ABSTRACT

As we argue throughout the book, a key component of community development is the shift of power to local people and communities. For this to be achieved workers need to create a locally viable empowerment strategy. This chapter explores the following ideas:

Empowerment is a contested term

It is built on interconnected processes of individual and collective analysis and action

Empowering workers must have clear values, analysis and highly developed skills

Empowerment is a multidimensional concept that interweaves Personal Empowerment, Positive Action, Development of Community Organisations, Power Relationships and Participation

Understanding empowerment and creating a local empowerment strategy is essential for community development practice.