ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors argue that everyday community practice is vital to effective professional practice, and that poor practice can lead to poor outcomes for individuals, communities and broader society. They suggest that adopting a learning stance, regardless of readers professional experience’, is beneficial to achieving social change. They examine some of the building blocks for starting everyday community practice, including balancing courage and patience, critical thinking, getting runs on the board, systems knowledge and navigation. Conversely, the value of ‘professionals’ engaging with communities and advocating on behalf of communities was recognised by community work students as creating legitimacy, particularly in the context of government demands for evidence. A key strength of those who have received formal education in community development is the techniques to which they have been exposed in relation to critical thinking. For others, knowledge and skills in navigating complex systems were another important aspect of what community workers contribute.
