COMMUNITY

A specific group of people living in the same locality and who may share a common culture, values, and norms. Communities can also be defined by race, religion, ethnicity, age, occupation, political status, tribal affiliation, interest in particular problems or outcomes, or other common bonds. The term "community" encompasses worksites, schools, tribes, residential neighborhoods, business districts, recreational areas, and health and human service sites.		  
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  SERVICE PHILOSOPHY

The theoretical framework that describes and explains an organization's approach to service. 		 
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  SERVICE

One or more organization-operated programs or activities that have a common general objective and deploy the organization's material and human resources in a planned and systematic manner. An organization that publicly promotes or identifies itself in writing as offering a service, is licensed to deliver a service, assigns personnel and/or space to a service, or allocates financial resources to a service is considered to offer that service.		  
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  MANAGEMENT

See ADMINISTRATION		  
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  PRACTICE

Established actions or ways of proceeding in the regular performance of organizational duties. Policies and procedures often guide practice.		  
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  ASSESSMENT

An evaluation, which utilizes professional expertise and skills in the collection and analysis of data to understand and describe the nature of service needs of an individual, family, or group. Assessment, as in needs assessment, is also used to determine priorities of program planning and service development for the organization as a whole. See also DIAGNOSIS.		  
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Community Change Initiatives
  
Private Org Public Agency  

PA-CCI 1: Service Philosophy

 

The agency is guided by a service philosophy that:

  1. respects the community and community members;
  2. supports the meaningful involvement of partners at all levels;
  3. articulates a commitment to facilitating the process without dominating the initiative;
  4. allows and encourages the initiative to operate with the greatest possible autonomy;
  5. promotes diversity, tolerance, and understanding; and
  6. guides the development and implementation of the initiative based on the best available evidence of effectiveness.
Interpretation: The agency should allow and encourage the initiative to operate with the greatest possible autonomy. However, as noted at the beginning of this Service Standard, the extent to which an initiative can operate with autonomy may vary. For example, if the initiative receives funding from a source that mandates a certain level of organizational management and involvement, it may not be possible for the initiative to operate with as much autonomy as a purely grassroots initiative.
Research Note: Literature highlights the importance of being aware of the existing evidence base, and of using evidence-based practices whenever possible. For example, evidence-based approaches should be considered when conducting the community assessment, and when devising strategies to achieve desired goals and outcomes, as noted in PA-CCI 4 and 5.
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PURPOSE: Community Change Initiatives mobilize the community for action; strengthen the capacity of residents and agencies; build and improve neighborhoods; and lay the groundwork for future progress.
 
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