This exciting new book is both practical and theoretical. It is a pioneering work of integrated praxis, situating theory within a participatory worldview and grounding practice in the important issues of our times - social justice and sustainability. Ledwith and Springett's ideas are founded on two premises. Firstly, transformative practice begins in the stories of people's everyday lives, and practical theory generated from these narratives is the best way to inform both policy and practice. This innovative approach bridges the divide between ideas and practice, and allows the development of the knowledge needed to bring about transformative social change. Secondly, participatory approaches to practice allow practitioners not only to critically examine the world, but also to reflect on the way in which they view the world in order to situate their local practice more relevantly within bigger social issues. Participatory practice is structured in an unfolding and engaging way. It is divided into two major sections: the first, 'A Participatory Paradigm', considers theory in relation to current times, and the second, 'Participatory Practice', develops skills related to this thinking. The book will be of interest to both academics and community-based practitioners.

In this second edition of a bestselling book, the authors' unique, holistic and radical perspective on participatory practice has been updated to reflect advances made in the past decade, the impact of neoliberalism and austerity, and the challenges of climate change and the pandemic. Bridging the divide between community development ideas and practice, over half of this innovative book comprises new content with updated features including: * reflective questions * key points highlighted throughout each chapter * a glossary of terms The authors argue that transformative practice begins with everyday stories about people's lives and that practical theory generated from these narratives is the best way to inform both policy and practice. This long-awaited new edition will be of interest to academics and community-based practitioners working in a range of settings, including health and education.

The fully updated third edition of this bestselling book offers a radical approach to community development. Building on the theories of Gramsci and Freire, new ideas are introduced which offer an inspiring approach to practice for all those committed to social and environmental justice. Neoliberalism has created a dangerous escalation of economic inequalities with inevitable environmental consequences. Practice needs to be informed by analyses of power, and links are made using international case studies, cartoons, and key concept summaries.

In a world in which social divisions are widening not lessening, it is essential for community development, or any other practice committed to social justice and sustainability, to understand how power works at every level, from grassroots projects to movements for change. This exciting and practical book is filled to the brim with useful ideas for busy practitioners. Building on the work of Paulo Freire, theories are presented in interesting and straightforward ways to provide an everyday reference for practice. Contained in these pages is all you need to give your practice a critical edge!

Community development finds itself in times of unprecedented political, social and economic change, locally and globally, at the same time as divisions between poverty and privilege widen. Building practical approaches to theory and theoretical approaches to practice, this updated and expanded second edition of a bestselling text develops critiques of the changing context and identifies challenges faced by community development both at community level and as a collective force for a more just, equal and sustainable future. Featuring a range of different models of community development and illustrative stories from practitioners in the field, the new edition will be essential reading for practitioners, students and educators involved in community development, youth and community work, social work, health and education.

In a world in which social divisions are widening not lessening, it is essential for community development, or any other practice committed to social justice and sustainability, to understand how power works at every level, from grassroots projects to movements for change. This exciting and practical book is filled to the brim with useful ideas for busy practitioners. Building on the work of Paulo Freire, theories are presented in interesting and straightforward ways to provide an everyday reference for practice. Contained in these pages is all you need to give your practice a critical edge!