The literature and theories behind community capacity building

Abstract

This paper explores the concept of comunity capacity building from its origins to the present day. In attempting to define the concept, it looks at the historical antecedents, such as community development, at partnerships, and at the role of government and the role of the non-government sector in the development of learning communities. It notes the change from a 'top-down' to a more 'participative' approach. While Indigenous leaders have been calling for a more collaborative approach for years, it is only recently that the Government of Queensland has adopted a more collaborative approach to its policy production and implementation. Key to the Queensland Government's approach is its whole of government policy. The educational component of this approach is captured in the document "Partners for Success". Garlick's (1999) five elements of capacity building: knowledge building, leadership, networking, valuing community and information gathering, are outlined, as are the observable indicators for education. The paper concludes with an investigation of the theoretical underpinnings of the new discourses of capacity building and partnerships.