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The Practice of People's Education: Tools and Methods

People's Education: Histories, Stories, Pedagogy

Popular Education: Issues and Ideas

N.F.S. Grundtvig and the Danish Folk School

Participatory Action Research

Dialogue and Study Circles

 

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THE PRACTICE OF PEOPLE'S EDUCATION:
TOOLS AND METHODS

Coyuntural Analysis: Critical Thinking for Meaningful Action,
A Manual for Facilitators
By the Praxis/Economic Justice Project
(Chicago American Friends Service Committee) (1997)
"Coyuntural" comes from the Spanish word coyuntura, meaning the intersection of various social forces and their effect on a particular moment in history. This collection of exercises and concepts enlivens the idea of praxis - the dynamic relationship between action and reflection - through such activities as "Who is in the room/who isn't in the room," "naming your moment," and "principal contradiction." Reproducible hand-outs. Spiral-bound paper. 50 pgs. paper. $11.00.

Civic Participation and Community Action Sourcebook
By the New England Literacy Resource Center (2000)
An attractively presented, easily accessible compilation of some of the best community work across New England. 20 narrative accounts including Holding Decision-Makers Accountable, Building Community by Helping Others, Expressing Ourselves and Educating Others, Organizing for Change; discussion of the challenges of trying to incorporate community action into the adult education culture. 218 pgs. spiral-bound paper. $11.00.

Economics Education: Building a Movement for Global Economic Justice
By the Praxis/Economic Justice Project
(Chicago American Friends Service Committee) (2001)
A manual designed for community activists, union members, women, students, and teachers. The authors present an analysis of the global economy in an accessible way, focusing on three themes: Debt, Free Trade, and Privatization. This manual also contains ideas for exercises for working through such an analysis with groups and a discussion of the theoretical foundations for structuring workshops that value and utilize people’s experience. AFSC. spiral bound. 90 pgs. $11.00.

Educating for a Change
By Rick Arnold, Bev Burke, Carl James, D'Arcy Martin, Barb Thomas (1991)
This book brilliantly merges the theory and practice of popular education through in-depth discussion of popular education program design, activities, and democratic facilitation, while always locating these details within a broader understanding of the political philosophy that believes in people’s voices and experiences as the source of social change. This unique and down to earth book that includes so much more than exercises remains one of the most useful resources to popular educators. Between the Lines. 206 pgs. Paper $23.00.

Education for Changing Unions
By Bev Burke, Jojo Geronimo, D'Arcy Martin, Barb Thomas, Carol Wall (2002)
A rich, stimulating provocative storehouse of ideas, practical exercises, and debate about labour education. Written in a clear and accessible style, designed to stimulate working people and teachers in mini settings and locations. Six thematic threads tie the book together: community, democracy, equity, class consciousness, organization building, and the greater good. Evaluation, strategic planning, and survival for the long haul round out the discussion. Paper $20.00.

Games For Actors And Non-Actors
By Augusto Boal (1992)
Very practical handbook in which three main categories of the Theater of the Oppressed are discussed and illustrated with the "arsenal of games": image theater, invisible theater, and forum theater. Suitable for the trained and untrained performer and educator. "The dual meaning of the word 'act:' to perform and to take action is at the heart of this work. Routledge. 247 pgs. Paper $23.00.

Learning to Listen, Learning To Teach:
The Power of Dialogue in Educating Adults
By Jane Vella (1994)
From a graduate school in New York to the mountains of Nepal to the drought-parched fields of Ethiopia, Vella draws on her personal experiences as an adult educator to reveal twelve basic principles of adult learning that transcends cultural differences. A practical guide written in a personal and entertaining style. Jossey-Bass Pub. 202 pgs. Paper $23.00.

The Nature of Transformation:
Environmental Adult and Popular Education
By Darlene Clover, Shirley Follen & Budd Hall (1998)
New Revised Edition Includes a brief examination of the theories of adult, popular, feminist, and environmental education; ideas for organizing workshops within an ecological context; activities which stimulate critical and creative thinking, use nature and the community as teachers and sites of learning, weave environmental and social issues, and examine local and global issues. Transformative Learning Center. 91 pgs. Paper $18.00.

