Sustainable Community Services, Community Working Methods and Practices

Abstract

The Community and Civil Research Group of Eötvös Loránd University (Budapest) investigated sustainable community activities in Hungary and abroad to identify local responses to global challenges. Using qualitative research methods, focus groups and interviews, this research defined the concepts of community service, community practice and working methods by analysing nearly 80 practical examples and 65 interviews in Hungary. The practical examples were used to create a “sustainable community model” and a methodological guide for community developers on how to implement community services. The steps of the process presented in the model are based on building community involvement and participation, mobilising local resources and capacities, creating community-based services, building sustainability and self-sufficiency and consolidating innovative training and community working practices. The research resulted in the creation of an online Community Repository, which provides community responses to the 17 UN Global Sustainability Challenges and Goals —economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection—by organising the collected community services, small community practices and working methods around seven community development perspectives: governance, place, sustainable livelihoods, culture (and the arts), identity (belonging and connection), human rights and resilience and engagement and knowledge. This study provides a methodological foundation for developing resilient community-based services that contribute to sustainability, inclusivity and innovation.