Research and Service Projects >> Community Membership Part 1 >> Community Membership Part 2
What the staff member can do to support the client to be a valued member of the community
Although the journey is different for each person, four stages that contribute to successful outcomes have been identified and outlined below. The stages are not always distinct, nor are they predictably sequential.
Becoming Familiar with Each Other
Rapport, trust and mutual respect are established in the initial phase of community membership. The community builder assists the participant to discover his or her preferences, interests and talents in a variety of settings over a long period of time through community and neighborhood exploration.
Developing a Vision
Disccoveries made during the "getting to know you" stage combined with dreams for the future creates the vision. You may consider some of the following questions as guidelines to navigate this process.
- How does the individual contribute his or presence and gifts?
- What does the individual enjoy doing?
- With whom and in what types of environments does this person shine?
Getting Connected
Specific locations and/or activities where valued roles and new interests can be explored are chosen during this phase. The individual and the community builder (staff) seek out sites that are well-matched to the individual's interests, abilities, and personal habits, where there is a core group of people to get to know and something meaningful for the person to do.
There are many wonderful examples of individuals finding the right place and right activity for them. Ernie is just one of the many.
In the "getting to know you" stage, Ernie always became excited in the presence of children. So, it was natural to seek out a place where children were present for Ernie. Several child care centers were investigated and the YMCA was chosen as the best place.
"he reaction of the children when Ernie comes into the room is just wonderful. The children come running to him" - Carol, the child care coordinator at the YMCA to which Ernie goes
Cultivating Relationships
Relationships are considered by many to be the most important and satisfying aspect of life. The community builder helps facilitate the growth of new relationships with people outside the human service system. There is an array of ideas and support strategies, and the CAC training seminars can help you and your staff of community builders learn about them and how to use these strategies..
"He has done so much for us; we don't want to lose him." - the Executive Director