The well-connected community : a networking approach to community development / Alison Gilchrist.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Gilchrist, Alison.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Community development.

Social networks.

Physical Description:

xi, 234 pages ; 24 cm

Edition:

Second edition.

Place of Publication:

Bristol, UK ; Portland, OR : Policy, 2009.

Summary:

Since the publication of the first edition of The well-connected community there has been a growing recognition in practice and policy of how networks contribute to the vitality of community life and civil society. Government policy continues to emphasise the need to involve communities in decision-making, while social capital is increasingly associated with health, low levels of crime, educational achievement and a strong 'sense of community'.

The networking approach set out in The well-connected community aims to strengthen and extend informal networks, support partnership working across boundaries and promote social cohesion. It explores the concept of 'community' in relation to patterns of interaction, social identity and mutual influence. It advocates a new model of community development that promotes networking as a skilled and strategic intervention and provides recommendations for good networking practice.

This fully updated second edition includes new ideas drawn from recent research on social capital and the policy context for community practice, including initiatives to promote community engagement and empowerment. Recent case studies and examples have been added throughout.

The well-connected community is aimed at practitioners, trainers, policy makers and managers who are working directly with communities or responsible for community participation strategies, both in the UK and internationally. Academics will also find it a useful source, for teaching and research.

Contents:

1 Community networks: their significance and value 1

2 Community development 23

3 Network theory and analysts 47

4 Network functions 61

5 The principles and processes of networking 83

6 Networking for community development 99

7 Complexity and the well-connected community 121

8 Issues and implications 139

9 Developing the well-connected community 161.

Notes:

Previous ed.: 2004.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781847420565

1847420567

OCLC:

260209001