Emergence of Resilience in the Context of Community Empowerment

In this chapter the authors sketch the contours of Community Empowerment, Resilience Development and in the context of modem day challenges of community empowerment. The components of the process of coping and the process of resilience closely resemble. The difference being that resilience necessarily implies successful adaptation and coping does not Individuals who use multiple resources and are flexible and appropriate in their choice of coping strategies are more likely to adapt successfully. Successful adaptation in the context of individuals and communities enhances repertoire of personal and/or environmental resources, such as increased problem-solving skills, greater self-confidence or improved social relations. In the simplest possible terms community empowerment is a process by which people living in communities take charge of their lives. By which the authors imply that people declare ownership, indulge in actions that clearly include social and often political actions.