Changing Communities: A Guide for Social and Community Activists

In the updated second edition of Changing Communities, experienced community organizer and professor Patricia Spindel offers a practical guide for producing change through community action and social activism. The book explores who has power in society and how communities can mobilize to create positive change by building capacity, developing community structures, and taking direct action to shift power relations. It covers topics such as asset mapping, community economic development strategies, and the impact of corruption and powerful interests. The book is equipped with case studies and practical examples and is an essential resource for students in community development, social service work, gerontology, and other human services and helping professions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 150 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2021
Publisher: Canadian Scholars

In the revised second edition of "Changing Communities," experienced community organizer and professor Patricia Spindel offers a comprehensive guide for producing change through community action and social activism. Spindel delves into the dynamics of power within society and explores how communities can mobilize to bring about positive change by building capacity, developing community structures, and taking direct action to reshape power relations. The book outlines a practical approach to asset mapping, creating community economic development strategies, and critiquing some current approaches to community development. The chapters cover a range of topics, including the impact of corruption and the influence of powerful interests, community strengths and needs assessment, community-based research, various community development strategies, and the principles and tactics employed in community organization.

Packed with case studies and practical examples, this fundamental guide serves as an invaluable resource for students pursuing careers in community development, social service work, gerontology, and other human services and helping professions. The book includes a community strengths-based assessment framework developed by the author, known as the Strengths, Assets, Challenges, and Opportunities Assessment (SACO). This framework provides a valuable tool for communities to identify their strengths, assets, challenges, and opportunities, enabling them to develop targeted strategies for improvement.

Throughout the book, Spindel draws upon real-world case studies and examples from Canada and the United States to illustrate the practical applications of the concepts discussed. These case studies provide students with a hands-on understanding of the challenges and opportunities that communities face, and how they can effectively address them through community-driven initiatives.

In addition to its practical focus, "Changing Communities" also offers insights into the political and social dynamics that shape community development. Spindel explores the role of government, corporations, and other powerful institutions in shaping community outcomes and discusses strategies for challenging and transforming these power structures to promote greater equity and social justice.

The book is well-organized and easy to read, with clear headings and subheadings that guide readers through the various topics. Each chapter ends with a summary, key points, and questions for further discussion, making it an ideal resource for both classroom instruction and independent study.

Overall, "Changing Communities" is a must-read for anyone interested in community organizing, social activism, and promoting positive change in society. With its comprehensive approach, practical examples, and insightful analysis, this book provides students with the tools and knowledge they need to become effective agents of change in their communities.

Weight: 312g
Dimension: 171 x 250 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781773382463
Edition number: 2 Revised edition