Synopses & Reviews
Since the publication of the first edition of "The well-connected community" there has been a growing recognition in practice and policy of how networks contribute to the vitality of community life and civil society. Government policy has increasingly emphasised the need to involve communities in decision making, while social capital is increasingly associated with health, low levels of crime, educational achievement and a strong 'sense of community'."The well-connected community" aims to strengthen and extend informal networks, support partnership working across boundaries and promote social cohesion. It explores the concept of 'community' in relation to patterns of interaction, social identity and mutual influence, advocating a new model of community development that promotes networking as a skilled and strategic intervention and providing recommendations for good networking practice.This fully updated second edition includes new ideas drawn from recent research on social capital and the policy context for community practice, reflecting the increasing emphasis on community engagement and empowerment. Recent case studies and examples have been added throughout. "The well-connected community" is aimed at practitioners, trainers, policy makers and managers working with communities or responsible for community participation strategies, both in the UK and internationally. Academics will also find it a useful source for teaching and research.
Review
addresses some pertinent and important issues, giving substance and credibility to things we know are at the heart of effective community working. Amanda Greenwood, Chief Executive, Community Development Exchange
Review
A brilliant study. Stephen Bubb, Chief Executive, Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations
Synopsis
Under the UK's New Labour government, policy interest has grown with regards to the contribution that communities can make to civil society and democratic renewal. Key programs, particularly those promoting regeneration and renewal, require community part
Synopsis
Since the publication of the first edition of "The well-connected community" there has been a growing recognition in practice and policy of how networks contribute to the vitality of community life and civil society. This fully-updated second edition includes new ideas drawn from recent research on social capital and the policy context for community practice, reflecting the increasing emphasis on community engagement and empowerment.
About the Author
Alison Gilchrist, Community Development Consultant
Table of Contents
List of tables, figures and boxes
Preface to the second edition
Acknowledgements
1. Community networks: their significance and value
2. Community development
3. Network theory and analysis
4. Network functions
5. The principles and processes of networking
6. Networking for community development
7. Complexity and the well-connected community
8. Issues and implications
9. Developing the well-connected community
Suggested further reading
References
Index