COPAR PROCESS
A social development approach that aims to transform the apathetic, individualistic and voiceless poor into dynamic, participatory and politically responsive community.
IMPORTANCE OF COPAR
1. COPAR is an important tool for community development and people empowerment as this helps the community workers to generate community participation in development activities. 2. COPAR prepares people / clients to eventually takeover the management of a development program. 3. COPAR maximizes community participation and involvement; community resources are mobilized.
PRINCIPLES OF COPAR
1. People, especially the most oppressed, exploited and deprived sectors are open to change, have the capacity to change, and are able to bring about change. 2. COPAR should be based on the interests of the poorest sectors of society. 3. COPAR should lead to a self reliant community and society.
PHASES OF COPAR
1.Pre Entry Phase
Is the initial phase of the organizing process where the community / organizer looks for community to serve / help. It is considered the simplest phase in terms of actual inputs, activities and strategies and time spent for it.
Pre Entry Phase Activities
1. Community Consultation / Dialogue 2. Setting of Issues / considerations related to site selection. 3. Development of criteria for site selection 4. Site selection 5. Preliminary / social investigation 6. Networking with local government units LGUs, NGOs and other department within the HRDP NGO.
2. Entry Phase
Also called the social preparation phase This phase signals the actual entry of the community worker or organizer into the community
Entry Phase Activities
Integration with the community Sensitization of the community / information campaigns. Continuing social investigation Core group formation development of criteria for selection of core group members defining the roles / functions / tasks of core group Coordination / dialogue / consultation with other community organizations Self awareness and leadership training (SALT) action planning.
3. Community Study / Diagnoses Phase
Activities Includes:
Selection of the research team Training on data collection methods and techniques / capability building (includes development of data collection tools) Planning for the actual gathering of data.
Data gathering Training on the data validation (includes tabulation and preliminary analysis of data) Presentation of community study, community diagnosis and recommendations. Prioritization of community needs / problems for action
4. Community Organization and Capability Building Phase Activities Includes:
Community meetings to draw up guidelines for the organization of CHO Election of officers Development of management systems and procedures including delineation of roles, functions and tasks of officers and members of the CHO
Team Building / Action - Reflection in Faith Action Working out the legal requirements for the establishment of the CHO Organization of working committees / task groups Training of CHO officers / community leaders
5. Community Action Phase
Activities Includes: Organization and training of community health workers
Development of criteria for the selection of CHWs Selection of CHWs Training of CHWs
Setting of linkages, network and referral systems Planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluation (PIME) of health services and intervention schemes and community development projects Initial identification and implementation of resource mobilization schemes
6. Sustenance and Strengthening Phase Activities Include:
Formulation and ratification of constitution and by laws Identification and development of secondary leaders Setting up and institutionalization of financing schemes for community health programs / activities.
Development and implementation of viable management system and procedures, committees, continuing education / training of leaders, CHWs, community residents. Continuing education and upgrading of community leaders, CHWs, CHO members. Development of medium / long term community health and development plans
