Working With Groups Towards Community Development PDF

WORKING WITH GROUPS TOWARDS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Community Health Nursing 2  COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT  Community Engagement : is viewed as a strategy and a continuum.  As a strategy : It requires a systematic approach to bring people , structures, and resources together.  As a contin...

WORKING WITH GROUPS TOWARDS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Community Health Nursing 2  COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT  Community Engagement : is viewed as a strategy and a continuum.  As a strategy : It requires a systematic approach to bring people , structures, and resources together.  As a continuum: It shows a trajectory that focuses on active participation of all stakeholders that ultimately ends in shared leadership. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT  COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FORMS OF Community Engagement: 1. Community Organizing 2. Community Based Participatory Action Research 3. Community Development 4. Community Empowerment  COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT  Community Development (CD): Is a concept that can be viewed as a process and an outcome.  As a Process: It entails peoples’ active participation in bringing about solutions to problem s collectively identified.  As an outcome: It speaks of a state in which people through their own efforts or to a broader sense better quality of life  COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT  Characteristics:  1. it is a process for implementing change  2. a program of specified activities  3. an outcome  4. an ideology of action  STAGES OF GROUP DEVELOPMENT  Stages:  1. Forming  2. Storming  3. Norming  4.Performing  5. Adjourning (or Mourning)  STAGES OF GROUP DEVELOPMENT 1. Forming In this initial stage, team members come together, introduce themselves, and start to learn about the group’s goals. Individuals are usually polite, and there’s excitement mixed with some uncertainty. They focus on understanding roles, the group's purpose, and the leader’s expectations.  STAGES OF GROUP DEVELOPMENT 2. Storming As members start working together, conflicts may arise due to differing opinions, personalities, and work styles. This is a critical phase where disagreements and power struggles might emerge. Successful teams resolve these conflicts constructively, which strengthens trust and communication within the group.  STAGES OF GROUP DEVELOPMENT 3. Norming During this phase, the team begins to find cohesion. Members establish norms, develop mutual respect, and agree on shared goals. Roles and responsibilities become clearer, and there is a growing sense of belonging, with increased cooperation and collaboration.  STAGES OF GROUP DEVELOPMENT 4.Performing Here, the team reaches a high level of functioning, focusing on achieving its goals. Members work effectively, with well- established communication channels and strong collaboration. They can solve problems independently and make decisions as a unified group.  STAGES OF GROUP DEVELOPMENT 5. Adjourning (or Mourning) In the final stage, the group disbands after achieving its objectives. There may be a sense of accomplishment, but some members may feel sadness or loss. Teams often reflect on their achievements and share feedback to celebrate successes and learn from the experience.  INTERVENTIONS TO FACILITATE GROUP GROWTH 1.a.Orientation A. Clarify Purpose and Objectives: Begin discussions by explaining the purpose of the meeting and what the team aims to achieve. B. Introduce Team Members and Roles: If the group is new or includes members who aren’t familiar with one another, allow time for introductions. C. Set Expectations for Participation: Explain the expectations for everyone’s involvement in the discussion, highlighting that all voices are valued and that respectful, active listening is crucial.  INTERVENTIONS TO FACILITATE GROUP GROWTH 1. b.Structure A. Create a Discussion Agenda: Outline key topics and assign a timeframe to each item.. B. Set Ground Rules for Communication: Establish norms such as one person speaking at a time, encouraging questions, avoiding interruptions, and using respectful language. C. Use Facilitated Techniques (e.g., Round-Robin, Brainstorming): Employ structured methods to promote balanced participation.  INTERVENTIONS TO FACILITATE GROUP GROWTH 1.c. Direction A. Guide the Flow of Conversation: Steer the discussion back on track if it veers off course, redirecting focus toward the goals established at the beginning. B. Encourage Clarification and Summarize Key Points: Prompt members to clarify or elaborate on their points when needed, and summarize key takeaways periodically to keep everyone aligned. C. Set Actionable Next Steps: Conclude discussions by identifying concrete next steps, assigning responsibilities, and setting deadlines.  