Customer Reviews

Just and Lasting Change: When Communities Own Their Futures

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The poor communities of the world are, unfortunately, a laboratory for many thousands of mostly failed experiments in how to improve their situation. This important and valuable book builds on decades of practical experience by the authors in the successful, durable transformation of poor communities. The authors' key insights are (1) the necessity for change to be driven by the collaboration of the community, outside experts, and local government; (this may seem obvious, but many projects fail because they treat one of these three groups as an enemy or obstacle rather than a vital element), (2) to have measurable results, (3) to use the power of the community to modify behavior that is an obstacle to success. This book should be read by donors as well as those directly involved in development activities such as community leaders, government officials, and NGO workers.

As we watch news reports of the world in chaos and trouble this Book offers not just salve to ease the pain of some of these small communties but also real solution as they being to restore their dignity with justice for all involved.
The Model SEED/Scale is one that I believe should be studied and applied in some of the rural areas, small towns in this part of Southwest Oklahoma. This method is about a reformation of attitude, self-awareness , and possibilites for growth and change bringing the best healthiest new life possible.
I think that Churches could apply the model as well as a way to restoring justice and change withn themselves and within the communities they serve. Revitalization is something that churches in rural arears everywhere talk about I believe this model could be applied with success.
This book should have a broad readership. It could help change the world.
Rev. Bobbie G. McGarey, Southwest Oklahoma Presbyerian Parish Pastor, Frederick, Temple, Walters, Chattanooga, and Grandfield. Oklahoma.

This book has been amazing so far. Much of what the author has to say is very accurate and stimulating. His ideas on how one should approach global activism and work toward change have been very insightful. I would definetely recommend this text to anyone entering the health field or interested in environmental/global health. Ideas and principles fit not only with public health, but much of the principles toward human activism and creating progress seem applicable to the world of business, management, community relations, and everyday life.
The book is very colorful with some capturing stories-not hard to read at all. I've taken pages of notes from it and hope to apply them soon!

Taylor-Ide and Taylor have designed a method by which social change may be achieved in the international and domestic arenas. Specific examples of success and failures are given as well as a means for designing and evaluating social reform programs. For those interested in achieving success without reinventing the wheel, this is a must read.