Key Constructs

Community Organization and Community Building


Empowerment

Definition: Social action process for people to gain mastery over their lives and the lives of their communities


Critical Consciousness

Definition: A consciousness based on reflection and action in making change


Community Capacity

Definition: Community characteristics affecting its ability to identify, mobilize, and address problems


Social Capital

Definition: Relationships between community members including trust, reciprocity, and civic engagement


Issue Selection

Definition: Identifying winnable and specific targets of change that unify and build community strength


Participation and Relevance

Definition: Community organizing should "start where the people are" and engage community members as equals