2. Community Engagement
denotes interaction, sharing, and relationships at different levels. It can
be defined as the partnership between two parties such as academic
institutions and local communities for mutual benefits and is
characterized by reciprocal relations. Community engagement has a
four-part definition:
a. Active collaboration
b. Builds on the resources, skills, and expertise and knowledge of the
campus and community
c. Improves the quality of life in the communities
d. In a manner that is consistent with the campus mission
3. Citizenship
denotes membership of a citizen in a political society. The membership implies
a duty of allegiance on the part of the member and a duty of protection on the
state. The principle of citizenship recognizes that people have a moral
responsibility to self, others, and community.
A citizen refers to a member of a democratic community who enjoys full civil
and political rights and is accorded protection inside and outside the territory of
the state (De Leon, 1997).
4. Citizenship
In democratic political community, the rightful and acceptable basis of all power is the
citizenry, the collective body of people. One manifestation of being socially
responsible is active participation in affairs that affect community development,
welfare, and security and protects human rights.
Community development has always been associated with participation; as
participation has also been associated with participation in democratic governance.
Citizen participation may be undertaken in two levels: community level through
community development, and state level through political participation such as making
public officials accountable to the people.
Community engagement and good citizenship in the name of social justice are
manifestations of solidarity toward the attainment of the common good.
5. Solidarity
is about regarding our fellow human beings justly and respecting who they are
as persons (BJPI, 2007). Based on the perspective that a person is a relational
being; a person is in connection with other people, with the society and with
the environment.
This means that a person has to relate responsibly and act in solidarity with
others and the whole of humanity. His or her acts affect others and
consequently affect him/her as well.
6. Solidarity
Solidarity refers to the “idea of unity or feeling of agreement among individuals
to the common interest.” It is an overarching sentiment of mutual support,
trust, and harmony among individuals within a group. Through solidarity,
community members deepen their responsibilities and roles in light of their
collective interest.
In effect, it stimulates a sense of obligation among individuals in a group to
pursue the objectives and goals of the community and to protect and promote
the interests of a community through some agreed social action.
Therefore, solidarity is the adhesive that strengthens the link among people in
a community. Without solidarity, members of a community tend to act
individually, disunited, and stop from collectively engaging each other.
9. Thoughts to ponder:
1.As a learner, how important is
community action?
2.What personal values do you think
are needed in pursuing a community
action?
10. It’s a wrap
Community action is a movement of a community of people who are
experiencing the same situation and pursue a common goal and action. It is
manifested through community engagement, citizenship and solidarity.
Soon my dear learner, you will be working in a community. Remember that in
the act of pursuing community action, you need to have the patience,
commitment, and compassion. Thus, it requires the process of meaning-
making where you need to know your purpose and goal and why you will be
doing such action for the community.