Popular Education for Movement Building: A Resource Guide
Edited by Abbie Illenberger and Jason Wallach (1998)
Compiled by the folks at Atlanta-based Project South with a uniquely Southern perspective, this resource guide details the use of popular education to analyze welfare in the global economy, criminal injustice and the growing police state, and the changing face of healthcare. Includes lists of related resources and Project South’s trademark timelines that detail important events and trends in economic, government policy, and popular movement history. Manning Marable calls this book "the best, single resource of its kind currently available to grassroots activists." Spiral-bound paper. Project South. 101 pgs. Spiral-bound paper. $25.00.

Putting Democracy To Work:
A Practical Guide for Starting and Managing Worker-Owned Businesses
By Frank Adams & Gary Hansen (1993)
This very practical book provides instructions for giving a startup or existing company a democratic forum through a worker cooperative structure. Adams and Hansen discuss legal requirements, methods of financing worker buyouts, management patterns, and education for those who will be participating. Also provides examples of paperwork needed to create a worker-owned business, a model business plan, feasibility study, model by-laws, etc. Berrett-Koehler, Pub. 346 pgs. Paper $20.00.

Rainbow of Desire: The Boal Method of Theatre and Therapy
By Augusto Boal (1995)
An expansion of Boal's "the cop In the head" (internalized oppressions) concept, showing how theater can be used in a therapeutic context to enhance personal and group development. Focuses on the theory, techniques, and description of the work in practice. Part of Boal's ongoing work to democratize theater, therapy, and politics. Routledge. 188 pgs. Paper $25.00.

Starting with Women's Lives: Changing Today's Economy
(A Facilitator's Guide to a Visual Workshop Methodology)
By Suzanne Doerge and Beverly Burke (2000)
A "how-to" guide for doing a gender analysis of today's economy in a visual and participatory way (called "The Wall"), written by popular educators who have worked with grassroots groups in church, community, and labour sectors; Provides detailed notes for facilitators, background information, and educational exercises; Primarily for women who want to facilitate workshops with women, though includes a section on adapting the method for mixed groups. Women's Inter-Church Council of Canada and Canadian Labour Congress. 94 pgs. Spiral-bound paper. $12.00.

Theatre for Community, Conflict, and Dialogue:
The Hope is Vital Training Manual
By Michael Rohd (1998)
A manual based on the interactive theatre techniques of "Hope is Vital," a theater and community dialogue/ outreach organization based in Virginia, with particular focus on the needs of young adults. Includes warm-up exercises and bridging activities, improvisational scenework, and theatre. Heinemann. 150 pgs. Paper $17.00.

A Very Popular Economic Education Sampler
Compiled by Highlander Research and Education Center (1997)
This sampler, aimed at community, labor-based groups, and popular education groups, uses skits, role-plays, and group-building activities to help groups lean more about the economy and its effects, as well as to learn more about popular education. Contains a resource list of economic education resource groups. Highlander. 380 pgs. Spiral bound paper. $25.00.

Voices Joined: A Popular Education Guide for Emerging Leaders
By the Alliance for Leadership and Interconnection (ALLY) (2001)
This facilitator’s guide includes an introduction to popular education and chapters on using popular education in community organizing, economic justice, overcoming racism, and much more. Each session is laid out in clear steps with objectives and commentary to assist group leaders. Anyone with an educational mission concerned with social problems will find this a wonderful resource. ALLY Publications. 134 pgs. Spiral. $25.00.

Three Resource Books from the Institute for Human Rights and Responsibilities (Galena, OH):
The Leaders Manual: A Structured Guide and Introduction to Kingian Nonviolence: The Philosophy and Methodology
By Bernard Lafayette, Jr. & David C. Jehnsen (1995)
This twenty-six module program text provides a comprehensive introduction to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s philosophy and the movements he led. Evolving from the authors' personal experiences working with Dr. King and in conducting educational programs, the Manual examines the historical context, philosophical and strategic foundation, and mobilization and organizational methods of Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation. Available in English and Spanish; please specify when ordering. $40.00.

