Basic Introduction to Community Work - Central

Section 6 – Equality and Diversity
One of the key principles and values of community work is that we
are here to change our community so that it is a more equal and less
unjust place for us to live, work, and play.
If we are serious about changing things for the better, then we have
to think very carefully about the way we currently work and think, and
how we relate to individuals and communities and who may be
getting left out of the process.
We need to understand what it means to be excluded, marginalised,
and discriminated against, and not to be treated as equal or having
anything worth contributing.
In this section of the course we will discuss some of the barriers that
prevent people from fully participating, and how we can address
these barriers as individuals, groups, and a community.
What is equality?
Equality in its wider sense, as in the definition of equal opportunities
in the Scotland Act 1998, encompasses gender, race, disability,
sexual orientation and also individuals and groups facing
discrimination on the grounds of age, language or social origin, or of
other personal attributes, including beliefs or opinions, such as
religious belief or political opinion. Mainstreaming equality should
ensure that all opportunities are genuinely available and accessible to
all potential participants and that current initiatives do not have a
negative impact on any disadvantaged groups.
Community/voluntary organisations have always been at the front of
efforts to promote equality and human rights in Britain and throughout
the world. In providing a voice to disadvantaged groups, the third
sector (Community and Voluntary Agencies and Organisations) has
been responsible for major advances in policy and practice in
reducing discrimination on grounds of race, gender, sexuality,
religion, age and disability. However, much remains to be done in
Scotland to challenge persistent discrimination and the voluntary
sector can do more in this role.
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