Community Quote by Lillian Wald
![“The fundamental principle [of settlement work] remains: that people shall take up their residence in industrial communities, giving what they may have of public spirit, and partaking of the life about them; preserving their identity as individuals and endeavoring to keep the settlement free from…” quote by Lillian Wald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/996/lillian-wald-61895_community_the-fundamental-principle-of-settlement_18854.jpg)
“The fundamental principle [of settlement work] remains: that people shall take up their residence in industrial communities, giving what they may have of public spirit, and partaking of the life about them; preserving their identity as individuals and endeavoring to keep the settlement free from the institutional form of philanthropic work. ... the relationship is reciprocal.”
About This Quote
Settlement work aims to embed individuals in community life, fostering personal agency and mutual responsibility while avoiding top‑down charity structures.
In simple terms: Community integration over paternalistic aid.
Key Takeaway
Empowerment through shared civic engagement.
Themes
community building
individual agency
reciprocity
social responsibility
philanthropy reform
Mood
hopeful
determined
communal
Type
philosophical
prescriptive
sociological
When to use this quote
- urban neighborhood development
- grassroots social programs
- community centers
- local governance initiatives
Key Concepts
social cohesion
public spirit
identity preservation
Practical Applications
- designing participatory community projects
- restructuring nonprofit outreach
Questions to Reflect On
- How can modern NGOs balance support with empowerment?
- What mechanisms ensure reciprocal relationships in community work?
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