---

This study has investigated the experience of a community organization in Palestine in adopting and implementing a rights-based approach to community practice. The studied organization practiced community advocacy in the frame work of social work as an emerging profession in an emerging state, and in an environment characterized by political, social and economic instability. Data about this experience was collected from three sources; the organization´s documents, persons who were involved in its work, and the researcher´s own experience as a founding director of the organization. Data collection used qualitative methods; interviewing study participants, reviewing documents, and reflection on researcher´s experience. Data analysis used qualitative traditions. The study concluded that successful adoption and implementation of RBA is conditioned by five factors: opportunity, professionality, commitment, RBAing the organization´s practice, and sustaining the approach. RBAing takes into account the following principles: participatory empowerment; practice context and cultural relativism; rights and needs; accountability; and solidarity.

---

Sami Zaidalkilani Assistant Professor, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palesitne. B.Sc. Physics, M.A. Science Education, MSW & Ph.D. Social Work. He is also a short story writer, a poet, and a human rights activist.

---