Bridging Theory and Reality in CLD Practice

Bridging Theory and Reality in CLD Practice

by Gisele Hall -
Number of replies: 1

reflecting on Unit one, I have noticed that there is a gap between theory and practice, for example,  around empowerment and capacity building. I’m learning about the CLD competences for the first time, and while the themes are familiar to me through experience and other short courses I have completed, I have not not explored them in an academic context before.

I’ve worked with communities that were keen to engage and improve their circumstances/greenspace/setting up new groups etc and through this I have developed strong skills in empowering others. However, in my current role, I’ve found that this approach is less effective. Some of the community members I work with don’t believe  or  have the confidence that they can make change happen. Some of their struggles mean they don’t have the capacity, time or even health needed to engage. Structural issues beyond my control have affected cohesion and created barriers that make progress more difficult.

This has made me revisit the values and ethics of CLD and ask myself how do we remain competent and reflective practitioners when the reality on the ground challenges and is very different to the theory we’re learning.


In reply to Gisele Hall

Re: Bridging Theory and Reality in CLD Practice

by Graham Hewitson -
An interesting post. It's not uncommon for communities to lack the belief or confidence to affect change and there is no doubt that many of the challenges faced by people result from structural issues beyond the control of CLD practitioners and local communities. Tis prompts two strands of thought for me. First, how can I address this problem. For me, that's about thinking about the spheres of control and influence that I do have and targeting my efforts there. By starting where it is possible to make a difference, confidence and control/influence can grow. If I focus on the things that I have no control or influence over- that is disempowering. My second thought is around developing a realistic view of what community development and empowerment can achieve and what models of community intervention are likely to be most effective. Reflecting on the evolution of community learning and development over the past 40/50 years it appears to have become much less radical and overtly political. Whey is that?