Staging Democracy responds to compelling calls in democratic theory for communication and coalition across social difference by asking how we realize these ideals in concrete terms. It shifts the focus from if and why marginalized difference should find entry into politics, to the practical question of how this is to be done. What explains those rare moments when marginalized voices break through in contemporary politics? And how might a closer look at the strategies and resources at play within such moments enhance how we understand and enact civic engagement? Political theory and practice have traditionally overlooked the performing arts as a site of civic politics, and yet marginalized communities continually turn to them to communicate, challenge, and catalyze change. This book brings vivid moments of creative practice from three continents together with performance studies and political scholarship to argue that artistic performance offers a potent form of democratic voice for claims from the margins. Across political contexts, democratic aims, and artistic genres, Staging Democracy shows how the very qualities that lead some to think of the arts as unclear, irrational, and irresponsible – and thus politically suspect – shape artistic performance’s distinct capacity to enact democratic engagement in conditions of deep difference and inequality.

Neither government programs nor massive charitable efforts responded adequately to the human crisis that was Hurricane Katrina. In this study, the authors use extensive interviews with Katrina evacuees and reports from service providers to identify what helped or hindered the reestablishment of the lives of hurricane survivors who relocated to Austin, Texas. Drawing on social capital and social network theory, the authors assess the complementary, and often conflicting, roles of FEMA, other governmental agencies and a range of non-governmental organizations in addressing survivors' short- and longer-term needs. While these organizations came together to assist with immediate emergency needs, even collectively they could not deal with survivors' long-term needs for employment, affordable housing and personal records necessary to rebuild lives. Community Lost provides empirical evidence that civil society organizations cannot substitute for an efficient and benevolent state, which is necessary for society to function.

This textbook aims to guide, instruct and inspire the next generation of innovation designers, managers and leaders. Building upon an evidence-based innovation development process, it introduces, explains and provides visual models and case examples of what Business Design is, how it is applied across sectors and organizations, and its impact on decision-making and value creation. Students will read and analyze design-led innovation business cases from across the globe, discover multi-disciplinary strategies (from marketing to anthropology) and practice applying a designer's toolkit to find, frame, and solve business problems in contemporary ways. Throughout the book, students will break down the process of innovation and move from initiation to implementation, engage in iterative feedback loops, and develop concrete plans for personal and professional collaboration and workplace application. For MBA and senior undergraduate students, this book offers a step-by-step and comprehensive reference guide to creative problem framing and solving - inside and beyond the classroom. It integrates marketing principles and management frameworks, with anthropological and design methods reflecting the diverse and in-demand skills vital to tomorrow's workforce. For instructors, this book offers a way to confidently engage learners in the realm of design practices and strategies relevant to business decision-making. The pedagogical framework, along with a comprehensive suite of techniques and templates, offers both novice and experienced teachers a step-by-step reference guide that facilitates skills development in creative problem framing and solving.

Neither government programs nor massive charitable efforts responded adequately to the human crisis that was Hurricane Katrina. In this study, the authors use extensive interviews with Katrina evacuees and reports from service providers to identify what helped or hindered the reestablishment of the lives of hurricane survivors who relocated to Austin, Texas. Drawing on social capital and social network theory, the authors assess the complementary, and often conflicting, roles of FEMA, other governmental agencies and a range of non-governmental organizations in addressing survivors' short- and longer-term needs. While these organizations came together to assist with immediate emergency needs, even collectively they could not deal with survivors' long-term needs for employment, affordable housing and personal records necessary to rebuild lives. Community Lost provides empirical evidence that civil society organizations cannot substitute for an efficient and benevolent state, which is necessary for society to function.

Monica, the Angel of Mansfield Memorial Homes is the story of my wife, Monica, from November of 2004 to February of 2006, which is the present. She came to the nursing home because of Duchene Muscular Dystrophy, which robbed her of the ability to walk. Yielding complete control of her life to God has caused her to blossom into a very caring individual, not unlike a fall blooming chrysanthemum. I have a number of illnesses that have me disabled for the last eight years and unable to care for her at home. We cope with the separation in our lives with frequent visits, a private room, nightly prayer and a lot of help from God's grace. When she was at home, leaving the house became very difficult an in effect she was cut off or isolated from the outside world. At the nursing home she was able to form new friendships and relationships. Telling people about God's love and about how Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins was a challenge that became a reality. One of the friends she made was a man named Tony. Tony could not see the need of his salvation because he was a very good person. Good by our standards, but not God's. He started having trouble keeping food down and was eventually diagnosed with cancer. About two weeks before he died he saw his need of salvation and accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Monica also has the patience to communicate with many of the patients who cannot talk due to stroke, Alzheimer's, brain damage or what ever. Many of these patients cannot remember her name, but they all know she is their friend. One lady who goes around crying all the time will come to Monica just to hold her hand to find some relief from the sadness. God knows about her sadnessand so does Monica. It is a story that reveals how God cares for even those in nursing homes. After all, he cares about the sparrow, doesn't' he?

The book is about two 17 year olds doing what 17-year-olds do all over the world. They fall in love. It didn't take long for us to decide that we never wanted to part. Today we are approaching our 39th anniversary. My wife, Monica, is in a nursing home and we both know she will never leave there alive. She has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (the disease that the Jerry Lewis Telethon is all about.) About three to five days a week we enjoy a conjugal visit in her private room. I bring dinner, which I either buy or fix personally. We also share physical intimacies in celebration of our love. Philippians 4: 11 says: "For I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content." I praise God for the time we do have together. Most of the book tells about the sorrow, joys, humor in raising two handicapped boys.