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by Jolly John Odathakkal (Author)
The Essential Field Guide to Community Organisation
Transform your passion for social change into professional, effective action.
Are you an MSW student or a development professional seeking to bridge the gap between classroom theory and the complex realities of grassroots work? Community Organisation is the definitive, syllabus-aligned textbook designed to equip you for the challenges of the field.
This is more than a book-it's a toolkit. Moving beyond abstract concepts, this guide provides a practical, step-by-step framework for empowering communities to claim their rights and shape their own destinies. Rooted in a rich context of social change, it honours the legacy of powerful social movements while integrating contemporary global best practices.
Why is this book the ideal companion for your studies and practice?
● Perfectly aligned with core social work syllabi (BSW & MSW): Meticulously structured to mirror the community organisation course, making it the most relevant and useful guide for your academic journey.
● Practical "how-to" approach: Go beyond theory with detailed, practical guidance on the skills you will use every day-from facilitating your first community meeting to mediating conflicts and drafting a powerful campaign strategy.
● Rich with relevant context & case studies: Learn from real-world examples that bring the concepts to life, including the success of community health worker programs, the impact of environmental movements, and the pioneering work of organising informal women workers.
● A core commitment to social justice: Built on a consistent, rights-based framework, providing specific strategies for the empowerment of marginalised groups, including women and indigenous communities.
Inside, you will master:
● The Complete Community Organisation Process: A clear, phase-by-phase walkthrough of the entire cycle, from building trust to ensuring long-term sustainability.
● Foundational and Contemporary Models: Gain a deep understanding of classic frameworks (Rothman) and a detailed exploration of modern approaches, including Weil & Gamble's eight models, Asset-Based Community Development, and Feminist organising.
● Essential Practice Skills: Develop your competencies in communication, organisation, cadre building, negotiation, consultation, and strategic networking.
● Context-Specific Strategies: Explore specialized chapters on applying Community Organisation in a wide range of critical settings, including:
○ Health and Education
○ Livelihoods, Natural Resource Management, and Sustainable Development
○ Rural, Urban, Tribal, and Displaced Communities
○ Disaster Response and Peace Building
Who is This Book For?
This is an indispensable resource for Master of Social Work (MSW) and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students, faculty members teaching community-based practice, and professionals working in Non-Governmental Organisations, government development programmes, and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
Equip yourself with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become a true catalyst for community-led change. Add this essential guide to your cart today and take the first step in your journey as an empowered social work practitioner.
