Recommendations and Discussion

This section of the community diagnosis document will discuss many of the factors that emerged during the collection of qualitative data and how these factors can be used to bring about needed changes within the Robbins community. This discussion will also examine where a sense of community exists, and provide suggestions for how it can be strengthened.

There are many different ways to define the community of Robbins. First, there is the traditional, geographic definition of community in which people felt a sense of belonging to a specific locality: certain areas of northern Moore County, such as High Falls, Westmoore, or within the town limits of Robbins. There was also a sense of identity with a particular neighborhood, such as Hemp Street. Finally, community members identified with being a part of northern Moore County.

Residents also felt a sense of community based around a common history, culture, or shared experiences. Many individuals strongly identify with the particular church they attend. There was also a strong cohesion among the historical Robbins community. A great number of the residents were from families that have a long and extended history in the area. This aspect of the community fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the town. Additionally, many people expressed a sense of community with people from a similar cultural background. Finally, others discussed how they were a part of a "school community," such as Westmoore or the North Moore High School.

Many people also explained how communities came together around particular issues. Community members joined together, mobilized, and made Milliken Park and the new library a reality. Other residents united on either side of the issue concerning the consolidation of the middle schools. In addition, concerned residents on the Beautification Committee will be advocating for new town ordinances regarding the appearance of the town. Understanding the different aspects of community in Robbins helps us determine how to best address the challenges that community members face. Using the social ecological model, we will provide recommendations of how to approach community issues. The social ecological model rests on the premise that social change can occur on multiple levels. These levels include: policy, community, organizational, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. Changes in town ordinances would be exemplary of policy level change. An example of community level change is when coalitions are formed to organize community members around a certain issue. Changes at the organizational level include, but are not limited to, any type of change made by churches, schools, businesses or health care facilities. Interpersonal change involves change that occurs between people, while intrapersonal change happens on a strictly individual level, such as changing one's diet. The social ecological model suggests targeting multiple levels to enhance the strengths and address the challenges of the community. The Robbins community is endowed with many strengths that increase its capacity for effective strategies to combat challenges.

In examining the different themes which emerged from the interviews and community forum, we identified several topics which can be addressed on these multiple levels of the social ecological framework. Selected issues are discussed below, and possible solutions are shown in table 6.

Cultural diversity and the growth of the Hispanic community was an issue discussed by many community members and service providers. Hispanic growth is an extensive topic, which includes several smaller themes. Because a large number of Hispanic residents are new both to the Robbins area and to the United States, there were concerns regarding the language barriers preventing effective communication between the new Hispanic population and the larger Robbins community. A lack of communication between the groups hinders the exchange of cultural values and ideas that may aid in the town's efforts towards improvement. This is a problem, in part, because currently there are few non-Hispanic residents that can speak Spanish fluently. Several residents recommended providing Spanish classes in addition to increasing the number of English as a second language (ESL) currently being offered. This idea was suggested as an effort to have both communities meet on common ground, with everyone making an effort to improve communication. Other solutions community members proposed at the forum included the provision of more bilingual service providers and town sponsored cultural appreciation events. Sandhills Community College expressed interest in bringing a satellite campus to Robbins which could include offerings of Spanish/ESL classes for adults.

A need for adequate housing in the area was another issue discussed at the forum. This problem can be attributed to inattentive landowners, overcrowding, and a shortage of rental properties. Some forum attendees advocated for the enforcement of stricter landowner guidelines in maintenance and occupancy restrictions. Addressing this issue would require a change at the policy level through implementation of new housing codes by the town Board of Commissioners. An additional suggestion by residents for improving housing in Robbins was the creation of new affordable housing. To generate possible solutions at the community level, a community coalition of residents and business owners could be formed to explore new housing options.

The changes in industry in Robbins proved to be an issue of concern to residents. Local industry has changed in the past decade due to the closing of the mill and the declining textile industry. The presence of a booming tourist industry in the southern half of the county and the absence of large sewer and water systems have been challenges in industry recruitment efforts. Residents are also concerned about the number of youth choosing to leave the town for better job opportunities. The town board of Robbins is currently partnering with the Chamber of Commerce to recruit industry to the area. Several residents thought that a local committee of community members could aid in recruitment efforts as well. Further efforts should include the town board, community members, and the Chamber of Commerce, or other organizational and community coalitions to bring more industry to Robbins.

The final major theme that surfaced during the interviews was the need for more health providers in Robbins. Currently, there is one doctor and one pharmacy located in the town, and both are operating beyond their capacity. This particular issue must be addressed on both the organizational and community levels of the social ecological model. One effort already made by the community was a petition to the town board, requesting the recruitment of an additional provider. Other possible solutions include organizational changes by the current health care providers in town.

There are many sources of strength within the community that can be utilized to provide solutions to the previously discussed issues. One of the greatest assets of Robbins that we identified was the sense of small-town cohesion. Many community members said that Robbins is a community of caring and hard working individuals; this is a natural resource that can and should be tapped into. There are also many organizations in the community which can be used to effect change. The schools have been identified as one of the strongest vehicles to bring various factions of the community together. The town's enthusiasm and dedication to the schools can foster coalition building in addressing community issues. Additionally, there is an active network of churches that can be strengthened to bring about greater change. Finally, the Northern Moore Family Resource Center is another example of an organization working to bring solutions to community issues identified by residents.

Overall, the Robbins community shows aspects of competence, which is defined as the ability to collaborate effectively in identifying and addressing needs of the community. Residents are committed to positive change by active participation in their community. Capacity, which is the potential for competence, was evident in the Hispanic community and other smaller communities within Robbins.

Examples of community competence in Robbins are marked by the active participation and genuine involvement by residents. The creation of Milliken Park and the Robbins library illustrates the commitment residents have to causes they feel have an impact on their lives and values. This commitment drives their desire to play significant roles in the improvements of the town. The Robbins Area Christian Ministry provides opportunities for community members to be active and engaged in the town. Three major congregations in town support the Ministry, and the residents from these churches assist with the operation of the food bank and thrift store in town. The current Mayor of Robbins believes that active participation is key to a thriving community. During his mayoral campaign, he went door-to-door and intentionally engaged community members in conversations about their lives in Robbins, facilitating discussion about the issues the Robbins community faces.

Community capacity was evident in Robbins, especially in the Hispanic community. Several leaders within the Hispanic community have displayed the skills necessary to help mobilize their community, but significant action has not been taken. However, a service provider speculated that, considering the current growth of this population, there will be a Hispanic member on the town board within the next few years. While some parts of the Robbins community displayed more competence than others, it is apparent from the interviews and the community forum that Robbins as a whole is brimming with potential for achieving competence in the future.

In conclusion, Robbins is a town with the potential for community growth and organization. Previous community projects have proven successful, and it is apparent, from the qualitative data, that community members take pride in their efforts to pull together as a town in order to achieve a greater good for all. Profound accomplishments for the community can be achieved as the determinants discussed above are addressed and collaborated on effectively by residents. Once this occurs, Robbins will have all the tools necessary for it to flourish as an effective, competent community.

Table 6. Suggestions for interventions according to the Social Ecological Framework

Recreation Services

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References