Community Organization

History is full of stories of the oppressed rebelling against the oppressor, only to reinstate an equally oppressive system. What we learn from oppression is how to oppress. If we want a truly transformative politics, then we must take up methods that embody the kind of world we want to create; we have to change deeply embedded beliefs and behaviours. In this engaging and passionate book, long-time community organizer Joan Kuyek offers important insights and concrete tools to encourage people to get involved in social justice action at the community level. In Canada, activists are frustrated with their inability to effect change in the global economic system, overwhelmed by the number and complexity of issues and too often unaware or dismissive of the efforts of other activists. As a result, social forces for justice and the environment are fragmented and ineffective, and the economic elite grows more powerful. Community Organizing argues that it does not have to be this way. Suggesting that most of our attempts at change and community-building fail because we cannot get along with each other, Community Organizing starts at the community level to describe how we can work together and create organizations based on dignity and respect. It provides strategies to build movements from the community to assert democratic political power and tools to create a culture of hope in this time of despair. This book offers the means to reclaim political power in Canada.

Providing new insight into an important community development challenge, this text looks at how to stimulate the formation of community-based organizations and effective citizen action in neighbourhoods.

Using stories and exercises from grassroots organizing experience ... [this book] walks you through the steps of starting a new group or strengthening an old one - to build a better world.-Back cover.

Bring your students the latest developments in community organization! Innovative Approaches for Teaching Community Organization Skills in the Classroom will help social work educators efficiently teach students methods of practice that they need to know in order to offer the best services to clients with a variety of different needs in a variety of settings. Here you'll find assignments and exercises that combine new technology with progressive ideas about integrating theory and practice. This valuable book consistently addresses topics that will stimulate discussion on the value assumptions inherent in community practice, appropriate ways to transmit these values in the classroom, and the best way to help students develop their own frameworks for ethical decisionmaking. Innovative Approaches for Teaching Community Organization Skills in the Classroom will be a valuable addition to your collection. This accessible and comprehensive book identifies and provides detailed information for teaching these skills in the classroom: ethical decisionmaking community assessment interpersonal skills development making your practice effective in a multi-cultural environment organizing your practice with computer technology This book describes teaching methods that will educate your students on the development of self-awareness, multicultural competency, and ethical content for practice, preparing them for the diverse situations that may arise in their professional careers.

In a democratic country like India, community organization and development has a great significance. This concise yet comprehensive book explains the basic concepts of community organization and development and other related issues in an accessible manner. The book deals with different aspects of community organization and describes in detail the process of community development. It dwells on the concept of community mobilization covering needs, benefits and challenges related to it and explains different models of community organization for bringing social change. Besides, the book focuses on conflict management in a constructive way and suggests that conflicts, if dealt proactively, can bring positive changes and harmony among people. Finally, it concentrates on models and strategies used in social action and different roles of the community worker while working with the people. Examples, especially from the Indian situation, are given to clarify the topics discussed. Chapter-end questions will help the student to understand the subject in a better way. The book is intended for the undergraduate and postgraduate students of Social Work. Besides, professionals in the field will also find the book quite useful.