Taking a Social Justice Approach to Community Development

The learning arising from three rights-based programmes over 2007 to 2011 has enabled the Community Foundation to develop a new model that combines social justice work with community development practice.  It will enable groups to assess how they identify and meet needs in their local areas, how they might tackle injustices and how they might become more inclusive and accountable.

Alongside looking at 'local' relationships, it will support groups to look at their relationships with the 'other' - be this neighbouring communities, the other community, new communities within Northern Ireland or agencies and service providers.

Finally, it will support groups to build or capitalise on relationships with politicians and other decision makers.  Advocacy and other support will be provided and one of the key issues will be how to prepare local community development groups for the proposed Review of Publica Administration and the resultant community planning process.

Takling a social justice approach throughout this community development journey will provide new opportunities and learning.  The process will be closely monitored and evaluated.  It is the Community Foundation's hope that the learning arising will influence its future strategic direction.  Social and economic justice for communities is very much part of the Foundation's agenda.