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Community development and umbrella bodies: networking for neighbourhood change

Ennis, Gretchen and West, Deborah (2014). Community development and umbrella bodies: networking for neighbourhood change. The British Journal of Social Work,44(6):1582-1601.

Document type: Journal Article
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IRMA ID 82794376xPUB160
Title Community development and umbrella bodies: networking for neighbourhood change
Author Ennis, Gretchen
West, Deborah
Journal Name The British Journal of Social Work
Publication Date 2014
Volume Number 44
Issue Number 6
ISSN 0045-3102   (check CDU catalogue open catalogue search in new window)
Scopus ID 2-s2.0-84905666513
Start Page 1582
End Page 1601
Total Pages 20
Place of Publication United Kingdom
Publisher Oxford University Press
HERDC Category C1 - Journal Article (DIISR)
Abstract This paper explores the application of a network approach within the context of a community development project in suburban Northern Australia which aimed to develop positive social connections across different cultural groups. A neighbourhood group facilitated by a social worker drew upon network approaches to community development and created an ‘umbrella body’ comprising citizens and organisations to work towards the project aims. This paper presents research (pre- and post-project social network analysis and qualitative thematic analysis) that explores some of the impacts of this umbrella body. The social network analysis demonstrates positive changes in terms of developing a larger and more cohesive community network of people and organisations. The thematic analysis shows that organisations benefited from being involved in a range of ways, including networking opportunities, adding value to their existing work and being able to access and work with inspiring ideas from the community. In short, the research highlights the positive differences a small volunteer group can have upon a community when overtly embracing ‘network thinking’.
Keywords Community development
networking
social network analysis
umbrella bodies
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bct010   (check subscription with CDU E-Gateway service for CDU Staff and Students  check subscription with CDU E-Gateway in new window)
 
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Created: Wed, 19 Aug 2015, 11:58:36 CST