National Service Training Program

Introduction to
Understanding the
Community:
Community Typology, Description,
Needs Assessment, and Engagement
Community Defined: Why it is
important to Understand our
Community?
Know the Community
 Community Defined
➢ The word ‘community’ originated from the Latin word communis which means
common, public, general or shared by all or many. It later develop into its Latin
translation communitatem which translates into community, society, or
fellowship.
➢ Community is defined in the dictionary as a unified body of individuals such as:
a. people with common interest living in a particular area
b. a group of people with a common interest or characteristic living together
within a larger society
c. a body of persons of common and especially professional interests scattered
through a larger society
 Community Defined
➢ While we traditionally think of a community as the people in a
given geographical location, the word can really refer to any
group sharing something in common. This may refer to smaller
geographic areas -- a neighborhood, a housing project or
development, a rural area -- or to a number of other possible
communities within a larger, geographically-defined community.
➢ In a sociological point of view, the simplest definition of a
community is “an aggregation of families and individuals settled in a
fairly compact and contiguous geographical area, with significant
elements of common life, as shown by behaviors, manners, customs,
traditions and modes of speech.”
 Importance of Understanding the
Community
It is important to understand community -- what a
community is, and the specific nature of the communities we
work in. Anything we do in a community requires us to be
familiar with its people, its issues, and its history. Carrying out an
intervention or building a coalition are far more likely to be
successful if they are informed by the culture of the community
and an understanding of the relationships among individuals and
groups within it. Taking the time and effort to understand your
community well before embarking on a community effort will pay
off in the long term.
 Importance of Understanding the
Community
➢ Knowing the context of the community so that you can tailor
interventions and programs to its norms and culture and
increase your chances of success.
➢ Gaining a general idea, even before an assessment, of the
community's strengths and the challenges it faces.
➢ Capturing unspoken, influential rules and norms. For
example, if people are divided and angry about a particular
issue, your information might show you an event in the
community's history that explains their strong emotions on
that subject.
Importance of Understanding the
Community

Having enough familiarity with the community to allow

you to converse intelligently with residents about community
issues, personalities and geography. Knowing that you've taken
the time and effort to get to know them and their environment
can help you to establish trust with community members.
That can make both a community assessment and any actions
and activities that result from it easier to conduct.
Importance of Understanding the
Community

Ensuring the security of your group and participants.

There may be neighborhoods where staff members or
participants should be accompanied by others in order to be
safe, at least at night. Knowing the character of various areas
and the invisible borders that exist among various groups and
neighborhoods can be extremely important for the physical
safety of those working and living in the community.
Understanding the Community:
Community Typology
 Community Typology:

- The main component of a community are its members

- Communities can be classified into categories based
on the manner and/or purpose these members are
joined and brought together
- Community can be categorized with more than one
typology (hybrid communities)
Community Typology:

1. Community of Place
2. Community of Interest
3. Community of Practice
4. Community of Action
5. Community of Circumstance
6. Hybrid Communities
 Community Typology:
Community of Place:

▪ These types of communities are formed among

the people living in a commonplace,
geographical location, or physical locality.
▪ Characterized by a Permanent (or a long period
of time) ‘Place of Residence’.
▪ Conventional categorization of communities.
 Community Typology:

Sub-Type of Community of Place (Way of Life):

▪ Rural Communities - traditional/simple/basic living,
large spaces/low population density, presence of
nearby natural environment, conduct of agricultural
activities
▪ Urban Communities – city living, center of large
economic activities, advancement of Science and
Technology, highly densed population,
‘expensive/high cost’ of living
▪ Suburban Communities - mix of the urban and rural
 Community Typology:

Sub-Type of Community of Place (Size / Level of Governance):

▪ Small/Informal Neighborhood – Small compound, condominium,

small subdivision, sitio
▪ Barangay – in the Philippine context, the smallest unit of
community with a formal/legal structure of governance.
▪ City / Municipality – governed by its Local Government Units
▪ Region / Provinces - governed by the provincial Governor
▪ The Philippines as a Nation - The Community of Filipino People
▪ International Communities – ASEAN, EU, Middle East, Global
Community
 Community Typology:

Community of Interest:

