COMMUNITY IMMERSION

Community is a group of living things

sharing the same environment, they usually
have shared interests, have some of the
same beliefs and needs, and this affects the
identity of the group and the people in it.
Arlien Johnson
- according to him, community refers to a group of
people gathered together in any geographic area,
large or small, who have common interest, actual or
potentially recognized in the social welfare.
Two Category of Community
Geographical – people living in same location
example village or town
Functional – the aggregate group of people, they
not living in one area but bonded as one community
having common values or fight.
Example: Gabriela
Elements of Community
Demographic
History
Culture
Economy
Structure
 WHAT IS COMMUNITY
IMMERSION?
- is an essential strategy in community organizing work that
entails better understanding of the different community
concerns, process dynamic and lifestyle through exposure
and engaging in different activities.
This gives opportunity to reflect on their assumptions,
attitudes and to gain knowledge in cultural diversity.
What Personal Gain from Community
Immersion?
1. Opportunity to comprehend people lives
2. Gain social acceptance
3. Enhance experience in conducting survey and researches
4. Establish rapport and relationship with different individuals
5. Develop the ability to have conscience or integrity, morality
6. Acquired first hand experiences in dealing community works
7. Chance to learn new skills
 Whom do you immerse with in the
community?

Community based service projects must be

based on the principle of people’s
improvement and not the “dot’s cut” mentality,
teach people how to fish so that they will live
for a lifetime.
WHAT YOU SHOULD AND SHOULD NOT DO
IN COMMUNITY IMMERSION?

It is the basic rule that trainees must be

well-versed with this area, skilled to
communicate with community and
disciplined to keep yourself.
 Before the conduct of
community immersion:
1. Familiarized yourself with the basic information and theories regarding
community life.
2. Secure a waiver from the NSTP Office prior to the visit and have it signed
by your parents.
3. Always inform your faculty in-charge of your destination, time able and
plan of action.
4. Be armed with background information about the area for immersion.
5. Pay courtesy call to community leaders whether formal or informal.
6. Secure documents like a letter of acceptance from the community.
7. Bring your own personal provisions like water, snacks and extra shirt.
 During the Actual Community
immersion period
1. Be courteous to everyone whether to a vendor or a community
official.
2. Act properly and discreetly.
(YOU ARE REPRESENTING YOUR SCHOOL AND YOUR FELLOW
STUDENTS. Be RESPONSIBLE WITH THE WORDS YOU SAY.)
3. Wear proper uniforms and identification card.
4. It is highly advised to keep your valuables secured.
5. Always document your visit.
6. Always ask for permission from concerned people when you
have to take pictures.
 After Community Immersion:

1.Validate and evaluate if the programs and activities were

conducted appropriately and as planned.
2.Provide copies of your final documentation output to the
NSTP Office and to the community
Where you conducted your immersion for records
purposes.
 Worksheets:
a. Directions: Answer the following questions as a guide in your class
presentation in depicting a community you want to live in.
•What makes an ideal community?
•What is the role of each institution/community participants in the
establishment of peaceful and orderly community?
•How
do you relate each community participant with the attainment of the
common vision of the people there at?
•What are the aspirations/interests of the community participants?
b. Directions: Prepare a collage depicting the problems and concerns of a
community. (Long bond paper)