Community Connections, Volunteering and Community Development. Martin P Butler Social Worker AASW

Transcription

1 Community Connections, Volunteering and Community Development Martin P Butler Social Worker AASW

2 Person-in-Environment Global Society Community Family Individual Ecological Systems Model

3 Integrated the Project within a Framework Using Community Development which can incorporate other models of practice Collaborative Relationships -Inclusive Forging Long-term Partnerships Social Economic Responsibilities Network Across Networks Communication

4 Community Development Approach at its Best. Barry Smith describes it best by noting in a extensive review of service delivery. There are a range of models which generate appropriate options for differing remote/rural area situations. Communities may require a combination of models {p6 1989}This situation along with other projects that engaged the community over a long period of time have been incorporated contemporary and well tested community development frameworks. These include the ECO-MAP which facilitates one s understanding of the complexity of interchangeable aspects of rural/remote communities{mumm,pp73, 1989] Community development that incorporates Education as a key ingredient in bringing communities together to change how communities function has profound impact upon the following generation that live within and interact across communities.{goddard,p156,1989} Martinez-Brawley{1987}model of Tasks For Rural Social and Community Workers in context of developing Action Programme that incorporates consciousness- raising which focus on coalition building can assist in breaking down and working through apathy. Cheers{1992}outlines how the delivery of welfare and health services in rural/remote areas requires innovative approaches that need to be multifunctional.roufeil and Battye{2008}observe the complexity of rural/remote/regional service delivery are impacted by complex issues. In doing so, there is a need to have a broad- structure generalist services with a sustainable investment in community development. Alston {2007} has critically noted the drought has exposed the paucity of human services in rural communities Both Alston and Butler {2000} emphasize the importance of community development through interagency delivery of services to reach out to rural communities and remain connected. Rather than the splash and dash approach.bunn s {2004} and Aglias {2004} models interlink the relationship of direct service delivery, research, policy development and community engagement as being vital in any form of community development. Importantly Bunn points out the critical component is the intent as it is the intent that drives process

5 A Strategic Model for Success Includes Identifying emerging trends and anticipating their impact Having a Risk Management Plan Listening to people s narrative stories and incorporating the theme of flexibility in providing outreach activities Providing the opportunities for leaders within the community to learn how to be active in managing the process and project The complexity of policy, political environment needs to well understood

6 Aspects of a Healthy Volunteer Being supported by a Formal Structure Developing new Skills and Sharing your Current skills & Knowledge Integrating & Socially Connecting Across Communities Cultures

7 What is a Health Volunteer? In context of your experiences what has been most helpful in becoming a volunteer? What has been the challenges that have contributed to your skills development? What have been some of the learning's that your organization has learnt from the volunteers within the organization?

8 Making the most of being a Volunteer From your experience, the critical factors of a balanced Volunteer are? Can you consider some of the good practices that contributes to Volunteer s positive experience s Satisfaction with your volunteering is often associated with the other factors that can add to contribute to your experience.

9 Continuous Improvement An organization that involves volunteers shall plan and continually review its volunteer management system to ensure that opportunities to improve the quality of the system are identified and actively pursued National Standards for involving Volunteers -

10 Health Promotion Principles Address the broader determinants of health factors that are critical for individuals, groups and the community Base Activities on best evidence possiblethere is a need for action because Act to reduce social inequities and injustice promoting a healthy community and environment Emphasising Active Community and Consumer participation Empowering Individuals and Communities developing skills,encouring participants to take control of their lives

11 Incorporating both Micro and Macro Practice within a Project Chances Conversations,Needs Analysis, Resource Identification, Selecting Model of Action and Evaluation Initiating opportunities and Responding to Communities passion to do something that will facilitate healthy community Generating both individual and group action plans that will result in process of moving to the key Objective of addressing poor access to healthy food and creating linkages for families to services that can provide various supportive programmes

12 Getting Started Understanding of where your/other organization fits into the process of development Where you/others sit within the framework of development Partnerships and Roles of Key Stake holders Drawing out themes that are inclusive of education, health, community services and current activities that are addressing communities needs

13 Project Development - Indicators What is really need? How can it be addressed within a realistic budget framework? Which agency will take on a key leadership and administrative function? What will the project look like and developing signposts that keep the project on track? How will current and future service users benefit from the project?

14 Partnerships within Community Projects Reviewing which partnerships are natural fits Building trust and appreciation of partnerships possible inputs Utilising local involvement of those agencies which can actually contribute to the projects development and having a broader understanding of public policy developments {such as Food Production and Security} Contacting other Regional Services that can add possible expertise such as local Shires and Primary Health Partnerships, Educational and Community Health Service Providers

15 Ingredients For a Health Structure Drawing a structure that is time based on various workshops that can be organized in order to develop skills and management practices of the structure/organization being developed Drawing on expertise within the Community and Outside service providers to ensure: Management Volunteer Manuals, Policy/Procedure Health and Safety Committee Structure, Standards of Operational and Governance Guidelines are Established Workforce,Management,Recruitment/Retention/Training Service Delivery and Continuous Improvement Process are in place

16 Determination to Transform and Promoting Rural Communities Sometimes you ve got to be controversial to be noticed and get things done Sir William Gunn A Fine Contributor to the advancement of Australian Agriculture

17 Guiding Principle that gives the Project Strength. The purpose of practice is to restore individual, family and community wellbeing and promote principles of social justice {Bland & Renouf -2001}