▪ People who share a common interest, hobbies, or

passion
▪ Interest-based communities or communities of
interest are groups of people with one or more
common interests. The people exchange information
about the passion they share, but they may know little
about each other outside of this area (or they may not
care).
 Community Typology:

Examples of Community of Interest:

▪ Yamaha NMAX Owners group
▪ BTS Fan Club
▪ Basketballers Community
▪ Mobile Legends: Bang Bang FB Group
▪ Vintage Car Collectors Community
▪ Drama Club
 Community Typology:

Community of Practice:

▪ Groups of people who practice the same

profession/livelihood or engage in the same activities.
▪ A group of people formally/informally bounded
together by shared expertise.
▪ Unlike interest, community of practice is more on a
permanent/long-term basis, most of the time as a
source of livelihood
 Community Typology:

Examples of Community of Practice:

▪ Philippine Medical Association
▪ National Association of Environmental
Professionals
▪ Philippine Institute of Certified Public
Accountants
▪ Integrated Bar of the Philippines
▪ Professional Association of Diving Instructors
 Community Typology:

Community of Action:

▪ Group of People trying to bring about change in society.

▪ Also referred to as, Community with a common line of action.
▪ Most of the time, Advocacy-Based / Belief-Based
▪ A community with a goal to use collective power to make a change in
the world.
▪ Community of action exists in a situation that is structurally more open,
where actors have the opportunity to influence change.
▪ They have some characteristics common to associative relationships,
such as the "voluntary" character of association, and regard "common
goals" as an important factor in organizing collective activity.
 Community Typology:

Examples of Community of Action:

▪ The United Nations
▪ Greenpeace Philippines
▪ Red Cross Volunteers
▪ Oblates of Mary Immaculate
▪ Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption
▪ Habitat for Humanity
 Community Typology:

Community of Circumstance:

▪ Groups of people undergoing similar

circumstances
▪ A community for people united by a common
situation or challenge
▪ Most of the time, Involuntary (not of their own
making).
▪ A community focus on support for dealing with the
situation.
 Community Typology:

Examples of Community of Circumstance:

