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.