Which strategy can create false hopes among community members during the organizing process?

The padrino strategy is a method often used in community organizing where an influential person in the community, often referred to as a "padrino" or sponsor, supports and champions specific initiatives. This strategy can create false hopes among community members if the padrino raises expectations about the potential outcomes or the ability to deliver on promises without having a clear plan or commitment to follow through. The reliance on an individual's influence, rather than on collective community action or systemic change, may lead to disillusionment if the anticipated support does not materialize or if the community does not feel empowered to continue the work independently.

In contrast, community workshops, self-help groups, and focus group discussions are generally aimed at fostering collaboration, shared learning, and empowerment. These methods engage community members in dialogue and decision-making processes, helping to build realistic expectations and promote genuine community capacity rather than reliance on a singular influential figure. Therefore, while these methods can be empowering, the padrino strategy risks fostering dependency and unrealistic expectations, ultimately undermining the organizing process.