▪ Families of Victims of a Plane Crash
▪ Share Group of Widows
▪ Victims of a Major Disaster
▪ Diabetic Patients undergoing Hemodialysis
▪ Parents of Children with Cancer
 Community Typology:
Hybrid Communities:
▪ Circumstance + Place = Drug Rehabilitation Center,
Prisons/Correctional Facilities
▪ Practice + Interest = Professional Gamers, Buy-and-Sell Antique
Collectors
▪ Practice + Action = Volunteer Doctors Advocating for a HIV-Free
Community, Drivers for Road Safety Advocates
▪ Place + Action = Barangay Volunteers for Peace and Order (Volunteer
Barangay Tanods), City Fire Fighters Volunteers (to respond quickly in
case of emergency within their vicinity)
▪ Place + Practice + Action = Group of Engineers, Architects, and other
Construction Practitioners living in the same Subdivision Volunteering
to build an Earthquake-Proof Multi-Purpose Sports Complex for the
Youth
Understanding the Community:
Community Description
Community Description:
Understanding the community entails understanding it in a number of
ways. Whether or not the community is defined geographically, it still
has a setting – whether physical or digital it exists in. Getting a clear
sense of this setting may be key to a full understanding of it. At the
same time, it's important to understand the specific community you're
concerned with. You have to get to know its people -- their culture, their
concerns, and relationships -- and to develop your own relationships with
them as well.
The following are common Aspects on how to describe the Community.
But Community Description can be as creative as you’re capable of
making it. The more important thing is that you capture the important
information depending on the purpose why you are making the
description.
 Aspects for Community Description
1. Physical Aspects - Every community has a physical presence of
some sort. Most have a geographic area or areas they are either
defined by or attached to. If the community, is one defined by its
population, then its physical properties are also defined by the
population: where they live, where they gather, the places that are
important to them. The characteristics of those places can tell you a
great deal about the people who make up the community. Their self-
image, many of their attitudes, and their aspirations are often
reflected in the places where they choose -- or are forced by
circumstance or discrimination -- to live, work, gather, and play.
 Aspects for Community Description
2. Demographics - the facts about the population that you can find
from census data and other similar statistical information. Some
things you might like to know, besides the number of people in the
community:
a. Gender
b. Racial and ethnic background
c. Age
d. Marital status
e. Family size
f. Education
g. Income
h. Employment and Location
 Aspects for Community Description
3. Community History - The long-term history of the community can
tell you about community traditions, what the community is, or has
been, proud of, and what residents would prefer not to talk about.
Recent history can afford valuable information about conflicts and
factions within the community, important issues, past and current
relationships among key people and groups -- many of the factors
that can trip up any effort before it starts if you don't know about and
address them.
 Aspects for Community Description
4. Community Leaders, formal and informal - Some community
leaders are elected or appointed – Barangay Officials, Chairman,
Kagawad, Mayors, Councilors. Others are considered leaders because
of their activities or their positions in the community -- community
activists, corporate CEO's, college presidents, doctors, clergy. Still
others are recognized as leaders because, they are trusted for their
proven integrity, courage, and/or care for others and the good of the
community.
 Aspects for Community Description
5. Community Culture, formal and informal - This covers the spoken
and unspoken rules and traditions by which the community lives. It can
include everything from community events and slogans -- “Matira
matibay sa Barrio Dalisay” -- to norms of behavior -- turning a blind eye
to alcohol abuse or domestic violence -- to patterns of discrimination and
exercise of power.
6. Existing Groups - Most communities have an array of groups and
organizations of different kinds -- service clubs (Lions, Rotary, etc.), faith
groups, youth organizations, sports teams and clubs, groups formed
around shared interests, the boards of community-wide organizations, as
well as groups devoted to self-help, advocacy, and activism. Knowing of
the existence and importance of each of these groups can pave the way
for alliances or for understanding opposition.
 Aspects for Community Description
7. Existing Institutions - Every community has institutions that are
important to it, and that have more or less credibility with residents.
Colleges and universities, libraries, religious institutions, hospitals -- all
of these and many others can occupy important places in the community.
It's important to know what they are, who represents them, and what
influence they wield.
8. Economics- Who are the major employers in the community? What, if
any, business or industry is the community's base? Who, if anyone,
exercises economic power? How is wealth distributed? Would you
characterize the community as poor, working, class, middle class, or
affluent? What are the economic prospects of the population in general
and/or the population you're concerned with?
 Aspects for Community Description
9. Social Structure - Many aspects of social structure are integrated into
other areas -- relationships, politics, economics -- but there are also the
questions of how people in the community relate to one another on a daily
basis, how problems are (or aren't) resolved, who socializes or does business
with whom, etc. This area also includes perceptions and symbols of status
and respect, and whether status carries entitlement or responsibility (or
both).
10. Attitudes and Values - Again, much of this area may be covered by
investigation into others, particularly culture. What does the community
care about, and what does it ignore? What are residents' assumptions about
the proper way to behave, to dress, to do business, to treat others? Is there
widely accepted discrimination against one or more groups by the majority
or by those in power? What are the norms for interaction among those who
with different opinions or different backgrounds?
 Aspects for Community Description

There are many more aspects of community that can be

explored, which are not included in this enumeration. The
assumption here is that as part of an assessment, you'll aim for a
general understanding of the community, and also assess, with a
narrower focus, the specific aspects you're interested in.
Community Needs
Assessment
Community Needs Assessment

Community assessment is the process of identifying the

strengths, assets, needs and challenges of a specified
community. Assets refer to the skills, talents and abilities of
individuals as well as the resources that local institutions
contribute to the community. Local institutions may include
political, religious, educational, recreational and youth
organizations; community, civic and service groups; local
businesses; nonprofit organizations and volunteer groups.
Community Needs Assessment

Community Needs Assessments seek to gather accurate

information representative of the needs of a community.
Assessments are performed prior to taking action and are used
to determine current situations and identify issues for action.
Needs assessments establish the essential foundation for vital
planning.
Community Needs Assessment

A community needs assessment provides community

leaders, workers and volunteers with a snapshot of local policy,
systems, and environmental change strategies currently in
place and helps to identify areas for improvement. With this
data, communities can map out a course for improvement by
creating strategies to make positive and sustainable changes in
their communities.
Community Needs Assessment

A community assessment identifies the strengths and

resources available in the community to meet the needs of
community members. The assessment also focuses on the
capabilities of the community, including its citizens, agencies,
and organizations.
Needs and Resources Defined

