communities to empower them to, firstly, identify their needs, opportunities, rights and responsibilities. Secondly, plan what they want to achieve and take appropriate action. Lastly, develop activities and services to improve their lives. Community development workers often act as a link between communities and local government and other statutory bodies. They are frequently involved in addressing inequality, and projects often target communities perceived to be culturally, economically or geographically disadvantaged.

Practitioner
The earliest ascribable meaning of the word 'practitioner' is 'one who practices' (Webster 1963: 667); it is the definition I prefer. Later interpretations favour the practice of professions, implying expertise. I see the practitioner in community development as a systemic learner, researcher, philosopher and servant leader - all aspects of the community development experience, which every participant in community development might model.

4. Social Action Model The social action model is a theory of social work practice. The social model is key to sociopolitical empowerment for work with oppressed groups, communities and organizations. The models strives to reallocate sociopolitical power so that disenfranchised citizens can access the opportunities and resources of society and, in turn, find meaningful ways to contribute to society as valued human beings. The model guides social workers on how to take action by using empowerment-based practice, collaboration and partnership, alliances and development and action plans. The model can also be used within the context of an ecosystems perspective. Social action is based on the assumption that there is strength in numbers. By banding together and taking action, ordinary people gain the political or economic power to create change. Social action is often necessary -- and often used -- where serious inequity exists and there is no will on the part of those in power to correct it. The group disadvantaged by this situation, through

collective action, can gain and exercise power, and bring about a more equitable distribution of official attention and resources.

5. Social Planning Social Planning is the process of investigating and responding to the needs and aspirations of the people who live or work in a community. In practice, it is based on a set of values, techniques and skills that contribute to better communities and quality of life.

Social planning plays a pivotal role in creating livable communities, vibrant economies, sustainable places, diverse cultural expression and social cohesion.

Social planning involves planning for the needs and aspirations of people and communities through strategic policy and action, integrated with urban, regional and other planning activities.

Social planning is founded on the principles of social justice (equity, access, participation and rights) and aims to enhance community well-being and effectiveness.

Social planning and policy change is oriented toward policy solutions -- changing or passing laws or regulations to address problems or conditions -- particularly those initiated by officials or other leaders from inside or outside the community. These policies should be determined through a participatory process that involves everyone they benefit or otherwise affect. This model often involves people with expertise from outside the community working with community members on strategy and planning. Social planning To systematically identify the social needs within the community and ways of meeting those needs that will enable the Council's long term goals to be achieved (Liverpool City Council, 2005) A social/community plan describes the local community, summarises the key issues facing it and recommends strategies that council and/or other agencies could implement to address identified needs. (Social and Community Planning and Reporting Guidelines published by the NSW Department of Local Government, 1998)

6. Purpose and Goals of social planning Social planning organizations exist to build and strengthen community. This mission focuses on the social impact on individuals, families and communities of larger social, economic, political, and cultural forces in society. It also encompasses advocating for the development of essential community and social supports as provided through human service systems. How would one can advice a new community development practitioner on the use of these models in community development?