Community Action

Community Action Definition

Community action refers to the organised effort undertaken by locally based groups to achieve specific objectives within a particular locality. It fundamentally involves the organisation of groups seeking to effect change, often emerging from disadvantaged or powerless communities who aim to address their grievances through self-help initiatives. This process frequently involves mobilizing local populations and seeking external support, such as funding from national or local government bodies, to realise these goals.

Focus and Context

The concept is most commonly applied to minority or disadvantaged groups, where it functions as a mechanism for organising and mobilising action from a neighbourhood or local base. It operates by facilitating local participation in the political process, often serving as a means to challenge dominant beliefs and practices within the community.

Function

At its core, community action is an attempt by these groups to organise themselves collectively to achieve tangible change in their immediate environment. It acts as a pathway for local residents to exercise agency and influence decisions that affect their lives.

Related Concepts

Community action is often discussed alongside related concepts such as community work, community development projects, and urban social movement.