Community Development | Frenly Community Hub

Community development has its roots in the early 20th century, when community organizers and social workers began to recognize the importance of community-led initiatives in addressing social and economic issues. The concept gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s, with the rise of community development programs and projects supported by organizations like the Ford Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation. Community development seeks to empower individuals and groups with the skills they need to take collective action and improve their communities. With a focus on participatory democracy, economic opportunity, and social justice, community development has become a crucial aspect of urban and rural development, with organizations like the World Bank supporting community-led initiatives. The concept of community development has been applied in various contexts, including sustainable development, poverty reduction, and disaster relief. As a professional discipline, community development has been recognized by the International Association for Community Development, which provides a framework for community development practices and principles.