Overview
answer each of these questions in single spaced 12 point font and each question should be about 1/2 a page:
I. Interrogating Community & Place
*Community is a word that we genuinely like. But when is Community not Community?
*Places (and lived experiences) can differ depending upon the demographic composition, resources, and policies present.
*If we believe that policies, rather than people, can be determinants of people’s life experiences within communities, what, then, is the role of policy-makers?
Example Questions
- Community is a word that we genuinely like. But when is Community not Community?
- Why does Place matter?
- What role do policy-makers play in impacting the life experiences of community residents?
II. Top-Down Planning
*Social Reformers of the late1800s & early 1900s have good intentions and utilize their means and resources to create institutions and change policies (Jane Addams & Jacob Riis)
*Planners, Community Leaders, Policy-makers begin to believe that they know what’s best for community residents (community residents of color, in particular) and begin to engage in efforts that result in their displacement and disenfranchisement (urban renewal, efficiency, etc.) Also, see the presentation on Top-Down (policies, freeways, etc.)
*Master-planned communities (Levittown) are created (with funding from the Federal Government) that exclude residents of color. This, then, furthers feelings of white-supremacy, but also insecurity and fear. Meanwhile, People of Color are blocked from engaging in not only wealth attainment but, in some cases, basic respect and dignity (Chavez Ravine, All The Way Home)
Example Questions
- How did the early-reformers unknowingly assist in setting into motion Top- Down Planning efforts? What have been the results?
- Consider the various examples of Top-Down Planning with which we have engaged. Which of these - in your opinion – is the most egregious? Why? Why do you believe that Top-Down Planning efforts persist to this day, despite these examples and the harm that his been caused historically?
III. The Community Development Process
*Scholars have offered thoughts regarding the proper way to engage in Community Development.
*While there are many ways to engage in the process, given all that we’ve learned from Top-Down Planning, a revised Community Development Process should reflect this knowledge.
*In the name of efficiency, empathy, and consideration of the word “All”, what elements should be incorporated into such a revised process?
Example Essay Question
- What is skill is necessary in order to authentically engage in advocacy efforts?
- Why is it essential to incorporate elements, such as listening, research, inclusive engagement and others into a Community Development Process?
- How do we avoid complacency and, therefore, complicity with Top-Down Planning efforts?
I'm going to attach an essay I wrote on this that should help you answer the questions.