Policy Press

International Community Organising

Taking Power, Making Change

By Dave Beck and Rod Purcell

Published

May 29, 2013

Page count

256 pages

ISBN

978-1847429766

Dimensions

240 x 172 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

May 29, 2013

Page count

256 pages

ISBN

978-1847429773

Dimensions

240 x 172 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

May 29, 2013

Page count

256 pages

ISBN

978-1447309536

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

May 29, 2013

Page count

256 pages

ISBN

978-1447309543

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press
International Community Organising

As the Arab Spring continues to work through changes, the Occupy Movement is agitating for change and many are looking for alternatives in the face of global financial and political challenges, community organising offers a realistic way forward for many communities: a tried and tested way of improving people’s lives. This book is the first to explore the diverse history of community organising, telling stories of how it developed, its successes and failures, and the lessons that can be applied today.

It analyses contemporary examples of practice from the USA, UK, India, South Africa, Cambodia and Australia against both wider theoretical frameworks and their ability to contribute to sustainable social change. It will be useful for a wide range of practitioners, students and researchers engaged in the struggle to develop new ways of doing community.

Dave Beck manages the post graduate programmes in Community Development at the University of Glasgow. With more than 20 years of Community Development experience, his research interests are rooted in participatory approaches to thinking about and doing empowering practice for social change.

Rod Purcell is Director of Community Engagement at the University of Glasgow; previously he was a community worker, consultant and freelance trainer and has written extensively on community development. Rod is a board member of the International Association for Community Development.

Section 1 - Context: Urban development, growth of slums and marginalised communities, climate change and sustainability; Wellbeing and quality of life; Section 2 - Theory: Saul Alinsky and the early years of community organising; Gramsci, Freire and Community Organising; Power and Organisation Building; Section 3 - Case Studies: Case Study Methodology; Case Studies - USA; Case Studies - UK; Case Studies - India; Case Studies - South Africa; Case Studies - Australia; Section 4 - Analysis and Implications: Analysis; Implications for practice; The way forward.