Locality Development Model

Define: the model of locality development “asserts that community change can best be brought about through broad participation of a wide spectrum of spectrum of people at the local community level” (Zastrow, 2006, p.299). This theory surmises that change efforts on the community level are most achievable with the cooperation of the local citizens, as they should be involved in the problem-solving process.

Apply: In community development, the practitioner’s role is to be that of a catalyst within the change effort due to the fact that residents and citizens are responsible for the contribution of various ideas in the problem-solving process. This is evident as many organizers are challenged in allowing the community members complete objectives, as they could readily be accomplished by the organizer. However, there is a blatant necessity in this model for organizers to encourage community participation, because residents should be responsible for obtaining, maintaining, or securing their own interest, rather than the organizer. In doing so, the outcome is greater cohesiveness, pride, confidence, and problem-solving capabilities within the community.

Adapt: The basis of this theory is that individuals are stronger together than they are separately, and therefore collectively they may be able to resolve issues and challenges. Educators have used this philosophy within the school setting, and it is known as tribes. Children of varying ages (5 to 13) come together and collaborate as well as problem-solve on various projects, rather than seeking individual attention regarding issues. The students learn how to rely upon the strengths of each other to accomplish goals, assignments, or tasks. They look to each other rather than the teacher to provide the solution. Moreover, the role of the teacher is to be a facilitator or a catalyst in that they motivate and encourage the children to rely upon their tribe to resolve issues, conflicts, questions, and academic assignments. This has been beneficial to their learning community as students are encourage to be interdependent, as they realize the steps necessary to rectify challenges.