PS282 Chapter 12: EXAMPLES OF COMMUNITY ORGANIZING AND ELEMENTS OF EFFECTIVE CHANGE
Document Summary
Involves true second order change and redistribution of resources and power. National network of local faith based groups in us based on religious congregations in low income communities. Religious organizations may provide one of few stable gathering places. Proceeds through cycle of organizing: phase 1) assessment: Members meet to identify most pressing issue based on convo w citizens phase 3) mobilization/action: Meet to decide action plan and person or official to target phase 4) reflection: Organization begins cycle again w new assessment phase. Top-down approach in which work is initiated/directed by professionals. Bottom up appraoch in which community members are involved in initiating the effort and they retain primary influence/control. Benefit from local wisdom, result in increased community capacity and strengthening in sense of community. Community organizations may directly implement actions or disseminate info to influence decision makers or public in more generalized ways. Effective change initiatives must address multiple areas of action.
