What is the essential strategy in community organizing work?

The essential strategy in community organizing work is community immersion. This approach involves actively engaging with the community in which organizers are working. By immersing themselves in the community, organizers can gain a deeper understanding of the local context, culture, issues, and dynamics that affect the residents' lives. This firsthand experience enables them to establish trust, build relationships, and foster a sense of ownership within the community.

Community immersion allows organizers to gather qualitative data through dialogues, observations, and interactions. It helps identify the needs and aspirations of community members, ultimately informing more effective strategies for mobilizing action and promoting positive change. Through immersion, community organizers can also empower residents by recognizing and utilizing their strengths and capabilities, thus facilitating more meaningful participation in the organizing process.

Other strategies like community planning, community engagement, and community assessment are important components of the overall organizing process, but they are often enhanced through the foundational context gained by immersing oneself in the community. Without this critical step, it can be challenging to create relevant and sustainable community-led initiatives.