Singapore University of Social Sciences

Facilitating Community Engagement

Facilitating Community Engagement (CSD504)

Synopsis

Communities are complex and dynamic social entities that are comprised of a myriad of diverse persons in terms of ideals, values, characteristics and objectives. Hence, the practice of community leadership is often a highly interactive field where one needs to relate effectively with others in a community. This course provides relevant perspectives and possible strategies in engaging with persons in a community in order to build rapport and facilitate constructive relationships. Some of the key skills shared in this course include active listening, non-verbal skill, interviewing skills and genuine servant leadership. Challenges or obstacles to community leadership such as language barriers, cultural misunderstanding, communal apathy and low trust levels are also some of the topic discussed along with potential methods to overcome them.

Level: 5
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY JULY

Topics

  • What is a Community Leader?
  • Skills required of a Community Leader
  • Listening, Seeing and Empathizing
  • Community Leadership as Genuine Servant Leader
  • Trust Building as Social Capital
  • Relationship Building as Community Engagement
  • Community Research and Grounded Perspectives
  • Managing Organization Goals and Community Needs
  • Facilitating Events and Information Dissemination
  • Challenges and Obstacles: Strategies to Cope
  • Dealing with Conflict in the Community
  • Community Leadership in a Multicultural Society

Learning Outcome

  • Identify the key skills of community engagement and facilitation
  • Discuss various models and approaches to community engagement and facilitation
  • Evaluate the strengths and limits of various community engagement and facilitation models and approaches
  • Apply the principles and values of genuine servant leadership for community leadership.
  • Formulate effective plans for community outreach and research.
  • Propose potential strategies for positive community engagement and facilitation.
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