On participation and participatory practice

Participation is a complex process with a variegated history, which has been developed and used in different contexts, disciplines, and sectors. Community psychologists share a commitment and an interest in participation with a variety of professionals. The first section of this chapter presents an overview of the concept and of definitions of participation that illustrate and explicate the variety of theoretical approaches that exist within the field of community psychology. The second section presents a model of the goals, resources, and methods of participatory practice. The model explains how people can be encouraged to get involved in their community and the possible results of that involvement. It includes a range of possible goals, resources, and methods, but does not single out one particular strategy. This approach fits the values of community psychology and the spirit of participation, because no one strategy can fit every situation. The third section deals with the different roles that community psychologists can play in the participatory process at the governmental and policymaking level. We end the chapter with a series of insights regarding “dos and don’ts” of participatory practices.