Community organizing is a well-known method of advocacy to improve lives in communities. But did you know that it has its history in sacred texts, including the Bible? Some times people think of community organizing as a tool of partisan politics. And yet so many of us who practice Christianity don't realize that our sacred text calls us to hold "kings and nobles" - (Nehemiah 5) - today’s public officials - accountable for the fair and equal treatment of all God's children. In this episode organize Kayla Gilchrist talks about why we organize as people of faith and how to get started.
If you’re interested in learning more about community organizing, check out organizations, such as Direct Action Research and Training (D.A.R.T.)
Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF)
Books:
The Justice Calling: Where Passion Meets Perseverance (2016) by Bethany Hoang and Kristen D. Johnson.
Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help (and How to Reverse It) (2011) by Robert D. Lupton.
Beyond Charity: The Call to Christian Community Development (1993) by John M. Perkins.
Just Generosity: A New Vision for Overcoming Poverty in America, 2nd edition (2007) By Ron Sider.
Online:
Direct Action Research and Training (D.A.R.T.)
Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF)
You might be interested in other ChurchNext classes on daily spirituality and social justice. Consider the following courses:
Dynamics of Helping the Poor with Lee Anne Reat
Creating Common Good 1: Economic Inequality with Julio Murray
Creating Common Good 2: Christian Responsibility with Rachel Held Evans
Creating Common Good 3: Educational Inequality with Nicole Baker Fulgham
Creating Common Good 4: A Christian Response with Justin Welby
Economic Inequality and the Church For Groups
Understanding Systemic Racism: Becoming Beloved Community with Ivy Forsythe-Brown and Tom Ferguson (Free curriculum. Sessions 5 and 6 in particular discuss ways to engage local communities).
For information on establishing partnerships with particular types of community organization, try:
How to Establish a Church/School Partnership with All Our Children
Responding to Refugees with Allison Duvall.