Hearing silenced voices: developing community with an advisory committee.
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Thurston, Wilfreda E.; Farrar, Pip J.; Casebeer, Ann L.; Grossman, Judith C.
- Source
- Development in Practice. Jun2004, Vol. 14 Issue 4, p481-494. 14p.
- Subject
- *COMMUNITY development
*COMMUNITY involvement
*HEALTH promotion
*HEALTH planning
*RAPE
*WOMEN'S health
*COMMUNICATION
- Language
- ISSN
- 0961-4524
This article focuses on the challenges and effects of adhering to community participation as a principle of community development and the related issue of reflecting diverse representation in prevention and health promotion planning. As a requirement of funding agencies, the consequences of upholding these principles in light of the resources made available are explored. Information is drawn from a case study of an advisory committee with diverse membership. A participatory evaluation of this committee illustrates the difficulties encountered when a community agency initiated a health promotion project to address the needs of women who are non-verbal and at risk of sexual assault. Suggestions are made as to how these difficulties may be overcome. The advisory committee is a common means for community development but also has the potential to be a model for increased communication and understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]