Although community practice has overlap with many other applied social science disciplines, such as urban planning, economic development, public affairs, rural sociology and nonprofit management, its roots go back as far as the 1890s.
Despite this, there are number of theoretical models of community practice that guide the practitioner toward social action.
These theoretical models have evolved from proto-models utilized in the Progressive Era to the present day.
Mezzo practice can be defined by its combination of micro and macro aspects with the focus of interventions being smaller groups or systems.
Nontraditional settings are public spaces, often part of the service industry where community members gather socially.
These spaces are often seen as a bridge point where multiple generations gather and where cultural values and traditions are learned or passed on.
Since macro-community practice is an ongoing and relatively time intensive process, the consequences can be felt throughout the community and by the organizer(s) when projects or efforts are perceived to fail.
As of 2010, less than 20% of students in Master of Social Work programs in the United States have a macro-practice related concentration.
This compares to 56% of students who concentrate in direct practice and clinical social work.