Dedicated to gender equality? Keen to improve health across all age groups? Want to reduce plastic pollution or the poaching of endangered species? Want to help create greater food or water security?
All these causes, and many more, require the engagement of local communities. Our Community Development course, which is offered in partnership with the University of Richmond and UNC Charlotte, provides the theoretical background that will allow you to carry out this type of work effectively and ethically.
You will explore what community development is, how local context impacts program development, best practice when engaging with and implementing community programs, and ethical considerations in community interventions.
The online course material is based on GVI’s more than two decades of practical experience conducting community development initiatives in locations around the world in close collaboration with local communities. In fact, because we want all our community development interns to know how to conduct community development work, this online course is included in the program fee of all our community development internship abroad programs.
Is this course for you?
This course is for anyone who’s interested in improving their ability to make a meaningful contribution to community-based initiatives. It’s ideal for high school, college or graduate students who are considering careers that require an understanding of running community initiatives. Working professionals who need to improve their knowledge of and skills related to community development will also benefit from this online course. Those seniors who’ve retired and are looking for a way to make an impact in communities are also welcome to join.
Skills you’ll acquire
After completing this course you’ll be able to:understand the reasoning behind different definitions of community developmentidentify the common pitfalls of most community development initiativesrecognise methodologies used to plan and implement community development programschoose what best practices to follow when implementing community development initiativesreflect on your own perceptions of community development.
Earn your certification
Want to show colleges, universities and employers that you’ve got the knowledge and skills covered in this course? Once you’ve successfully completed any of our courses, we’ll send you a digital certificate of completion at no additional cost. The certificate will feature the official name of the course and your name. Add the certificate to your college application, your graduate school application, your job application or your LinkedIn page.
Zoning Courses Online: Master Urban Planning from Home
Zoning is a critical aspect of urban planning, and it plays a pivotal role in shaping the way our cities and communities develop. If you’re interested in learning about zoning laws, regulations, and how they impact urban development, you can now take zoning courses online. These courses provide valuable insights into city planning, land use, and zoning codes, allowing you to gain expertise in this field from the comfort of your own home.
E-Commerce Course Online Free: Launch Your Digital Store
In today’s digital age, e-commerce has become a thriving industry. Whether you’re a small business owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, understanding the ins and outs of e-commerce is crucial. The good news is that there are free online e-commerce courses available. These courses cover topics like online store setup, digital marketing, and e-commerce strategies, giving you the knowledge you need to succeed in the online marketplace.
Community Development Certificate Online: Make a Difference Locally
For those who are passionate about making a positive impact on their communities, a community development certificate online can be a game-changer. These programs provide comprehensive training on community engagement, social development, and sustainable planning. Armed with this certificate, you can take a leading role in fostering change in your neighborhood, town, or city.
BCCC Free Online Classes: Broaden Your Horizons
If cost is a concern for you, consider exploring the array of free online classes offered by institutions like Baltimore City Community College (BCCC). These classes cover a wide range of subjects, from general education to specific skill development. BCCC and similar institutions aim to make education accessible to everyone, regardless of financial constraints.
Training and Development Free Online Courses: Invest in Your Career
In today’s job market, continuous learning is the key to staying competitive. For professionals seeking to enhance their skills and advance in their careers, free online courses in training and development offer a wealth of knowledge. These courses delve into instructional design, learning theory, and adult education, providing a solid foundation for those involved in employee training or instructional design.
Child Growth and Development Online Course Free: Nurturing the Future
Understanding child development is essential for parents, caregivers, and educators. You can now access free online courses that delve into child growth and development. These courses cover various stages of childhood, from infancy to adolescence, and explore the psychological, social, and emotional aspects of child development. By taking these courses, you’ll be better equipped to provide the guidance and support that children need as they grow.
In conclusion, online courses have revolutionized the way we learn and grow. Whether you’re interested in zoning, e-commerce, community development, or any other subject, there’s a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips. Many of these courses are available for free or at a nominal cost, making education more accessible than ever. So why wait? Take that step toward self-improvement and enroll in an online course today. Your future self will thank you for it.
In this course, you’ll explore different definitions of the term “community development” and learn how each displays an underlying ideology. Study the history of the term “community development” and efforts designed to empower communities. In the process, uncover your own preconceptions and discover the common pitfalls of these types of initiatives.
Learn about best practices in community development including the importance of keeping local context front-of-mind during any community development project. Learn how local factors, such as financial security, gender norms, religion, infrastructure, history, and national policies affect a community’s objectives. Find out why it’s important to always keep your own context in mind.
Getting the buy-in of a community is important if the initiative is to succeed. This course will teach you about how to engage communities at different levels using a variety of techniques. Learn how to use the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach to identify the strengths of a community and create an inventory of the community’s capacities.
Find out how to set the outcomes of a community-based initiative and understand the difference between negative and positive impact.
Finally, the course will teach you how to balance the requirements of financial donors to the community development program with the objectives and welfare of the community itself. You’ll learn how to conduct a stakeholder map and find out how to manage expectations and conflict.
Course curriculum
Orientation to our online learning platform
Module 1: Introduction to Community Development
Module 2: Understanding a Local Context and Its Priorities
Module 3: How to Engage with Communities
Module 4: The Ethics of Stakeholder Management
Module 5: Best Practices in Community Development
