New rules, new possibilities: Construction work in times of Corona

Objective This project investigated the challenges for community development in times of COVID-19 and the 1.5-meter society. It was analyzed how community development can also take shape in times of a pandemic. Results Results show that COVID-19 puts pressure on the three basic tasks of community development - protecting & strengthening, stimulating & supporting, connecting & influencing. The core tasks of community development hardly take shape without the physical presence of the community worker in the neighborhood. Results show that the many informal connections between citizens are being eroded: not only because of the practical obstacles resulting from physical distance, but also because of a changing motivation and attitude of citizens. To deal with challenges, community workers apply various strategies such as silent, explicit and creative resistance; the principle of Kan-Wel; forging alliances and offering practical support. Continuing to adapt, thinking in scenarios and looking at what is possible remains the credo for community workers in times of COVID-19 and the future.