Socio-cultural community development is defined in Algeria in the context of the social evolution that followed the period of independence. The oldest studies find the emergence of modern animation in connection with the birth of the State and the formation of national identity. The following text seeks to situate the meaning of expression and the activities which this trend of intervention has given rise to in this new socio-cultural, economic and political environment. From the outset, we must admit a plurality of forms of understanding and application of socio-cultural community development according to the communities that mobilize it in order to promote culture despite the absence of an explicit strategy. It should also be agreed that there are porous boundaries between social work and other professional fields in socio-cultural community development work. What we are looking for in this debate is to recall the little-known contribution of animation to the occupation of public space and to expose community activity as it unfolds as people engage in action.