The Practice of Community Development: a SCDC perspective

We’re excited to host a thought-provoking session featuring Susan Paxton and Geoff Whittam from the Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC).

SCDC is the lead body for community development in Scotland, working with community groups and practitioners, governemtn and polcy makers and other stakeholders to build an active, inclusive and just Scotland where our communities are strong, equitable and sustainable.

Susan Paxton is the Director of SCDC and has worked in community development for over 30 years. She is passionate about social justice and equality for all and leads the staff team in achieving SCDC’s mission to support communities to be strong and sustainable for a more just and equal society.

Geoff Whittam is Chair of the SCDC Board and Chair of the Management Committee of Sunny Govan Community Radio. In a previous life Geoff was a Professor at GCU and has published widely on issues and challenges facing third sector organisations and community development.

🗣 Talk Title: The Practice of Community Development – an SCDC Perspective

Join Us for the latest of the Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities (SISC) seminar series!

This event is the latest in our seminar series, which brings together researchers, practitioners and community leaders to explore bold ideas for building more inclusive, resilient and sustainable communities.

Abstract

In this session we are utilising our experience as an organisation to explore what we understand to be community development. First established in 1994, SCDC works with community groups and organisations seeking to achieve our vision of an active, inclusive and just Scotland - where our communities are strong, equitable and sustainable. Given the structural inequalities that exist in our society, this creates a situation where some groups and communities are excluded and marginalised - community development seeks to address these issues.

Community development is a profession based on the values of human rights, social justice, equality and respect for diversity.

The principles which underpin its practice are:

• Self-determination - people and communities have the right to make their own choices and decisions.
• Empowerment - people should be able to control and use their own assets and means to influence.
• Collective action - coming together in groups or organisations strengthens peoples’ voices.
• Working and learning together - collaboration and sharing experiences is vital to good community activity.

🕒 Time: 12:30–13:30

The room will be open from 12:00 to 14:00 to allow for attendees who would like to bring their own lunch / tea and coffee and for informal networking before and after the seminar (12:00-12:30 and 13:30-14:00).

📍 Location: SBS Meeting Room CW4.05

Directions:

• Enter the Stenhouse Wing of building at 199 Cathedral Street, map here.

• Take the stairs (or lift through the double doors) to floor 4.

• Follow the signs for 'Cathedral Wing', through the double doors and turn to your right. The room will be on your left.

For online attendees, use the following link to attend the event:

Meeting ID: 365 502 290 563 3

Passcode: dE7Ha9eX

🗓 Upcoming Seminar Dates (also held in StathUnion from 12:00-14:00) can be found here.

*Note:If you are not a member of staff at the University of Strathclyde, please select the ticket option “Non-staff of the University of Strathclyde.” Please note that non-staff attendees may participate virtually only.

*Photography & Marketing Please note that photos may be taken during this event and could be used for marketing and promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to the use of your image in such materials. If you do not wish to appear in any photos, kindly let us know in advance or inform a member of the team during the event.

If you have any queries please contact [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you there!