Members of the Deeper Democracy network believe that the foundation for a deeper democracy based on participation and deliberation as well as representation must be based on empowered communities. We also believe that, such as community development has a key role to play. But what would a ‘empowered communities look like, particularly given the issues and complexities of society in the early 21st century?
The new book ‘Tomorrow’s Communities: Lessons for Community-based Transformation in the Age of Global Crises’, edited by Deeper Democracy member Henry Tam[i], with contributions by other members (Gabriel Chanan – ‘Regeneration in partnership with communities’, Diane Warburton – ‘Sustainable communities for the future’, and Colin Miller with Neal Lawson – ‘The 45° Change model for remaking power relations’) explores these challenges.
This is the publisher’s blurb.
It is increasingly recognised that instead of relying on top-down commands or leaving individuals to their own devices, communities should be given a role in tackling challenges exacerbated by global crises.
Written by a team of leading experts with in-depth knowledge and on-the-ground experience, this book sets out why and how people’s lives can be positively transformed through diverse forms of community involvement.
This book critically explores examples from around the world of how communities can become more collaborative and resilient in dealing with the problems they face, and provides an invaluable guide to what a holistic policy agenda for community-based transformation should encompass.
The book covers the complexity of interlinked issues and challenges, and the lesson we must learn from previous mistakes and successes:
PART A: Transforming socioeconomic relations in communities
- The case for community economic development: Ed Mayo and Pat Conaty
- Reciprocity and alternative mediums of exchange: Martin Simon
- Regeneration in partnership with communities: Gabriel Chanan
- Worker cooperatives and economic democracy: Pat Conaty and Philip Ross
PART B: Transforming collaborative behaviour with communities
- Four factors for better community collaboration: Steve Wyler
- The importance of community-based learning: Marjorie Mayo
- The 45 ° Change model for remaking power relations: Colin Miller and Neal Lawson
- Connecting at the edges for collective change: Alison Gilchrist
PART C: Transforming policy outcomes by communities
- Co-production and the role of preventive infrastructure: David Boyle
- Humanising health and social care: John Restakis
- Reshaping the food aid landscape: Alice Willatt, Rosalind Beadle and Mary Brydon- Miller
- Sustainable communities for the future: Diane Warburton
Here are a couple of pre-publication reviews
“‘Bowling alone’ will not help our communities succeed in addressing major challenges from climate change to COVID-19 and beyond. Yet, what is the alternative? Tomorrow’s Communities breaks new ground in showing how we can create community-based transformation with practical, evidence-based policies that should receive serious consideration from policy makers.” Thom Brooks, Dean, Durham Law School and Director, Labour Academic Network
“The crisis of democracy and the need for social, economic and political transformations characterise our times. This powerful collection draws on the potential of communities to be the provocateurs, agents and activists of that transformation.” Cilla Ross, Principal, Co-operative College
Click here to order a copy
[i] Henry Tam is a writer, educator, and former head for civil renewal under the last Labour government. He was previously a lecturer at the University of Cambridge
