Author Guidelines
IMPACTA: Journal of Community Development publishes original articles reporting the results of community service and community engagement activities that contribute to sustainable community development. The journal focuses on practical, participatory, and empowerment-based initiatives addressing social, economic, health, educational, environmental, and cultural issues within communities.
Manuscripts submitted to IMPACTA must be original, have not been previously published, and must not be under consideration for publication elsewhere. All submissions must follow the official IMPACTA template and adhere strictly to the following guidelines:
1. Title and Author Information
The title should be concise, clear, and accurately reflect the content of the community service program. It must be written in bold, 18-point font, left-aligned, using the fewest possible words to describe the activity.
Author names should be written in full without academic titles, followed by institutional affiliations (9 pt). One author must be designated as the Corresponding Author, and a valid email address must be provided.
2. Abstract and Keywords
The abstract must be written in English and consist of 150–250 words. It should clearly and systematically describe:
- The background of the community problem
- The objectives of the community service program
- The methods of implementation
- The main results or outcomes
- The conclusions or implications of the activity
The background should briefly explain the existing conditions and key challenges faced by the community partners that motivated the program. The objectives must explicitly state the aims of the activities. The methods should summarize the type of activities conducted (e.g., training, mentoring, empowerment programs, community-based interventions), including target participants and implementation stages.
The results should highlight the main achievements of the program, such as improvements in knowledge, skills, attitudes, or community capacity, supported by observable outcomes. The conclusion should emphasize the overall impact and potential sustainability or replication of the program.
Citations and references must not be included in the abstract.
Provide 3–5 keywords that are relevant and specific, separated by commas, to support indexing and discoverability.
3. Introduction
The Introduction should provide a clear and concise overview of the background and context of the community service activity. It should begin by describing the general conditions of the target community, supported by relevant data, reports, or previous studies highlighting social, economic, health, educational, or environmental challenges.
This section should emphasize the practical problems faced by community partners rather than theoretical or purely academic issues. Authors should explain the urgency and relevance of the program by linking identified problems to broader community development goals, national or local policies, or sustainable development priorities.
The Introduction should briefly review relevant concepts or previous community-based initiatives to position the program within existing practices, while clearly identifying gaps that justify the current activity. The objectives of the community service program and the expected benefits for community partners must be clearly stated. Hypotheses, statistical variables, and experimental testing are not required.
4. Community Partner Problems
This section should describe in detail the profile of the community partners involved, including socio-demographic characteristics, institutional background (if applicable), and the operational context. The description should be based on direct observations, preliminary assessments, or initial discussions with the partners.
Authors must clearly identify and prioritize the main problems faced by the community partners, such as limited knowledge, skills, resources, access to services, or organizational capacity. The impact of these problems on daily activities, productivity, well-being, or sustainability should be explained.
This section should also describe the needs and expectations of the community partners and clarify the gap between existing conditions and the desired situation. The section should conclude by explaining the mutual agreement between the service team and the community partners regarding the priority issues addressed by the program.
5. Methods of Implementation
This section explains the design and implementation process of the community service program in a systematic manner. Authors should describe the approach used (e.g., participatory, empowerment-based, community-based, or collaborative) and justify its relevance to the identified problems.
The methods should be presented sequentially, covering:
- Preparation (needs assessment, coordination, material development, planning)
- Implementation (types of activities, target participants, duration, and frequency)
- Evaluation (monitoring methods, success indicators, and assessment techniques)
Authors should also describe the tools, media, or instruments used, such as training modules, educational materials, digital media, or evaluation instruments. Active involvement of community partners throughout the program should be emphasized, highlighting their role in ensuring effectiveness and sustainability.
6. Results and Discussion
This section presents and discusses the outcomes of the community service activities in relation to the program objectives and partner problems. Results should be described systematically, starting from the implementation process to the main achievements.
Observable changes and measurable improvements among community partners such as increased knowledge, improved skills, enhanced attitudes, strengthened organizational capacity, or better access to resources should be clearly presented. Results may be supported by simple quantitative data or qualitative evidence, including participant feedback or observations.
The discussion should interpret the results by linking them to relevant concepts, previous community-based programs, or best practices in community development. Authors should explain factors supporting or constraining implementation and highlight lessons learned and practical insights.
7. Tables, Figures, and Graphics
Tables and figures are encouraged to clearly present results and activities. The following rules apply:
- Captions must be clear and able to stand alone
- Tables should be presented without vertical lines
- Graphics should be simple, informative, and professionally presented
- All graphics must be original and unpublished
- Logos, photographs of individuals, trademarks, or copyrighted materials are not permitted
Figures and tables should support the narrative and enhance understanding of the outcomes.
8. Impact and Sustainability
This section describes the short-term and long-term impacts of the program on community partners and the broader community. Authors should explain tangible changes resulting from the program and how these align with the initial objectives.
Sustainability must be emphasized by explaining how the outcomes can be maintained or developed after program completion, such as through continued use of materials, establishment of local facilitators, integration into existing activities, or ongoing collaboration.
Authors are encouraged to discuss the potential for replication or scaling up in other communities, demonstrating that the program contributes to sustainable community development and long-term empowerment.
9. Conclusions
The Conclusions section summarizes the key outcomes and overall contribution of the community service program. It should briefly restate the objectives and explain how they were achieved.
This section should highlight the main benefits for community partners and the broader impact on community development. Conclusions should be concise, focused, and avoid introducing new data or extensive discussion.
10. Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments should express gratitude to community partners, supporting institutions, local authorities, and individuals who contributed to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the program. Funding institutions or grant providers should be acknowledged where applicable.
11. References
This journal applies the Vancouver referencing style. All references must be numbered consecutively in the order in which they first appear in the text and indicated using Arabic numerals in square brackets. The reference list should be arranged numerically according to the order of citation. Authors are required to ensure that all references are accurate, complete, and formatted consistently in accordance with the Vancouver style guidelines.