Needs can be defined as the gap between what is and what

should be. A need can be felt by an individual, a group, or an
entire community. It can be as concrete as the need for food
and water or as abstract as improved community relationship.
It is helpful to categorize the gaps based on these four types of
community needs: perceived needs, expressed needs,
absolute needs, and relative needs.
Needs and Resources Defined
➢ Perceived needs: perceived needs are based on what individuals feel
their needs are. The standard may change based on each individual’s
point of view. It’s important not to dismiss perceived needs as merely
opinion. Taking into account the feelings and concerns of community
members should be an essential component of your assessment.
➢ Expressed needs: defined by the number of individuals who sought
help. Individuals may have felt a need and acted upon it. Be mindful of
the false assumption that all people with needs seek help.
➢ Absolute needs: needs deemed universal, including those for survival
(i.e. food, wat based er, safety, and clothing).
➢ Relative needs: needs rendered necessary on equity. The standard may
vary based on population differences.
 Needs and Resources Defined
➢ Resources, or assets, can include individuals, organizations
and institutions, buildings, landscapes, equipment -- anything
that can be used to improve the quality of life.
➢ Community Resources are resources in an area that
accommodate satisfy some requirements for those around
them. These resources may include people, sites or buildings,
and population assistance. Public schools, parks, community
centers are some of the examples of community resources.
 Needs and Resources Defined:
➢ Resources, or assets, can include individuals,
organizations and institutions, buildings, landscapes,
equipment -- anything that can be used to improve the
quality of life.
➢ Community Resources are resources in an area that
accommodate satisfy some requirements for those around
them. These resources may include people, sites or
buildings, and population assistance. Public schools,
parks, community centers are some of the examples of
community resources.
Guidelines in Conducting Community
Needs Assessment
➢ Form a planning group that represents all
stakeholders and mirrors the diversity of the
community.
➢ Design an evaluation process for the
Assessment
➢ Determine what data is already available
➢ Figure out what other information you need
➢ Decide what methods you'll use for gathering
information
Community Engagement
Community Engagement Process

➢ Community engagement is frequently

considered as the mutual interaction
between government and community
members to increase information and
community input for policy formulation; in
turn, to support government services to
facilitate consensual government and
community goals (Cavaye 2004, Meikle &
Jones 2013).
 Community Engagement Process

➢ Community engagement is a process, not a

project. It’s about inviting community members
into the decision-making process to assess, plan,
implement, and evaluate solutions to issues that
affect their daily lives and environments. As such,
community engagement centers around trust,
communication, and collaboration. Community
participation should focus on—and result from—
the needs, expectations, and desires of community
members. (Community engagement guidebook.
Minneapolis 2013)
Community Engagement Process

➢ Community engagement is the process of working

collaboratively with and through groups of people
affiliated by geographic proximity, special interest,
or similar situations to address issues affecting the
well-being of those people. It is a powerful vehicle
for bringing about environmental and behavioral
changes that will improve the health of the
community and its members.
Level of Engagement

➢ There are several degrees of engagement. The

International Association for Public Participation
has developed a popular model that describes a
spectrum of public participation using five distinct
phases of higher-level community engagement—
meaning that individuals are actively involved in
the development of solutions to problems and
issues in their community.
Level of Engagement

➢ IAP2’s Spectrum of Public Participation was

designed to assist with the selection of the level of
participation that defines the public’s role in any
public participation process. The Spectrum is used
internationally, and it is found in public
participation plans around the world
Level of Engagement
The five degrees of the IAP2 Spectrum are:

1. Inform – To provide the public with balanced and objective information

to assist them in understanding the problem and proposed
opportunities and/or solutions.
2. Consult – To obtain public feedback on analysis, options and/or
decisions.
3. Involve – To work directly with the public throughout the process to
ensure that public concerns and aspirations are consistently
understood and considered.
4. Collaborate – To partner with the public in each aspect of the decision
including the development of solutions, and the identification of the
preferred solution.
5. Empower – To place final decision-making in the hands of the public.
 The PLM - NSTP
Community
Engagement Process
The PLM-NSTP Community Engagement Process