The Briefing Booklet: An Orientation to The Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation Program
By Bernard Lafayette, Jr. & David C. Jehnsen (1995)
Adapted from The Leaders Manual, this work describes nonviolence as the antidote to violence; purpose, objectives and rationale of the educational program; and includes five modules from the manual. Designed for briefing and orientation sessions and one day seminars. Available in English and Spanish; please specify when ordering. $20.00.

The Community Leaders Workbook:
Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation Program:
Strategies for Responding to Conflict and Violence
By Bernard Lafayette, Jr. & David C. Jehnsen (1995)
This Workbook, adapted from the Leader's Manual, includes a thirteen unit program which examines the history and legacy of King's leadership, the nature and dynamics of conflict and violence, King's philosophy and strategy, and mobilization and leadership skills for community leaders. Designed for 2-day short courses, it is a valuable education tool for communities seeking a leadership program for responding to conflict and violence. Available in English and Spanish; please specify when ordering. $25.00.

 

PEOPLE'S EDUCATION:
HISTORIES, STORIES, PEDAGOGY

The Antigonish Movement: Moses Coady and Adult Education Today
By Anne Alexander (1997)
Examines the background, activities and individuals involved in the Antigonish movement of Nova Scotia, as well as reflections on its continuing relevance to adult educators today. Part I: Taking the Fire; Part II: The People, The Time, and The Movement; Part III: Coady's Ideas in his Era; Part IV: A Reflection: Coady's Ideas and our Contemporary Situation. 247 pgs. Paper $25.00.

Creating Learning Communities:
Models, Resources, and New Ways of Thinking about Teaching and Learning
Edited by Ron Miller (2000)
Thirty leaders in alternative education, cooperative home schooling, and sustainable community development demonstrate how learning communities could replace conventional schools as the primary educational model of the twenty-first century. Primarily for elementary and secondary alternative educators, but with plenty of relevance and usefulness to adult education. Includes a chapter on people's education by IPEA Director Chris Spicer. Solomon Press. 378 pgs. Paper $22.00.

Dealing Creatively with Life: The Life Adventures of Ernest Morgan
By Ernest Morgan (1999)
This dynamic son of educator Arthur Morgan (now 95 years old and living in Celo, NC, site of the Arthur Morgan School (AMS)) spins an inspiring and very personal yarn: memories and legends of great Dayton flood, Antioch College, his democratically run business, organizing in the Great Depression, founding of AMS, work with Palestinian refugees on the Gaza strip, and more. 320 pgs. Paper $15.00.

Father Jimmy: The Life and Times of Jimmy Tompkins
By Jim Lotz and Michael Welton (1997)
The story of "the abrasive, compassionate, nagging, cranky, inquisitive, generous, and altogether marvelous priest who remains the inspiration and conscience of a worldwide social movement." Tompkins, the spiritual father of the Antigonish Movement, worked alongside Moses Coady (See Little Mosie from the Margaree.) Breton Books. 169 pgs. Paper $12.00.

Higher Education for Democracy:
Experiments in Progressive Pedagogy at Goddard College
Edited by Steven Schapiro (2000)
Update on educational experiments at Goddard College, Vermont's 60-year old progressive educational leader. Topics include: residential, short-residency and distance-learning programs, democratic organizational models, spirituality and forbidden knowledge, narrative and autobiography, interdisciplinary arts, dialogical uses of new technologies, feminist and Freirian pedagogy. Peter Lang Pub. paper. $30.00.

Igniting the Sparkle: An Indigenous Science Education Model
By Gregory Cajete (1999)
This follow-up to Look to the Mountain expands on the basic concepts presented there and focuses in particular on the role of science in learning, both as pedagogy, and foundation of life education. As in Look to the Mountain, Cajete explains how the holistic approach of indigenous education can be integrated with the dominant ideas of western science. Kivaki Press. 236 pgs. Paper $25.00.

