Community Change in Action

Sarah L. Young, Ph.D., is a Professor of Public Administration at Kennesaw State University.Carly L. Redding, Ph.D, is a Professor and Department Coordinator for the Department of Sociology and Human Services at the University of North Georgia.

"We are at a global inflection point educationally, socially, and politically. What Drs. Young and Redding do in this ever so timely and necessary book is remind us of three things: first, the importance of caring about what is happening locally and globally; second, they provide real lived examples of what can be done; and third, they stress the centrality of working with and within communities. Read it, share it, and act on its core message and values.John Diamond, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Public Policy and Professional Practice, Edge Hill University UK"Dr. Redding and Young’s community development textbook provides a much-needed addition to the field and the classroom. With real-world examples and doable steps, this book will energize students as they see how to make a difference with their careers and in their communities. This is the kind of textbook that students keep well beyond the semester’s end. They will learn how to clarify a unique vision, build a powerful network, map out a career, and put into action significant community development and social change."Mary A. Carney, Ph.D., Senior Director of Faculty and Leadership Development, Office of Faculty Affairs, University of Georgia"This book takes the unique approach of targeting socially minded young adults and provides a comprehensive approach to utilize their passion for social change to implement large-scale transformations within communities. The strength of the book is really in the operationalizing section, which provides the reader with the crucial steps of making an action plan, ways to consider resources, and even how to leverage social media to assist in creating change."Roger Runquist, Ph.D., Director of Center for Teaching, Learning and Leadership, University of North Georgia

• PART I. Build Connections to Identity, Culture, and Community 1. Community Development & Social Change 2. Leadership for Generation Z 3. The Importance of Personal Perseverance in Creating Change 4. The Five Key Assets of ABCD for Gen Z PART II. A Step-By-Step Roadmap To Change 5. The Plan – Step 1: Find Your Passion 6. The Plan – Step 2: Skill Acquisition 7. The Plan – Step 3: Specialized Knowledge 8. The Plan – Step 4: Bringing It Together Through Asset Mapping 9. The Plan – Step 5: Operationalize With Action Planning Part III. Develop Skills & Opportunities to Lead Change 10. Collaboration for Change 11. Social Change Through Social Media 12. Careers as Agents for Change 13. Case Study Examples