1. Setting engagement objectives and scope – Based on the

identified needs of the community, any Projects / Activities
/ Programs (PAP) that requires Community Engagement must
have clear and defined objectives. If any, make sure to
clarify exactly what the decision is, that needs to be made.
Remember to Make your objectives SMART:
• Specific and able to describe an action;
• Measurable
• Achievable and accessible
• Realistic, recorded and referred to during the process;
• Time bound
The PLM-NSTP Community Engagement Process

2. Identify the stakeholders (Stakeholder Analysis) -

Clearly identify the different community groups,
organizations and individuals that will be affected or
may have a specific interest in the decision to be
made. Not all stakeholders will need to be engaged at
the same level. Highlight the differences and needs of
each stakeholder group to be engaged and determine
what engagement activities might be required and at
which stage of the project. Who do you need to
engagage?
The PLM-NSTP Community Engagement Process

It is important to consider the public’s perception and

general opinion on the issue or topic. This will help you
identify those individuals or sectors of our communities
who need to be specifically encouraged to be involved in
the process. Learn from previous experiences; consider
what may have been done previously on similar issues,
what former feedback and research may have revealed
or been undertaken.
The PLM-NSTP Community Engagement Process

When developing your stakeholder analysis, it is

important to include:

▪ Who are the key stakeholders (internal & external)?

▪ What are the key messages, issues or areas of interest
for each particular stakeholder?
▪ What level of interest will each stakeholder have?
▪ Who are the key contacts for each group?
The PLM-NSTP Community Engagement Process

3. Identify the level of impact - The impact of a project

or a decision relates directly to the level of engagement
(IAP2’s Public Participation Spectrum). There are five
categories of community engagement, beginning with
the lowest level of engagement being ‘Inform’ and with
‘Empower’ as the most important level of community
participation in the decision-making processes.
The PLM-NSTP Community Engagement Process
Based on your stated objectives and identified stakeholders, the following impact assessment
guide may assist in determining a PAP’s level of impact.

• Low Impact
- No impact on attributes that are of high value to the community
(e.g. lifestyle or physical environment)
- Low level of interest on the community members.
- Only a small change, or enhancement to any service or facility

• Medium Impact
- Some sections of the community concerned are likely to have a high level of interest
- There is a medium to low level of complexity in the issue being considered
- There is some loss or change to any service or facility

• High Impact
- Likely to have a high level of interest across all sections of the community
- There is a high level of complexity in the issue being considered
- Likely to impact vulnerable sectors of the community
- There is significant change to any service or facility
The PLM-NSTP Community Engagement Process

4. Select the appropriate methods for engagement – Once a

level of impact and engagement has been assessed in
accordance with the different stakeholders you will need to
ensure you select the most appropriate methods and tools to
engage the community.
Considering each stakeholder group carefully will assist in
determining what level of participation you should utilize for your
project. Not all stakeholders will require the same level of
engagement and the methods used to engage with them should
be selected carefully based on the needs and demographics of
each group.
The PLM-NSTP Community Engagement Process

5. Timelines and Budget - Usually, the higher the level of

impact the more stakeholders need to be considered and
involved and more time and resources will be required to
adequately meet the needs of community engagement.

Timelines and budget for community engagement will vary

between projects and will depend on factors such as, the level of
impact, the level of engagement required, and the types of
methods and techniques selected for each stage of engagement
with the different stakeholder groups.
The PLM-NSTP Community Engagement Process

Any projects that have a ‘high’ level of impact it is

recommended to begin the engagement process early, especially
if the project is dealing with issues that requires the need to
educate the communities or build their capacity to better
understand the complexity of the issues. Projects at this level will
usually require a period of informing the community about the
issues, before consulting, involving and possibly collaborating.
It is best to avoid community engagement activities that
coincide with key community events, public and school holidays,
religious festival, and other major events.
The PLM-NSTP Community Engagement Process

Budgeting considerations may be required for any project

that is controversial or has the potential to impact broad
sections of our communities and may require specialized
skills to necessitate the appropriate community participation.
An independent facilitator or consultant may need to be
engaged to ensure there is a (perceived or real) balanced
and unbiased approach which provides a greater level of
credibility and confidence with our communities.
The PLM-NSTP Community Engagement Process

6. Evaluation & Monitoring - Evaluation and monitoring

does not only happen at the end of a project, but it is also
an integral part of the entire community engagement
process. Evaluation throughout the project will help
improve and modify its approach to community
engagement activities, celebrate success and learn from
past experiences.