Professional Values about Community Decisions: the Advocacy Question

Abstract

Content analysis of articles in the Journal of the Community Development Society from 1970 to 1986 reveals three common sets of values about community decisions and related professional roles for community development practitioners. Journal authors value community decisions that are informed, democratic and just. The authors differ, however, over a key question: should community development professionals be advocates when they are assisting community leaders who are making policy decisions? A strong case can be made for nonadvocacy, based on a respect for democracy. Advocacy is, however, often unavoidable and common professional values, including democracy, can in some situations be used to support an advocacy role. This article provides a guide for community development practitioners to use in making ethical choices concerning advocacy.