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Building Community Power

An Introduction

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 April 2024

By
Brian D. Christens
Edited by
Brian D. Christens
Brian D. Christens
Affiliation:
Vanderbilt University, Tennessee
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Summary

This book is about ways that people can build and exercise power to influence the systems that affect their lives. Each chapter provides a deep examination of a different approach. This introductory chapter begins with a discussion on definitions of empowerment and then lays out five perspectives that orient the contributions in the book. It then describes the structure and contents of the book, which are organized into six parts: (1) organizing and activism, (2) participatory governance, (3) civil society and coalitions, (4) enterprise, (5) participatory and community arts, and (6) education and engaged research. This is followed by reflections on the book’s scope and potential uses by different audiences.

Keywords

collective actioncommunity leadershipcommunity organizingcommunity powereducationempowermentparticipatory artsparticipatory governancesocial innovationsystems change
Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge Handbook of Community Empowerment , pp. 1 - 32
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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