Knowledge, Difference, and Power:
Essays Inspired by Women’s Ways of Knowing
Edited by Mary Belenky, Nancy Goldberger, Jill Tarule, and Blythe Clinchy (1996) Fourteen new essays from the fields of social sciences, humanities, women’s studies, education, psychology, and law – all in response to the original Women’s Ways of Knowing. Basic Books. 478 pgs. Paper$17.00.

Little Mosie from the Margaree: A Biography of Moses Michael Coady
By Michael Welton (2001)
From the early to late 1930s, a movement for a people's economy, named the "Antigonish Movement", caught the imagination of the world. Its leader was Rev. Moses Coady, Nova Scotia's native son from the Margaree Valley. Antigonish, a small town in Nova Scotia, was transformed into an imaginative space into which people could project their social fantasies. Throughout his tumultuous mature life, from his mid 40s to his late 70s, Moses Coady thundered against the "vested interests" that kept the common people enchained. In this comprehensive biography, Michael Welton describes and evaluates "Little Mosie from the Margaree," his times, and the movement he created. Thompson Educational Publishing. 280 pgs. Paper $22.00.

The Long Haul: An Autobiography
By Myles Horton (with Judith & Herbert Kohl) (1998)
The essential Horton. In his own direct, modest, plain-spoken style, founder Myles Horton tells the story of the Highlander Folk School that played a major role in the industrial union movement and the civil rights movement and touched the lives of people like Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Pete Seeger, and Eleanor Roosevelt. Teacher's College Press. 228 pgs. Paper $18.00.

Look to the Mountain: An Ecology of Indigenous Education
By Gregory Cajete (1994)
"The expressions of American Indian education reflect traits shared by the Indigenous cultures of the world." So writes Tewa Indian Cajete in this powerful description of American Indian life and learning, in which he portrays an educational tradition rooted in place and which could be described as the roots of North American people's education. Kivaki Press. 243 pgs. Paper $20.00.

Talking Across the Lines: Worldwide Conversations (Audio Cassettes)
Collected by Michael and Carrie Nobel Kline (1996)
This Michael and Carrie Nobel Kline box set includes two cassette works. "Riding Freedom's Train" describes family stories, historical and folkloric anecdotes from Quakers and African-Americans, punctuated by contemporary performances of period music. "I Believe In Angels Singing" is an anthology of twenty-five songs remembered from the era of the Underground Railroad, recorded on site at homes and churches in West Virginia and Ohio in 1996. Single tape, $12.00, 2 tape box set $20.00.

Things Were Different in Royce's Day:
Royce S. Pitkin as Progressive Educator:
A Perspective From Goddard College, 1950-1967
By Forest K. Davis (1996)
A study of Goddard College founder Royce Pitkin's ideas and experience in his 31 years as President. Includes selected Pitkin writings. Adamant Press. 305 pgs. hardback. $35.00.

To Know for Real: Royce S. Pitkin and Goddard College
By Ann Giles Benson and Frank Adams (1987)
The account of a brilliant experiment in education – conceived by Royce Pitkin around a radical hypothesis of learning and carried out by him at Goddard College. The hypothesis rests on the premise that the education necessary to a civilized society is a process of dealing with the growth and realization of potential in the context of the learner’s entire life. Benson and Adams compiled this book from interviews with Pitkin, and through its chapters, Pitkin expresses his ideas, remembers history, with its problems and difficulties, and in the end its achievements. Adamant Press. 278 pgs. Hardback $25.00.

A Tradition That Has No Name:
Nurturing the Development of People, Families, and Communities
By Mary F. Belenky, Lynne A. Bond & Jacqueline S. Weinstock (1997)
This book is divided into two parts. The first documents and describes insights from the "Listening Project," a project that brought together socially and often geographically isolated, poor, rural mothers to share experiences, analyze problems, and work together to change their lives. The second part examines the concept of the "public homeplace" through case studies of Mothers’ Center Movements (in the US and Europe), the National Congress of Neighborhood Women (New York), and the Center for Cultural and Community Development (Springfield, Mass.). These three organizations, the authors argue, embody developmental leadership that depends on collaboration, empathy, and listening, as well as challenge, conflict, and disequilibrium. Basic Books/Harper Collins Pub. paper. $20.00.

