The Short Guide to Community Development

"It's an extremely useful publication, which presents some refreshingly straightforward observations, whilst acknowledging the complexity of the politics and the practice. I will recommend it to students". Mae Shaw, Institute of Education, University of Edinburgh

"Great book. I really relied on it in class as language was accessible and practical examples connected with the students." Sharon Mallon, Staffordshire University

"A great resource — so well written and informative." Sarah Banks, Professor of Community and Youth Work at Durham University

"The Short Guide to Community Development is a valuable and concise contemporary account of community development." Community Development Journal

"An extremely useful introductory text, which covers all of the essential building blocks for an up-to-date understanding of the practice of community development work in the United Kingdom" Dr Rosemary Moreland, University of Ulster

"Essential reading for practitioners as well as students concerned with community development. The inclusion of theoretical and ethical issues is particularly welcome, alongside the implications for practice." Marjorie Mayo, Professor of Community Development at Goldsmiths, University of London

"The history of UK community development is littered with the state's attempts to co-opt it to promote its own interests, however unfair and divisive. This excellent, elegant and easily digestible guide, written by two leading experts, cuts through the mystique to show precisely what community development should and should not be about." Gary Craig, Professor of Community Development and Social Justice at Durham University

"Great book. I really relied on it in class as language was accessible and practical examples connected with the students." Sharon Mallon, Staffordshire University

"Since 2011 this accessible and compelling little book has been essential reading for all my introductions to community development. This updated version continues to map the key dimensions of community development, dealing eloquently with new challenges and opportunities." Susan Kenny, Deakin University

"This easy-to-read guide packs a punch. It takes a critical and systemic lens to community development and speaks to pressing issues with candour. Indispensable." Harsha Patel, Doing Social

Marilyn Taylor has extensive experience of research and practice in the community development field. She is a Visiting Research Fellow at the Institute of Voluntary Action Research in the UK and Emeritus Professor, University of the West of England.

Alison Gilchrist has worked for over three decades in community development: as an activist, practitioner, trainer, researcher and manager, including several years at the Community Development Foundation. She now works as an independent consultant.

Introduction

What is community development?

The changing context of community development

Theoretical concepts

Effective and ethical community development: what’s needed?

Applying community development in different service areas

Challenges for practice

Current and future trends