Which term refers to groups involved or affected by decisions in a community?

The term that refers to groups involved or affected by decisions in a community is stakeholders. Stakeholders are individuals or organizations that have an interest in a particular decision or outcome, making their perspectives and needs crucial in community planning and development. They can include residents, local businesses, community organizations, and government agencies, all of whom may be impacted by or have the power to influence certain decisions.

Consultants, while they might advise on matters affecting a community, do not usually have a vested interest or stake in the outcomes. Volunteers are individuals who offer their time without monetary compensation, and while they contribute to the community, they do not necessarily represent the broader interest groups. Advocates actively support a cause or group but might not encompass all parties affected by decisions, focusing instead on specific issues or populations. Thus, stakeholders is the most comprehensive term for those involved in or impacted by community decisions.