Union Learning: Canadian Labour Education in the Twentieth Century
By Jeffery Taylor (2001)
Over one-hundred thousand Canadian workers participate annually in educational programs conducted by their union or the broader labour organizations to which their unions belong. It is estimated that union-based education is the most significant non-vocational education available to working people. This often hidden-activity has been going on for decades, but this book is the first comprehensive history of it. Taylor maintains that by the 1990s a new emphasis on broad-based activist education existed throughout the labour movement, promising to rekindle the sense of an educational movement that was present in the thirties and forties. Thompson Educational Publishing. 280 pgs. Paper $24.00.

Wild Garden: Art, Education, and the Culture of Resistance
By dian marino (with an introduction by Robert Clarke, Chris Cavanagh & Ferne Cristal) (1997)
Wild Garden is a tribute to an extraordinary life: a dynamic approach to participatory learning through the inspired collection of writings, personal reflections, art, graphic images, and practical exercises from the life of dian Marino Marino, who died in 1993, was a professor in the Faculty of Environmental Studies at York University, Toronto. Between the Lines Pub. 194 pgs. Paper $22.00.

Women’s Ways of Knowing: The Development of Self, Voice, and Mind
By Mary Belenky, Blythe Clinchy, Nancy Goldberger, and Jill Tarule (1986)
Based on extensive in-depth interviews with 135 women, the authors describe "ways of knowing" that women have cultivated and learned to value, ways they argue are powerful but have been neglected and denigrated by the dominant intellectual ethos of our times. Understanding these ways of knowing, they argue, will aid women in collectively overcoming the multitude of obstacles to developing the power of their minds in a sexist society. Basic Books. Paper 256 pgs. $17.50.

 

POPULAR EDUCATION: ISSUES AND IDEAS

Counting Our Victories: Popular Education and Organizing (Video)
By Denise Nadeau (1996)
Drawing from a "Training Women Organizers" course in 1994, this video was designed to accompany a study guide (check with us for availability) to help grassroots groups build their organizations, strengthen their own organizing initiatives, and work in coalition with others. Excellent resource for those interested in participatory methods, including unions, women's groups, university and college courses, and community organizers. Repeal the Deal Productions (BC). video: $25.00.

Gender In Popular Education: Methods for Empowerment
Edited by Shirley Walters & Linzi Manicom (1996)
A collection of critical reflections on feminist adult education work in South Africa, India, the US, Canada, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Australia. Drawing on and critiquing Freire-inspired and other traditions of adult education and feminist pedagogy, its concerns are the education methodologies and learning strategies that lead to women's empowerment. Zed Books and The Ctr. for Adult & Continuing Education, U. of Western Cape, South Africa. 239 pgs. Paper $25.00.

Gramsci, Freire, & Adult Education:
Possibilities for Transformative Action
By Peter Mayo (1999)
In his analysis, critique, and comparison of Gramsci and Freire, Mayo (University of Malta) focuses on three aspects of pedagogical process: social relations, sites of practice and the content of adult education. Ultimately, he explores their connection with turn-of-the-century issues of race and gender identity and globalization in creating a theory of transformative adult education. Zed Books. 224 pgs. Paper $23.00.

The Paulo Freire Reader
Edited by Ana Maria Araujo Freire & D. Mercedo (1998)
This basic introduction to Freire is perfect for those unfamiliar with his work or simply wanting a cross section of his writing over 30 years. This collection includes eleven chapters from 8 of Freire's books, including Pedagogy of the Oppressed. Continuum Publishing. Selected by his widow Ana Maria Freire and colleague Donald Mercedo, who also provide a substantive introduction. Continuum. 291 pgs. Hardback $25.00.

Pedagogy of the Heart
By Paulo Freire (1998)
Representing some of the last writings by Freire, this collection is filled with his reminiscences of his early life and meditations "under my mango tree." They include discussions such as "Solitude and Community," "The Limit of the Right," "Neoliberals and Progressives,," "Dialogism," and "Faith and Hope," which open new doors to the interrelations of education and political struggle. Continuum. 141 pgs. Paper $12.00.

