As problems such as HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, violence, and environmental toxins become an ever greater part of our national landscape, grassroots public health work becomes all the more important. This book provides to public health and social work professionals the theory, concepts, and models they need to practice effective community organizing and community building. The twenty-one chapters, written by leaders in the field, cover topics including confronting ethical dilemmas, working cross-culturally, identifying issues, building coalitions, recognizing conflicting loyalties, locating sources of funding, and mapping community assets. Also included are case studies of community organizing with gay men, youth, elderly poor, and women of color around a host of contemporary issues. At a time of unprecedented challenges and opportunities for public health, this book provides the tools for students and professionals who are working to build healthier communities.
-- Includes contributions from thirty activists, professionals, and scholars of public health, community medicine, social work, urban affairs and policy, social action, occupational health, and more.
-- Appendices provide checklists for initiating and maintaining community health coalitions.