Partnering the state at the local level: the experiences of one community worker.

This article illustrates and discusses the experience of one community worker in interacting with the state. The challenges faced by state institutions when interacting with local communities are discussed and it is argued that for effective constructive interaction to take place between state and community organizations, both parties need to adapt their current structures. Finally the article offers some practical suggestions for the development of mechanisms that may facilitate effective state/community efforts to operationalize local partnerships. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]