Understanding conflict and the role of community development: Is building a peaceful society within our reach?

Exploring community leadership development program alumni leadership experiences

“…Noguera (2011) argued that poor communities face real obstacles for children living in poverty, which can influence their learning and achievement. Studies show how community engagement initiatives improve communities with high levels of unemployment and poverty (Hameed et al, 2017;Hoffman, 2017;James, Green, Rodriguez, & Fong, 2008;Kim, 2018).…”

“…Community development is focused on the process of improving "social well-being for the community residents" (Pigg, 1999, p. 198), and community development programs play a pivotal role in improving communities (Hameed et al, 2017). Extant literature suggests that numerous physical and psychological benefits have been identified with community development programs (Hoffman, 2017;Lawford & Ramey, 2017). These include a decrease in ethnic conflict and hate crimes, building of peaceful society, self-enhancement, and concern for others.…”

“…Saegert and Winkel (2004) found that neighborhoods with more collective efficacy reported fewer violent crimes, while Reece and Gough (2019) discovered a positive impact on communities when community development "focused on guiding relationship building and interorganizational decision-making" (p. 384). Therefore, it is essential for communities to have active participation by their citizens (Bassler et al, 2008;Fritsch et al, 2018;Hoffman, 2017;Kim, 2018;Reece & Gough, 2019), because citizens, who interact in multi-faceted ways, are the building blocks of these communities (Bowles & Gintis, 2002;Hoffman, 2017;Krause, Croft, & James, 2007;Lamm et al, 2017).…”

“…There exist a host of challenges that prevent positive and sustainable community development. Studies show that some communities struggle with crime, limited access to high quality education, and health care services (Apaliyah et al, 2012;Bassler et al, 2008;Hameed et al, 2017;Hoffman, 2017;Lamm et al, 2017;Majee et al, 2018). Furthermore, lack of resources to meet the growing demands of the community, aging population with fewer wealthy residents, difficult living conditions, and cultural differences further impede community development (Apaliyah et al, 2012;Hameed et al, 2017;Hoffman, 2017;Majee et al, 2018;Williams & Wade, 2002;Wituk et al, 2005).…”

“…Researches have questioned whether community leaders "know how to run a meeting, to convene a community decision-making process, or to make sure that stakeholders in the community are appropriately included in decision-making processes" (Apaliyah et al, 2012, p. 32). As a result, while the importance of community development is well established (Hameed et al, 2017;Hoffman, 2017;Lamm et al, 2017;Lawford & Ramey, 2017;Reece & Gough, 2019), it is critical for communities to understand the role community leadership plays in improving the lives of the citizens with the community (Fritsch et al, 2018;Kirk & Shutte, 2004;Lamm et al, 2017;Majee et al, 2012;Williams & Wade, 2002).…”