Introduction

Abstract

As this book is part of a social work series some of the material has been presented in such a way as to be particularly relevant to social workers. But it is intended primarily to be a practical guide for anyone interested in doing paid community work, in utilising the strengths of the community to do his existing job more effectively, or in undertaking voluntary action of various kinds. Although there are many different types and levels of community work, I believe that understanding how to work with community groups, which is my main focus, provides a good basis for carrying out a range of other activities: using volunteers, liaising with professionals, initiating and managing innovatory projects, bringing about a degree of change in large statutory organisations, and generally manipulating the political environment in such a way as to get a better deed for the people with and for whom we work.