Both resident interaction and collective activity are necessary for the establishment of a community. According to Wilkinson (1991), community action is the process of fostering interpersonal connections in the service of shared community goals and the preservation of local culture. Because it includes intentional and constructive efforts created to address the general needs of all local citizens, community action is regarded as the process’s cornerstone. This procedure represents a variety of local interests and, as a result, offers a more thorough strategy for community development (Wilkinson, 1991). Because of this, the action process aims to benefit the whole society and to bridge any gaps (class, racial, or social), which frequently result from an emotional or social need (Phillimore & McCabe, 2015)

In order to produce sustainable results and equitable decision-making processes, community engagement aims to involve the community. It also aims to strengthen bonds and trust between communities and government agencies. Social capital, which is referred to as the structure of connections between people in a society that makes it work, is how community participation is put into practice. Solidarity and trust are the social capital’s cornerstones.

A psychological sense of oneness among groups or classes is created through solidarity, which is an awareness of shared interests, aims, standards, and sympathies. The foundations of group behavior and collaboration are peaceful, stable social ties, which are made possible through trust.  

The idea of active citizenship entails trying to make one’s community better by being involved in efforts to make life better for all community members.

The lack of resources and income necessary to support a sustainable livelihood is just one component of poverty. The effects of poverty are starvation and malnutrition, restricted access to healthcare and other necessities, social isolation and prejudice, and a lack of involvement in decision-making. Poverty affects several social groupings more severely than others. Poor living conditions, homelessness, poor childcare, insufficient access to health care, dangerous neighborhoods, and underfunded schools are all associated with poverty and have a negative effect on the children of our country.

Participation in the community fosters empathy in young people, who may carry on the work when they grow up. Youth who give back to their communities also learn leadership skills, the value of assisting others, and gain employment.

Consider the following suggestions for encouraging youth participation:

• Give young adults a chance to participate and share their opinions.
• Allow youth and adults to work together actively; include them in committees with adults who can serve as mentors.
• Create connections with educators who educate students on local issues to boost youth involvement.
• By involving young people in the evaluation of existing and new policies, you can engage youth in policy activities.
• Encourage them to think about the things they enjoy doing and the areas where they might improve.
• Give young people the opportunity to tackle pressing social issues and participate in their communities.
• Regularly assess your efforts to engage young people in order to pinpoint your successes, build on your deficiencies, and encourage deeper engagement.

Essentially, a community initiative is a network of people and partner organizations committed to enhancing the health and welfare of a community. It aims to address social issues and lessen their effects in order to raise people’s standards of living.

Examples of community initiatives are as follows:

CJFI’s Community Based Support Program (CBSP) is mainly for underprivileged and poor children in rural areas to help establish day care centers and support their needs during their early years of education and development.

In response to the financial and health effects of COVID-19, the Philippines Homeless People’s Federation (HPFPI) has taken action in 106 villages spread over 14 cities and towns around the Philippines, the federation has more than 9,000 members. They address issues concerning land, housing, income, infrastructure, health, and welfare, it brings together low-income community organizations with the support of the Philippine Action for Community-led Shelter Initiatives, Inc. (PACSII).

Human rights are inherent rights that no state has ever bestowed upon us; they simply exist because we are human. No matter our nationality, sex, origin, color, religion, language, or any other status, these universal rights are a part of who we are as people. The most fundamental of them is the right to life, while others include the rights to food, shelter, clothing, employment, health care, and liberty, among others.

The first legal declaration to outline the essential human rights that should be universally protected was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948. All international human rights law continues to be centered on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Its 30 articles serve as the foundation for all upcoming and existing human rights conventions, treaties, and other legal documents.

Social justice – is a political and philosophical theory that revolves on the idea of fairness in interpersonal interactions and equitable access to resources, opportunities, and social privileges in a society.

Since there were significant financial and social class gaps that were being maintained by the social structure of the time, the idea of social justice first came into being in the 19th century.

Access to resources, equity, participation, diversity, and human rights are the five components of social justice.

Social democratic techniques like empowerment and advocacy help people get over obstacles and advance their work with a focus on social justice. They make it possible for social workers to assist with giving people life-changing opportunities and skills.

Gender equality is when all genders enjoy equal opportunities, rights, and responsibilities, this is known as gender equality. Gender inequality affects everyone, including men, women, transgender and gender-diverse individuals, children, and families. It affects people of various ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. Gender equality is desperately required.

Participatory development places a strong emphasis on improving society’s level of cooperation as a first step toward the attainment of self-sufficiency, sustainable development, and social justice. It is a crucial strategy for promoting people-oriented development.