Community Organizing and Community Building for Health and Social Equity

The fourth edition of "Community Organizing and Community Building for Health and Social Equity" provides conceptual frameworks, skill-building, and case studies in areas like coalition building, organizing by and with women of color, community assessment, and the power of the arts, the Internet, social media, and policy and media advocacy. It also includes study questions for use in the classroom and highlights the role of context, particularly in the case studies and examples shared.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 558 pages
Publication date: 10 December 2021
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

The fourth edition of "Community Organizing and Community Building for Health and Social Equity" is a comprehensive resource that offers both classic and contemporary insights into the field. With a strong emphasis on how these approaches can promote health and social equity, the book comprises 23 chapters that provide conceptual frameworks, practical skills, and case studies in various areas such as coalition building, organizing by and with women of color, community assessment, and the impact of the arts, the Internet, social media, and policy and media advocacy in community organizing. Additionally, the book discusses participatory evaluation methods, fundraising strategies, and the ethical challenges that arise in this work, providing helpful tools for anticipating and addressing them.

The contributors to this book are esteemed leaders in their respective academic fields, including public health, social work, community psychology, urban and regional planning, and social and political science. Notable among them is a former community organizer in Chicago who served as the 44th president of the United States, reflecting on his earlier vocation and its significance. Other contributors are inspiring community leaders who have worked tirelessly on the ground and in partnership with external stakeholders, showcasing the power of collaboration and the cultural humility and other skills required for effective collaboration.

Throughout the book, and particularly in the case studies and examples provided, the role of context is emphasized, and it remains a central theme. The book also takes into account recent events, such as the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing national reckoning with systemic racism in the aftermath of the tragic police killing of another unarmed Black person. These events underscore the urgent need for community organizing and community building to address social and health disparities and promote equity and justice.

In conclusion, "Community Organizing and Community Building for Health and Social Equity" is a valuable resource for practitioners, researchers, and students interested in community organizing and social change. It provides a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the field, offering practical insights, theoretical frameworks, and case studies that can inform and inspire community-based efforts to promote health and social equity.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978824744
Edition number: 4 Revised edition