INTERVENTIONS TO FACILITATE GROUP GROWTH 2.a. Process A.Establish Clear Communication Protocols: Define how the group will communicate, such as setting regular check-ins, active listening techniques, and feedback loops. B. Document Roles, Responsibilities, and Decision- Making Procedures: Having a structured process in place clarifies expectations and responsibilities, reducing misunderstandings. C. Reflect and Evaluate Group Interactions: Conduct regular reflection sessions where team members review what is working well in group dynamics and what needs improvement.  INTERVENTIONS TO FACILITATE GROUP GROWTH 2. b. Negotiation A.Encourage Collaborative Problem-Solving: Use negotiation techniques, such as finding win-win solutions, to address differing views or needs within the group. B. Facilitate Open Dialogue and Compromise: Promote a space where members feel comfortable discussing their perspectives openly. C. Clarify Priorities and Interests: Focus on the underlying interests behind each member’s viewpoint rather than just the positions they take.  INTERVENTIONS TO FACILITATE GROUP GROWTH 2.c. Conflict Resolution A. Establish a Clear Conflict Resolution Framework: Introduce and model constructive conflict management techniques, like active listening, reframing, and focusing on solutions. B. Assign a Neutral Facilitator if Needed: When conflicts escalate, a neutral third party (such as a leader or trained facilitator) can help mediate the discussion. C.Encourage Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness: Encourage team members to reflect on their emotions and reactions and to approach conflicts with empathy and understanding. INTERVENTIONS TO FACILITATE GROUP GROWTH 3.Awareness of the effects of behavior : Awareness of the effects of behavior is a powerful intervention for facilitating group growth, as it encourages individuals to reflect on how their actions influence the team dynamic, productivity, and morale. When team members understand the impact of their behavior on others, it fosters a more respectful, cohesive, and collaborative environment  INTERVENTIONS TO FACILITATE GROUP GROWTH 3.Awareness of the effects of behavior : Here’s how this awareness can be used as an intervention: 1. Encourage Self-Reflection and Self-Awareness A. Promote Self-Reflection Exercises: Encourage team members to periodically reflect on their behavior, communication style, and approach to teamwork. B. Use Personality Assessments and Behavioral Insights: Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), DISC assessment, or Emotional Intelligence (EI) tests can provide insights into individuals’ communication styles, decision- making approaches, and emotional triggers.  INTERVENTIONS TO FACILITATE GROUP GROWTH  3.Awareness of the effects of behavior 2. Provide Constructive Feedback in Real Time A. Encourage a Feedback Culture: Create a team culture where giving and receiving constructive feedback is normalized. When members can openly discuss behavior impacts—whether encouraging or detrimental—it leads to quicker corrections and reinforces positive behaviors. B. Use Specific and Non-Judgmental Language: Feedback should focus on specific behaviors rather than personal characteristics. For example, saying, “I noticed that interrupting can make it hard for others to share their ideas,” is more productive than a generalized critique like, “You’re being disruptive.” This promotes awareness without creating defensiveness. INTERVENTIONS TO FACILITATE GROUP GROWTH 3.Awareness of the effects of behavior : 3. Implement “Impact Feedback” Exercises A. Conduct Impact Assessment Sessions: Hold dedicated sessions where team members can openly discuss the impact of each other’s behaviors. B. Practice Positive Reinforcement: Encourage team members to highlight positive behaviors as well, reinforcing actions that positively impact the team.  INTERVENTIONS TO FACILITATE GROUP GROWTH 3.Awareness of the effects of behavior 4. Foster Empathy and Perspective-Taking A, Encourage Empathy-Building Activities: Role-playing or perspective-taking exercises can help team members understand how their behaviors may feel from another’s perspective. B. Promote Emotional Intelligence Training: Teach the team about emotional intelligence, focusing on empathy, self-regulation, and social awareness.  INTERVENTIONS TO FACILITATE GROUP GROWTH 3.Awareness of the effects of behavior 5. Model and Reinforce Positive Behavioral Standards A. Lead by Example: Team leaders and managers can model behavior that aligns with the team’s values and show awareness of their own actions’ effects. B. Establish Group Norms and Accountability: Create and agree upon group norms, such as active listening, patience, or punctuality, and hold everyone accountable.  