Pedagogy of Hope
By Paulo Freire (1992)
Freire describes how he learned while he wrote Pedagogy of the Oppressed, discusses and analyzes criticisms leveled against the book during the 1970s, and rethinks moments in journeys around the world as a popular educator. He brings to bear the discussions, projects, experiments, and dialogues begun in the 1970s on today's times. Continuum. 240 pgs. Paper $16.00.

Pedagogy of the Oppressed
By Paulo Freire (1970)
Friere’s classic book where he lays out his theory of learning, arguing against "banking education" and for dialogic "problem posing." Problem posing education, he argues, is the "practice of freedom" and is the path to developing critical consciousness to fight against oppression. Indispensable reading for popular educators and community organizers. Continuum. 180 pgs. Paper $14.95.

Teachers as Cultural Workers: Letters to Those Who Dare to Teach
By Paulo Freire (1998)
Freire speaks directly to teachers about the lessons learned from a lifetime as educator and social theorist. He encourages them to open themselves to recognize the different roads students take in order to learn, and become involved in a continual reconstruction of their own paths of curiosity. Westview Press. 100pgs. Hardback $25.00.

We Make the Road By Walking:
Conversations on Education and Social Change
Edited by J. Gaventa, J. Peters & B. Bell (1991)
This book is the result of a 1997 dialogue between Paulo Freire and Myles Horton, two of the most prominent thinkers on social change in the twentieth century. Horton and Freire discuss how they came to value radical education as tool for social change; the specific features of the work they have done over the past 50 years in communities, workshops, and classrooms; the place of education in social change told through stories of their lives; and a look back over the years at what has been most important. Temple University Press. 256 pgs. Paper $20.00.

 

N.F.S. GRUNDTVIG
AND THE DANISH FOLK SCHOOL

Democracy is Born in Conversations:
Recreating N.F.S. Grundtvig for International Adult Education
Edited by Clay Warren (Afterword by IPEA Director Chris Spicer) (2000)
Our long-awaited publication of 12 interviews with Danish teachers, students, folk school directors, and Grundtvig scholars. The conversations provide a snapshot of late twentieth century Grundtvig-inspired folk education, with an afterword reflecting on its relevance to non-Scandinavians - particularly North Americans - at the turn of another century. Circumstantial Productions and FEAA. 221 pgs. Paper $17.00.

Folk Education Pioneers and Heroes
Edited by Kathryn Parke (1993)
A special two-issue set of IPEA’s journal of the past, OPTION. Short articles on and writings by those leaders most associated with the folk education movement, including Grundtvig, Paulo Freire, Myles Horton, Septima Clark, Christen Kold, Oscar Olsson, and others. An excellent primer for the newcomer to folk education ideas. (Volume 17, No. 1: Europeans, 30 pgs. and No. 2: North Americans, 44 pgs.) Two-volume set, $8.00.

Grundtvig's Philosophy of Lifelong Education Through the Living Word
By Clay Warren (1987)
Warren's literature and experiential research provide this original summary of Grundtvig's educational ideas in theory and practice. Tompkins Institute for Human Values and Technology, Occasional Paper No.3, University College of Cape Breton Press. 27 pgs. Paper booklet. $5.00.

N.F.S. Grundtvig: An Introduction to His Life and Work
By A.M. Allchin (1997)
A new introduction to Grundtvig by a British educator transplanted in Denmark. The book begins with glimpses into Grundtvig’s life, followed bay an exploration of themes – particularly theological – in his writing. Includes a new examination of Grundtvig’s sermons and hymns. Originally written for English readers but, responding to Danish interest, is currently being translated. 338 pgs. Hardback $40.00.

N.F.S. Grundtvig: Selected Educational Writings Compiled
By Max Lawson (1991)
A reprint of Johannes Knudsen’s 1976 work (see below), with new translations and introduction by Australian Grundtvig scholar Lawson. Published by the International People's College, