Our Goal
AzSORH’s main goal in community development is to foster capacity building for rural organizations and communities. Though participatory activities, our community partners develop their skill sets, education and training, information acquisition, and decision-making ability on the part of rural organizations, community groups, or individuals/families.
Community development seeks to facilitate the establishment and/or strengthening of the relationship of a health-related organization with its community. When a health organization has a better connection to its community, it can position itself to be responsive. AzSORH strives to support community development that is conducted as an equal partnership between traditional “experts” and members of a community. A community’s participation in its own health system creates new resources, vitality, and synergy for all partners.
Community development can involve many forms and methods such as community needs assessments, strategic planning, decision-making, program planning and evaluation, vision/values/mission development, community forums, and skill training and development.