GRADE 12 - CSC

FUNCTIONS OF
COMMUNITY

 OBJECTIVES

AT THE END OF THE LESSON THE STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO...

Explain the dynamics of your community by recognizing

A
the people who build the community.

B Assess the structures of your community

C Analyze the process existing in your community

LEADERS
 UNDERSTANDING COMMUNITY TROUGH ITS DYNAMICS TOPIC 1

A. FORMAL POWER STRUCTURE

In the Philippines, the government provides several

levels of leadership, from the president and vice-
president, including other government officials at the
national and in the local levels such as mayors,
congressmen, and governors. They are appointed based on
qualifications, attitude and most often, through the
votes of the residents. It is otherwise known as Formal
Power Structure because they are individuals from whose
authority is based on formal rules appointed by the
government.
 UNDERSTANDING COMMUNITY TROUGH ITS DYNAMICS TOPIC 1

B. INFORMAL POWER STRUCTURE

There are also people who are appointed because of their

ability to lead, direct or achieve without an official
leadership title. They are known as Informal Power
Structure. They are popular to others as influencers who can
lead others with the most influence. Informal power comes,
not from an official position, but from the respect and
appreciation one has earned from the members of a group.
This respect and appreciation allow the individual to
influence his or her peers in a way that others within the
group cannot.
 UNDERSTANDING COMMUNITY TROUGH ITS DYNAMICS TOPIC 1

C. LEGAL AUTHORITATIVE DECISION MAKERS

Legal authoritative decision-makers, on the

other hand, are individuals or bodies whose
authority is based on formal rules and
institutions. They are appointed because of
their intelligence, reputations, decision-
making, dictation from laws and policies and
connections.
 UNDERSTANDING COMMUNITY TROUGH ITS DYNAMICS TOPIC 1

WHAT COULD IT BE?

1. Interrelationship- community leaders are

with direct relation with you through familial
relations, affinities or feeling of kinship,
and social network, and

2. Organization- they could be part of an

institution or an association, that has a
particular purpose in our community.
 COMMUNITY LEADERS,
COMMUNITY BUILDERS!
Can you give me the power dynamics of the
following community leaders as well as
their individual dimensions and a short
description of the kind of work they do
in your community?
 IDENTIFY.

A Baranggay Captain
Power Dynamics
B Social Workers
Individual Dimension
C Local Farmers
Job Description
D Teachers
 Understanding the Community through its Structures TOPIC 2

Awareness of the essential aspects of the community is necessary in aiding the

residents to reflect on ways to be positively involved in its improvement.

1. Local Politics
• Structure of government
• Decision-making power and control
• Major issues currently in debate

2. Demographics
• Population size (total number of people)
• Population density (ratio of people to the space they inhabit)
• Heterogeneity (the extent to which community members have diverse characteristics)
• Ethnic groups
• Names given to various parts of the community
• Areas known for having their own characteristics (ex: industrial area, blue collar
families)
• Isolation from or closeness to other communities
• History of the area * Changes and development of the area
 Understanding the Community through its Structures TOPIC 2

3. Geography and environmental influence

the community’s physical environment
the community’s location and proximity to highways, bodies of water or mountains
existence of recreational areas concerns regarding environment hazards such as
pollution, power shortages, among others

4. Beliefs and Attitudes

cultural values, traditions and beliefs of various segments of the population
spiritual and political values of the residents
available social agencies and the help they can extend
perceptions of residents as part of the community.
 Understanding the Community through its Structures TOPIC 2

5. Local economy and businesses

• businesses, factories and other sources of employment that characterize the community
• nature of business (owned by local residents or government)

6. Income distribution
• public assistance benefits available to residents
• median income level of residents
• income levels and corresponding percentage of population.

7. Housing
• housing conditions
• population density • types of housing
• ownership and status of houses (rental, real estate, etc)
 Understanding the Community through its Structures TOPIC 2

8. Educational facilities and programs

• education system
• extent of community support
• existence of public and private schools
• adherence to intended curriculum of the Department of Education
• attention to special population (e.g., children with special needs) and to cultural differences.
• extent to which education brings out the best in the children (participation in competitions,
profile of graduates, training students holistically)
• adequate preparation for adults to enter the labor force

9. Health and Welfare Systems

• adequate numbers of health professionals and specialists
• social service programs
• respect of service providers to the needs and values of minority populations
• availability of fire and police protection
• safety of the environment • the residents’ view on public safety and justice system
 Understanding the Community through its Structures TOPIC 2

10. Sources of information and public opinion

• presence of TV and radio stations and newspapers which provide the people information and
perspectives on current events
• community organizations’ capacity to update residents on important information
• the capacity of the sources of information to enhance the residents’ skills to promote positive
change
• the presence of community leaders who speak for various marginalized subgroups.

11. Summary Assessment of Community Issues

• overall assessment of community’s functioning
• dealing with social problems (youth gangs, poverty, abuse)
• gaps in social, health care, and other community and educational services
 Understanding Community through its Process TOPIC 3

A leader is an important figure in the community. Leaders must possess

important characteristics such as:

1. Effective Communication - an open communication is highly recommended for

leaders and their constituents. There should be free access to important
information concerning social issues and public matters.

2. Development of Social Capital Building - developing a resilient capital is

among the most important contributors to successful community leadership.

3. Community Engagement - it is important to encourage young leaders to

participate so that they are ready to take over when the time comes.

4. Collaboration - leaders should learn to “build bridges” and develop networks

among community leaders within the diverse fields.
 Community Power

It is the capacity of the community to exercise

control over activities and seek ways to employ
available resources to establish a stronger and
successful community. The diagram below presents
some ways for a community to build power.