Community
Community is a group of people who live within the same confinement and are bound by common and shared values,norms and ethics . Community is a social group with a common territory base ; those in the group share interest and have a sense of belonging to the group . (Robert Stebbins, Sociology . A community is a concept of community entry and organization. A community entry cannot be executed without the existence of a community. As such , community is the most prioritized tool in community entry. Apart from the geographical definition of a community, people who do not necessarily live in the same demographic area but share common goals and interests can be described as a community. The decentralized and centralized nature of communities in terms of leadership enables community entries to acknowledge the people in the community in a chronological order of authority. In a centralized community, authority is not vested in one person and there is no allegiance to someone outside the group. Conversely,in a centralized community, authority lies in the hands of one person and the frontiers are well demarcated. The leadership structure of the centralized structure shows that the highest rank if authority is the paramount chief followed by the town Chief, the clan heads and then the family heads in order of descendancy. It is within a community that you would find stakeholders , aides and gatekeepers.
Stakeholders
They are internal or external individuals or groups of people who have interest in community projects and as such are affected or can be affected by the outcome of such intervention. Before community entry is executed,one would have to prioritize stakeholders.The community entries liase with stakeholders to ensure that the main purpose for their coming is executed. Those who have power and are interested in the affairs of the project should be ... Whereas those who do not have power but are keenly interested in the project should be give an in- depth knowledge so as to convince their fellow colleagues . Examples of stakeholders are community members, researchers or intervention team and the government.
Aides
Aides are assistants or community indigenes who express their interest in the project and intervention and are knowledgeable in the affairs of the community. And as such can facilitate community entry. Aides are people or things that make it easier for people to join a group and get organized. They assist newcomers in navigating the dynamics of the community, comprehending the norms, and finding resources. They provide a sense of community by offering direction, knowledge, and emotional support. Aides in community organizing organize activities, handle communication, and connect members , contributing to a positive experience, inclusivity, and effective organisation among members.
Gatekeepers
Gatekeepers allow entry into a community. They are influential people who have power to grant access into a community. Community entry is usually negotiated through them. Gatekeepers manage who has access to a community's resources and who can participate in its activities. They can influence the community's culture, values, and dynamics and can be formal or informal. Integral to inclusivity and diversity is striking a balance between gatekeeping and openness. While excessive control stifles development and innovation, effective gatekeeping fosters a favorable atmosphere. For successful community entry and organization, there must be a balance between gatekeeping and openness.