Customer Reviews

Social Movements Past and Present Series: Let the People Decide: Neighborhood Organizing in America, Updated Edition (Twayne's Social Movements Past & Present)

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Fisher provides a detailed outline of the major trends in neighborhood organizing in the United States from the early 20th century to the present. He does a good job in linking social conditions to organizing strategies and tactics. The book gives the reader a sense of the progression of ideological movements in the United States over time. It is very inclusive as it covers organizing among the white working and middle classes and African Americans. It also touches on gender issues and issues of sexual orientation. It is inclusive in another way in that it covers different organizing approaches such conflict organizing as opposed to consensus-building; and locality development, social planning and social action. Fisher concludes with "lessons" learned from history to strengthen community practice in the present and the future.

This is an essential book for anyone engaged in community organizing today. It is not only a history of the different type of organizing but an analysis of the stregnths and weaknesses of the different models and what is needed for community organizing efforts in this period. The last chapter is particularly excellent.