Putting Faith in Neighborhoods: Making Cities Work through Grassroots Citizenship [Paperback]

Stephen Goldsmith (Author), Ryan Streeter (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2002

As mayor of Indianapolis, Stephen Goldsmith saw firsthand that urban renewal begins with residents claiming responsibility for the future of their neighborhoods. In "Putting Faith in Neighborhoods," Goldsmith explains how Indianapolis invented a national model for creating vibrant urban centers through encouraging citizenship and engaging of faith-based organizations. He argues that social pathologies are best confronted not by large programs administered by government, but by citizens actively engaged in making their communities safer, more compassionate and more productive.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Stephen Goldsmith was among America's most intelligent, energetic, creative urban leaders. The pragmatic lessons embodied here deserve wide attention." -- Robert Putnam, Harvard University professor and author of "Bowling Alone"

"Stephen Goldsmith's accomplishments embody the very essential Tocquevillian principle that self-government begins and ends with an engaged citizenry." -- Governor Jeb Bush of Florida

"These stories of neighborhood empowerment show why Steve Goldsmith earned a reputation as one of America's most innovative mayors." -- Mayor Anthony Williams, Washington, D.C.

Goldsmith is famous for making Indianapolis more efficient, but should be equally renowned for kindling the civic spirit of itsinner-city. -- Fred Siegel, Cooper Union for Science and Art professor and author of “The Future Once Happened Here: New York, D.C., L.A. and the Fate of America's Big Cities”

Goldsmith's remarkable accomplishments in Indianapolis have served as a model for many of my own reforms in Florida. -- Governor Jeb Bush of Florida

The pragmatic lessons embodied in this book deserve wide attention. -- Robert Putnam, Harvard University professor and author of

These motivating stories of neighborhood empowerment show why Goldsmith earned a reputation as one of the country's most innovative mayors. -- Mayor Anthony Williams of Washington, D.C.

From the Author

We are witnessing a renewed interest in the importance of citizenship in America today. President Bush's recent call to all Americans to help fight the war on terrorism by reaching out to others through acts of kindness hits on an important reality: the United States is only as strong as its communities, and its communities are only as strong as the citizens that comprise them. Large, important national goals such as homeland security are carried out through the vigilance and generosity of real people living in real towns, communities, and cities.

This book's title, "Putting Faith in Neighborhoods," is a slogan for our times. To the extent that we can have faith in the generosity of one neighbor toward the next, American democracy will be strong. And to the extent that we can welcome to the table community-based organizations motivated by religious faith and sound values when we are trying to solve problems in our communities, we will be the better for it. For the past couple of decades, more and more people have agreed that putting faith in our neighborhoods is a wiser choice for the United States than putting faith in top-down solutions.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Hudson Inst (April 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558131280
• ISBN-13: 978-1558131286
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,817,075 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Leadership, April 29, 2002

By 

Jan E. Vermillion (Indianapolis, Indiana United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Putting Faith in Neighborhoods: Making Cities Work through Grassroots Citizenship (Paperback)

Steve Goldsmith shows us that the involvement of faith-based organizations in urban neighborhoods does not damage or infringe upon the relationship between church and state. Instead, he provides a logical argument for how local neighborhood churches can lead the process for neighborhood re-transformation. Often, it is the neighborhood church that provides the only symbol of hope for those in need, and the only resource for individuals who need support to overcome serious social problems. A must read for all urban mayors. Actually, a must read for all those who are trying to make a difference in urban neighborhoods.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Steven Goldsmith Review, April 24, 2002

By 

Allison Buckner (Indianapolis, IN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Putting Faith in Neighborhoods: Making Cities Work through Grassroots Citizenship (Paperback)

This book provides tangible evidence that local citizens are best able to solve local problems. It also shows why neighborhood churches can play an important role in these efforts. The book is a quick read and can serve as a guide for people who want to get more involved in improving their communities.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, October 2, 2002

By 

Rod Ford (Florence, Ky United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Putting Faith in Neighborhoods: Making Cities Work through Grassroots Citizenship (Paperback)

An excellent book for those interested in helping their communities. I would suggest that every mayor, governor, council person, pastor, teacher, director or consultant read this book!

This book examines the importance of all non-profits, religious organizations and government agencies working together to make a change in their community.