DIY Community Action: Neighbourhood problems and community self-help

by Liz Richardson

Overview

How people can be persuaded to take more control of their own lives continues to be a subject of policy and academic debate, and the contribution of active citizens to improving societal well-being is high across different policy agendas. But the promotion of community self-help raises a wide range of questions - for people working in neighbourhoods, for policy makers, for politicians, and for residents themselves - about how we promote engagement, what would motivate people to become active, and more fundamentally about the ongoing relevance and value of community activity. 

"DIY Community Action" offers thought-provoking answers to these questions, based on detailed real-life evidence from over 100 community groups, each trying to combat neighbourhood problems. It presents a lively challenge to the existing thinking on contested debates, and proposes ways forward for community building.

This timely publication is an engaging resource for policy makers, practitioners, academics, students and general readers interested in exploring community engagement and active citizenship. Its insightful analysis will be of interest to students of social policy, sociology, community work, housing and regeneration, local government studies and public policy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781847420848
Publisher:	Bristol University Press
Publication date:	03/12/2008
Series:	CASE Studies on Poverty, Place and Policy
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	6.77(w) x 9.45(h) x 0.02(d)

About the Author

Liz Richardson is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Political and Economic Governance at the University of Manchester.

Table of Contents

Introduction; Talking to communities; Why neighbourhoods and communities matter to residents; Community action: so what?; The value of volunteering; How the groups organise themselves; What gives residents the right to take charge; Obstacles and limits, supports and potential; Conclusions - championing community self-help.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Powerful lessons for policy makers and practitioners at all levels shine out from the book, and it will help give community activists the inspiration they need to keep going." Professor Gerry Stoker, Centre for Citizenship and Democracy, University of Southampton

Editorial Reviews

"Excellent and engaging publication - highly suitable for a wide audience (academic/non-academic) at all levels." Richard White, Sheffield Hallam University

"Powerful lessons for policy makers and practitioners at all levels shine out from the book, and it will help give community activists the inspiration they need to keep going." Professor Gerry Stoker, Centre for Citizenship and Democracy, University of Southampton

From the Publisher