Communities are now seen as important actors in society. Chaskin provides a comprehensive definition of such concepts as community capacity and community capacity building. The most relevant information in the article is, of course, the definition provided by the author (Chaskin 295). It is important to note that the author provides a comprehensive definition that can be applied on different levels. This definition can be used in numerous settings. As has been mentioned above, communities play an important role in society. Nonetheless, many people do not understand how exactly communities affect the development of society. Many people think that influence of communities is a sum of efforts invested by individuals. I have to admit that I thought like that as well. However, now I understand what community capacity building is. For me, this article was very interesting as I could learn about a complex issue considered with the help of a comprehensive approach. However, there is an important question. What are effective strategies which can be sued to build community capacity in different settings?
Hardcastle, Powers, and Wenocur concentrate on the work of a social worker and provide numerous aspects of this work and the most beneficial characteristics of a successful social worker. The most disturbing part, for me, is the part concerning enhancing awareness (Hardcastle, Powers & Wenocur 186). The authors stress that a social worker has to be a risk-taker and try new approaches to help his/her clients. I strongly agree with this viewpoint, and I also think social workers should always try new ways. For instance, in the case of Rick, the social worker did not give up and did not accept the previous evaluation of the boy’s abilities (Hardcastle, Powers & Wenocur 182). The boy opened up, and his life became better, more complete. I would also make efforts to help my clients open up. However, I still have reservations as my risk-taking can harm my clients. Admittedly, it is easy to cross the line and make an individual suffer or feel uneasy. Clearly, one should take risks, but these risks should be minimal. I believe I can use myself in my future work as I know what I am capable of, and I know I have the necessary critical thinking skills. Nevertheless, I would still ask a reasonable question. In what situations taking risks is inappropriate or even hazardous? How can a social worker foresee the result of taking risks in a variety of situations?
Hardina focuses on ethical issues related to community organizers’ work (603). As far as I am concerned, the most disturbing piece of information is the author’s framework of decision making (Hardina 601). I agree with the author that the Code does not cover all possible situations and a community organizer has to develop his/her own ethical code and act in accordance with this individual set of rules. Nonetheless, I have a concern that people are different and can have specific views on some matters. Therefore, the development of an individual ethical code can have quite harmful consequences if a social organizer can act unethically. Thus, I know some people who cannot work as community organizers without a specific ethical code assigned to them. Therefore, some questions appear. Is it possible to develop an ethical code that could cover, at least, major issues? How can communities be secured and know that their community organizer has an adequate ethical code?
Works Cited
Chaskin, Robert J. “Building Community Capacity: A Definitional Framework and Case Studies from a Comprehensive Community Initiative.” Urban Affairs Review 36.3 (2001): 291-323. Print.
Hardcastle, David A., Patricia R. Powers, and Stanley Wenocur. Community Practice: Theories and Skills for Social Workers. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2011. Print.
Hardina, Donna. “Guidelines for Ethical Practice in Community Organization.” Social Work 49.4 (2004): 595-604. Print.