This unit offers students a deeper awareness of community development principles through their application to a practice framework. The concept of a practice framework is explored by students as they are introduced to the way a social change initiative is always underpinned by historical traditions and philosophical perspectives. These may include equality, freedom, participation, empowerment, sustainability and self-governance. Learners are invited into the role of being a reflective practitioner who can discern and critique their own practice in the light of the values, traditions and philosophies their practice embodies, as well as integrate these reflections with faith and justice considerations. The unit assists students to recognise and engage with various systems that interact and influence the community development setting. These systems represent the tapestry of political, legislative, economic, cultural, organisational, social, and familial power structures that give each community its shape and texture. Strategies for engaging with these systems and structures are explored. Finally, the unit will assist students to develop specific skills to be utilised in a community development initiative. Topics: + Framework and theories of Community + Faith based activism + Planning and administration. + Resources, funding and budget management. + Nurturing representative participation. + Assisting community decision making and agreement. + Community leadership development. + Governance. + Reporting and evaluation.