Organizing communities to achieve social justice

This course explores specific strategies for community organizing to achieve social justice in a diverse democratic society. The course covers core social justice concepts and practical steps for bringing people together to set goals and priorities, assess community assets and needs, develop action plans, and build support for their implementation. The course includes information on how to form core groups, build organizational capacity, and formulate a strategy for engaging constituents and allies. Because everyone learns differently, the course provides a variety of learning activities, information about successful programs, individualized instruction and small group exercises, and practical resources for problem solving and program planning. You can use these exercises with individuals, a small group, or several groups as part of a community campaign. The course is based on work with people seeking community change in metropolitan Detroit, an area that is becoming both more segregated and more diverse. But it is also designed for anyone who wants to create change in communities everywhere. If you come away from the course with ideas in your head and plans in hand, our goal will have been achieved.