INTERVENTIONS TO FACILITATE GROUP GROWTH 4. Applying new learning as an intervention – is essential for group growth, as it enables team members to continuously improve and adapt to changing challenges.  Here’s how the application of new learning can be used to support group growth: 1. Integrate Learning into Group Goals A. Set Group Development Objectives: Create specific learning objectives tied to the group’s goals, such as improving communication or mastering new project management tools. B. Apply Skills in Real-Time Scenarios: Use project work or team tasks as opportunities to apply new skills. For example, if the team learns a new conflict resolution method, encourage them to use it during challenging discussions. INTERVENTIONS TO FACILITATE GROUP GROWTH 2. Facilitate Knowledge Sharing Among Team Members A. Encourage Peer Teaching: Assign team members to lead short sessions on what they’ve learned, such as sharing insights from a workshop or course. B. Create a Knowledge Repository: Document new knowledge and practices that the team can refer back to, such as a shared drive or a group wiki.  INTERVENTIONS TO FACILITATE GROUP GROWTH 3.Establish Reflective Practice for Continuous Improvement A. Conduct Regular Learning Reviews: Hold periodic sessions where team members reflect on what they’ve learned, how it has impacted their work, and how it can be improved. B. Use a “Try, Reflect, Adjust” Cycle: Encourage team members to test new ideas or methods, reflect on the outcomes, and make necessary adjustments.  INTERVENTIONS TO FACILITATE GROUP GROWTH 4. Encourage Experimentation and Risk- Taking in Applying Learning A. Promote a Safe Environment for Experimentation: Cultivate a space where team members feel comfortable trying new approaches without fear of failure.. B. Celebrate Efforts to Apply Learning: Recognize and reward team members who make an effort to apply new learning, even if it doesn’t immediately succeed.  INTERVENTIONS TO FACILITATE GROUP GROWTH 5. Provide Ongoing Coaching and Mentorship A. Assign Mentors for Skill Application: A.Pair team members with mentors who can guide them in applying new skills. B. Encourage Leaders to Model Learning Application: Leaders can set an example by actively applying their learning and sharing the results with the team.  ROLE OF THE NURSE  The nurse as a group facilitator plays a crucial role in creating a supportive and productive group environment.  By applying the interventions outlined above, nurses can empower group members, build strong relationships, and achieve positive outcomes for the community.  Remember: Effective group facilitation requires ongoing learning and adaptation. Be prepared to adjust your approach based on the specific needs of the group and the community context.  C. COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIP  A. Building Partnerships 1. Identifying Potential Partners: The first step in building a partnership is identifying potential collaborators who share similar goals and objectives. 2. Developing Clear Partnership Agreements: Once potential partners have been identified, it is crucial to develop a clear partnership agreement. 3. Effective Communication Channels: Open and effective communication is vital for successful partnerships.  C. COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIP B. Resource Sharing 1. Identifying and Leveraging Available Resources: 1. Partnerships allow for the sharing of resources, such as personnel, equipment, facilities, and funding. 2. Developing Strategies for Resource Sharing and Coordination: To ensure efficient resource sharing, partners need to develop strategies for coordinating the use of resources. 3. Facilitating Resource Mapping and Distribution: Nurses can assist in creating a resource map of the community, identifying available resources and their locations.  C. COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIP  C. Conflict Management 1. Anticipating and Preventing Conflicts: Conflicts are inevitable in any partnership, but they can be minimized through effective planning and communication. 2. Resolving Conflicts Through Negotiation and Mediation: When conflicts arise, it is important to address them promptly and effectively. 3. Promoting Collaborative Problem-Solving: Rather than focusing on blame or assigning fault, partnerships should emphasize collaborative problem-solving  C. COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIP  D. Evaluation 1. Monitoring and Evaluating Partnership Outcomes: Regular monitoring and evaluation of partnership outcomes is essential for assessing progress, identifying areas for improvement, and making necessary adjustments. 2. Learning from Successes and Failures: Partnerships should be viewed as learning opportunities. 3. Facilitating Evaluation Processes and Sharing Findings: Nurses can play a key role in facilitating the evaluation process by collecting data, analyzing results, and sharing findings with partners.