Originally published in 1983, The Making of Community Work is the outcome of a two-year study of community work in the United Kingdom. The main purpose of the study was to review the development of community work, and to suggest some of the issues in practice and training that might be important in the 1980s. Much of the first part of the book is taken up with the emergence of community work as an occupation; David Thomas tries to clarify its contribution to a number of political and social processes, and to define community work in a way which distinguishes it from other kinds of interventions. The second part of the book deals with training, research, literature and employment in community work; it includes a review of college and field-based training opportunities, and a critical discussion of the state of theory and ideology in the occupation. It was hoped it would be an important source of ideas and inspiration for the years ahead. It was the first major review of community work since its re-discovery in the 1960s; it will still be of interest to all those involved in community work, or wishing to understand its influence on other professions. The book was intended for fieldworkers, administrators, policy-makers, trainers and students in community work and in related occupations and disciplines. Thomas presents his ideas clearly, and his ability to look critically at some of the basic assumptions in community work makes for stimulating and enjoyable reading.

Getting it Right is a manual for corporate managers responsible for company operations in poor and politically unstable societies. Managers can analyse their own interactions with local communities, so that they can more effectively accomplish their production goals and ensure local communities are better off as a result.

"The best book on collaboration ever written!" —Diane Flannery, founding CEO, Juma Ventures And now this classic book is even better—much better. Completely revised and updated, the second edition is loaded with new tools and techniques. Two powerful new chapters on agenda design A full section devoted to reaching closure More than twice as many tools for handling difficult dynamics 70 brand-new pages and over 100 pages significantly improved

In recent years, the rapidly growing field of community participation has promised to give people formerly excluded from decision making an influential voice about issues that affect their lives. Inclusive processes implemented in the United States and internationally have certainly given community members new opportunities to participate and be involved, but how effective are these processes in promoting the voice and influence of the people who have historically been excluded the most--the poorest, least educated, and most marginalized residents in communities? Of the various participants who have "a seat at the table," whose voices are influential, whose aren't, and why? This book summarizes how five community partnerships, working with a team of researchers, attempted to answer these critical questions. Investigating 10 cases--two from each community partnership--the study tracks the ideas of everyone involved and reveals how and why the ideas of marginalized and ordinary residents were far less likely to be influential than those of people with more clout, resources, or acknowledged expertise. Finally, the authors explain how and why these influence inequities can be overcome, providing readers with practical, evidence-based tools to help them do so. The book should be helpful to readers involved in any form of active community participation, from participatory research to civic engagement, deliberative democracy, and community initiatives. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Originally published in 1983, The Making of Community Work is the outcome of a two-year study of community work in the United Kingdom. The main purpose of the study was to review the development of community work, and to suggest some of the issues in practice and training that might be important in the 1980s. Much of the first part of the book is taken up with the emergence of community work as an occupation; David Thomas tries to clarify its contribution to a number of political and social processes, and to define community work in a way which distinguishes it from other kinds of interventions. The second part of the book deals with training, research, literature and employment in community work; it includes a review of college and field-based training opportunities, and a critical discussion of the state of theory and ideology in the occupation. It was hoped it would be an important source of ideas and inspiration for the years ahead. It was the first major review of community work since its re-discovery in the 1960s; it will still be of interest to all those involved in community work, or wishing to understand its influence on other professions. The book was intended for fieldworkers, administrators, policy-makers, trainers and students in community work and in related occupations and disciplines. Thomas presents his ideas clearly, and his ability to look critically at some of the basic assumptions in community work makes for stimulating and enjoyable reading.

Published in association with the Community Development Foundation (CDF) Making spaces for community development offers an account of the key changes to the context and practice of community development since the 1970s, told through the experiences and insights of a group of highly experienced practitioners.

Rev., expanded and updated ed. of: Handbook of theory for practice teachers in social work. London: J. Kingsley, 1991.

With inequality continuing to be an incredibly salient political and social issue, this book on the part it plays in community development could not be more timely. Arguing strenuously that class analysis should be central to any discussion of the potential benefits of community development, because otherwise development can simply mask the underlying causes of inequality, the book brings together contributors from a wide range of backgrounds to explore the ways that an understanding of class can offer a new path in the face of increasing social polarization.