Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

Which of the following is not a principle or key concept in community organization and community building practice?

1. Critical consciousness and empowerment

2. Critical allocation of resources and sharing among partners

3. Principle of relevance or "start where the people are"

4. Principle of participation

The correct answer is: Critical allocation of resources and sharing among partners

The principle of critical allocation of resources and sharing among partners is not typically regarded as a fundamental tenet of community organization and community building practice. Instead, effective community organization emphasizes empowering individuals and communities to identify their needs and priorities without dictating how resources should be allocated among partners. The other concepts are foundational to the practice. Critical consciousness and empowerment focus on raising awareness among community members about their social and political environment, fostering proactive engagement. The principle of relevance means tailoring initiatives and actions to align with the actual experiences and needs of community members. Lastly, the principle of participation encourages inclusive involvement of community members in decision-making processes, ensuring that voices from all segments are heard and valued, further promoting ownership and sustainability of projects. In summary, while resource allocation is an essential component of project management, it does not constitute one of the core principles of community organization and building practices, which prioritize empowerment, relevance, and participation.