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Editor's Note

Diversity, Competencies, Connections

Diversity, Competencies, Connections by  Scott Wituk, PhD

Welcome to the Global Journal of Community Psychology Practice (GJCPP).  This is the first issue that I’m serving as the lead editor for GJCPP.  I’m very encouraged and excited about this opportunity and playing a small role in promoting the practice of community psychology.  I’ve also quickly gained a new level of appreciation for Vince Francisco and the tremendous effort of developing GJCPP over the past several years.  Please take a moment to send him a “thank you” for his service.  I hope GJCPP will continue to build on the strong foundation that has been developed.  I’m sure you’ll agree that the following articles do just that!

 

Aoife Lonergan and colleagues examine the effectiveness of the Parents Plus Early Years (PPEY) parenting intervention.  Findings suggest that single parenting workshops are beneficial, though the longer courses are likely to facilitate a greater magnitude of change. They consider possible implications for community settings.

 

Monika Allen, Janelle Kwee, and Marvin McDonald use Critical System Heuristics as a framework to reflect upon a consulting project with a youth camp program within a not for profit organization for peacebuilding in an ethnically diverse community.  The framework and experience highlights opportunities for facilitating professional engagement and dialogue among stakeholders in any organization.

 

Charlynn Odahl-Ruan and colleagues use an ethnophenomenological approach to examine the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival as an alternative setting.  Attendees shared their experiences of empowerment and healing.  The work helps expand our understanding of empowering settings and informs us of ways in which to create safe spaces for others.

 

A. J. Hoffman provides a rich description of his and others’ experiences in a community service work project by planting 60 fruit trees at the Newtown Victory Garden.  The description and insights provides new ways in which to consider how such efforts can contribute to community healing and engagement.

 

In addition to the above peer reviewed articles, the current issue highlights a community psychology practitioner tool (SWOT Analysis) from the Community Toolbox, the SCRA community project mini-grant program, and the work of Shelly Stratton around trauma awareness and resilience in African immigrant and refugee communities that was recognized with a SCRA mini-grant.

 

In closing, I want to touch upon three issues I’ve been thinking a lot about related to GJCPP. 

 

Diversity.  I’d love to increase the diversity of journal submissions, including formats and topics.  Being an online journal allows us to consider many different formats.  Also, it would be great to increase the diversity of those who submit – practitioners from diverse fields, countries, and types and levels of professional background and experiences. 

 

Competencies.  I regularly refer to the competencies of community psychology practice (See the Practice Competencies on SCRA's website ).  I’m curious as to how these competencies develop and relate to each other in different settings and situations.

 

Connections.  I’d be really interested in connecting with you about your ideas and experiences related to the practice of community psychology.  Whether you plan to submit to GJCPP or not, please send me an email (editor@gjcpp.org) or give me a call (316) 978-3327. 

 

Take care and hope you’ll enjoy this issue of the GJCPP!

 

Scott Wituk, PhD

Editor, Global Journal of Community Psychology Practice

Executive Director

Center for Community Support & Research

Wichita State University

editor@gjcpp.org


Author(s)

Scott Wituk, PhD Scott Wituk, PhD

As the executive director of the Center for Community Support and Research, Scott oversees all activities and services, budget, and operations. Scott has been with CCSR for nearly 20 years. He is committed to creating thriving and supportive communities and organizations and has background in community leadership, organizational capacity building, and applied research and evaluation methods. He works with a variety of nonprofit organizations, community coalitions, government entities, mental health consumer organizations, and self-help support groups.

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