Table 1.

Organizing Principles for Community Psychology Research and Practice^a

Considering individual vs. systems change, including first order vs. second order change Understanding social ecological levels of analysis and intervention Focusing on wellness, strengths, and competence (vs. deficits and disorder), including an emphasis on prevention, resilience, and health promotion Valuing and promoting empowerment and social justice, including liberation from oppression Understanding human diversity and cultural contexts Advancing stakeholder participation, multi-level collaboration, and sense of community Developing empirically-based models for action Promoting theoretical and methodological pluralism

Competencies for Community Psychology Practiceb
Foundational Principles	Ecological perspectives Empowerment Sociocultural and cross-cultural competence Community inclusion and partnership Ethical, reflective practice
Community Program Development and Management	Program development, implementation, and management Prevention and health promotion
Community and Organizational Capacity-Building	Community leadership and mentoring Small and large group processes Resource development Consultation and organizational development
Community and Social Change	Collaboration and coalition development Community development Community organizing and community advocacy Public policy analysis, development, and advocacy Community education, information dissemination, and building public awareness
Community Research	Participatory community research Program evaluation

^aSee: Kloos, Hill, Thomas, Wandersman, Elias, and Dalton (2012); Levine, Perkins, and Perkins (2005); Moritsugu, Wong, and Duffy (2010); Nelson and Prilletensky (2010); and Orford (2008).

^bCompetencies for community psychology practice. SCRA (2012). The Community Psychologist, 45, 8–14.