Balnius, Virginia M., August 1977 - CITIZEN PARTICIPATION STRATEGIES IN COMMUNITY ACTION Abstract: Citizen participation is the involvement of community residents in the planning and decision-making processes which affect their lives. As citizens gain greater access to governmental and bureaucratic procedures, difficulties arise in utilizing their input and yet maintaining efficiency and professionalism. This dilemma has been the source of confusion and controversy concerning the value and usefulness of citizen participation. In order to clarify the inherent complexities associated with this concept, a review of the issues is presented. The benefits to be gained from citizen participation include a better relationship with urban administrators; an improvement in the identification and solution of community problems; a more favorable distribution of resources and services; a strengthening of community identity and cohesion; a positive psychological and educational growth in the individual; the development of indigenous leadership; and the reduction of urban unrest and tension. Conversely, the problems involved relate to the need for additional time and money; the inability of citizens to articulate their needs; the irrelevancy of long-range planning to citizens; inflated expectations; the existence of numerous and conflicting interests; and the poor disposition and motivation among citizens to participate. The costs and benefits of citizen participation are more concretely illustrated in a case study of the Community Action Agency of Hillsborough County, This anti-poverty agency is responsible for providing programs and services designed and administered with the maximum feasible participation of the poor. Through the use of participant observation and informal interviews, the four strategies by which participation was elicited were studied. These were: the advisory Council ~or Community Action; the grant application process; neighborhood advisory committees; and needs assessment surveys. Each strategy gives community residents the opportunity to influence program policy and decisions. The benefits gained through participation positively affect the physical, social and mental well-being of the individual and the community. In my view, the importance of these benefits far outweigh any difficulties and support the argument for more effective strategies by which meaningful participation can be implemented. In this respect, a methodological guide for the use of the planner is presented. A review of case studies in which citizen participation has been used, makes it possible to identify relevant strategies and techniques. The presentation of these methods is facilitated by the development of a typology. This typology is an interpretation of the levels of citizen participation based on the degree of power granted to citizens. Five levels have been identified: sanctioning and intelligence gathering; education/ staff supplement; consultation and advisory planning; shared power; and community control. Each of these levels represents respectively increasing power and influence of citizens. The strategies and techniques by which a certain level can be attained are discussed, and the conditions favoring their success or failure are also noted. The significance of this review of citizen participation lies in its relevance to social planning practices. It is important that responsible agencies and urban administrators understand the several aspects and implications of community involvement in order to utilize it more efficiently. The concept of citizen participation is also relevant to the field of anthropology. Through the study of the interactions of neighborhoods and communities with the larger institutions of complex society, the urban anthropologist can investigate the sociocultural determinants which govern these relationships. At the same time, through his role as planner, consultant or advocate, the anthropologist can assist these neighborhoods and communities in their adaptation to and functioning in the complex urban setting. .