[The process of empowering community development: the experience of a community in Taipei city].
Community participation and development are the most difficult aspects of building healthy communities. They are also, however, the most essential parts of the process. It has been established that empowerment can ultimately enhance individual self-efficacy, influence organizational and social structures, and increase the sense of community and citizen's capabilities. This article demonstrates the experience of one community in Taipei City during a lengthy period of organization and development. It illustrates the different stages involved in community development and the functions of community health professionals. It seeks to provide insight into the importance of using empowerment in promoting communities' capabilities and the fact that only by developing organic communities that are rich in the energy of life can we develop sustainable communities.
Li
I-Chuan
IC
Institute of Community Health Nursing, National Yang-Ming University. icli@ym.edu.tw
Chen
Yu-Chi
YC
Wang
Hui-Chun
HC
D003256:Community Participation; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D011209:Power, Psychological; D012922:Social Change