Community Development

This book is a guide for leaders seeking to build a community, to strengthen the community they already have, or who may not think of themselves as community leaders but who are envisioning a group they hope to create. These communities can be formal, with official memberships and administrations, or informal, tied by shared values and commitments.

As a response to the increasing violence in our culture, the widening ideological divides, and the growing gap in economic well-being, there is greater awareness that a deeper sense of community is desperately needed. But even as we acknowledge the need to build community, the dominant on-the-ground practices about how to engage people, civically and organizationally, remain essentially unchanged. We still believe community is built with better messaging, more persuasion, and social events for people to get to know each other better. All of which is naïve.

A practical, illustrated guide to using the tools of design to create feelings of inclusion, collaboration, and respect in groups of any type or size—a classroom, a work team, an international organization—from Stanford University's d.school. “This is a beautiful book. Wise has applied the...

An inspirational guide to the 6 core qualities of healthy communities, for anyone looking to build community as a source of connection and a vehicle for social change After two years meeting with different communities in the US, psychologist Lisa Kentgen identified 6 key traits of vibrant...

Paradise has a price. A murder. A disappearance. A sinister network. Steels Creek is an idyllic retreat in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. It's a place where everyone knows their neighbours and no one locks their doors. Investigative journalist Lars Nilsson who has moved to the settlement...

The Past — Graduate student Beth Winslow was sure she was ready to navigate the challenges of becoming a surrogate. But when early tests indicate possible abnormalities with the baby, Beth is unprepared for the parents’ decision to end the pregnancy — and for the fierce love she feels for...

299 Days: The Community, the third book in the 299 Days series, reunites Grant Matson with his family after his wife, children, and in-laws accept that the only way to survive the Collapse is to flee the comfort of their suburban lives and join him at his isolated cabin in the woods. With riots becoming more violent, power outages more widespread, and the military crumbling, Grant and others throughout Washington State realize they must organize if they want to endure.

Every church, every organization, has experienced them: betrayal, deception, grumbling, envy, exclusion. They make life together difficult and prevent congregations from developing the skills, virtues, and practices they need to nurture sturdy, life-giving communities.

Discover just how important thriving communities are to our wellbeing and the success of organizations—and learn what steps you can take to create them—in this illuminating and empowering guide from the author of Mastering Civility. Despite our deep desire to feel a sense of belonging, many...

Get ready to focus on the single most important thing you can do to live a happy, healthy, and successful life: BELONG. This book is your step-by-step guide to creating your community, from small groups that “get” you, to larger and more focused groups that promote positive change. How is it...

Transform climate anxiety into practical environmental action by mastering the tools of a resilient, green economy. Whether you are commuting to a corporate job or brainstorming local neighborhood projects, this hopeful audio experience provides the systems thinking required for true...

This revised and expanded version of The Community of Self is one of Akbar’s six books which address the issue of a holistic human psychology and an increased understanding of the unique psychological functioning of African-American in particular. The Community of Self has been adapted as...

Indigenous kinship networks and informal trade are the hidden engines fueling modern African development. Perfect for your morning commute or focused study session, this thought-provoking deep dive dismantles outdated stereotypes of isolated societies. Instead, it reveals a dynamic ecosystem...

This is the turbulent story of Naomi Parker, a courageous young woman who valiantly overcomes a series of devastating life experiences. She harbors a looming secret that dominates her thinking and negatively impacts her decision making. It infects her ability to process information and is compounded by a learning disability.

There isn’t a rule out there that love won’t break. For better or worse. Turning his back on his reckless lifestyle, former frat boy Clay Walsh has settled down to run an antique shop in a small Midwestern college town . . . and to pursue lofty and outdated theories on love and romance. But...

Doug Ruffle writes A Missionary Mindset using the timeless principles of E. Stanley Jones and transfers them for use today. Teaching us to approach the mission field as if we were from a different country and learning a new culture, a new way of communicating, and a new way to connect people to the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In a world that often feels more connected yet increasingly isolated, true friendships can feel hard to find. Mastering Friendship is your guide to cultivating meaningful connections and creating the tribe that lifts you up. Whether you're looking to build new friendships, strengthen existing ones, or shift your mindset to embrace connection, this book gives you the practical tools and insights to make it happen.

The Engage Patriots Manifesto-Living These 10 Values Will Save Our Families and Communities. Discover the Time Tested Values that are critical to a free society and how you can influence your family and community as you become an Engaged Patriot!

Scientific evidence and personal experience tell us that sincere, engaging personal relationships are essential for health and happiness. Yet, little is said about how we might actively nurture such relationships for ourselves and for people near us at home and work. Executive Coach Tony Mayo drew on the research of Brené Brown, Joseph Campbell, and others to compose this enthusiastically received non-sectarian sermon.

The Nonprofit Startup Guide will reduce the stress of submitting paperwork and enable you to do so without adding the expense of hiring a professional. You're just a few steps away from legally starting your nonprofit organization. Start now!