Community Development for Times of Crisis: Creating Caring Communities

This book explores the intersection of community development and local capacity building for effective disaster mitigation and the alleviation of suffering. It examines historical arguments, critical human and community considerations, fundamental elements of caring communities, and practical examples. It aims to provide a more complete understanding of the role of communities in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery and to contribute to wider and more sustainable development.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate intersection of community development and local capacity building, serving as a vital foundation for effective disaster mitigation and the alleviation of suffering during times of crisis. It begins by exploring the multifaceted process, contextual factors, and methodologies associated with community engagement and development, offering a multi-faceted perspective through various structural and logical approaches. The first section, titled "Community Development," delves into historical arguments and contemporary examinations, shedding light on the key concepts that shape community responses to disaster. It emphasizes the importance of considering factors such as poverty, race, inequality, social justice, mental health, and social division when framing community responses.

The second section, titled "Critical Human and Community Considerations," takes a deeper dive into the often overlooked aspects of disaster response. It highlights the significance of addressing poverty, race, inequality, social justice, mental health, and social division when crafting community responses. This section underscores the need to recognize and address these underlying issues to ensure that disaster responses are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the diverse needs of the affected communities.

The third section, titled "Fundamental Elements of Caring Communities," explores the critical role of social support, empathy, inclusion, and conflict resolution in building effective and caring responses to disaster. It emphasizes the practical and measurable impacts of these elements in fostering resilient and responsive communities. By highlighting the importance of social support, empathy, inclusion, and conflict resolution, this section provides valuable insights into creating caring communities that can effectively respond to local needs during times of crisis and beyond.

The final section, titled "Practice and Applied Programming," brings together research and theory to provide practical insights into applied programming for disaster response. It showcases real-world examples and evidence from on-the-ground efforts to establish caring communities that respond to local needs in times of crisis and beyond. By integrating research and theory into applied programming, this section offers valuable guidance for practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders in building resilient and sustainable communities that can withstand the challenges posed by disasters.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the intersection of community development and local capacity building, providing a valuable resource for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers alike. By addressing the critical objectives outlined in this book, it contributes to a deeper understanding of the essential role that communities can play in disaster mitigation and promotes the development of more resilient and sustainable communities beyond disasters. This book serves as a catalyst for ongoing research endeavors, program and policy initiatives, and dialogue among community scholars and practitioners, fostering a collective effort to build stronger, more resilient, and more caring communities for a better future.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 234 x 155 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032080437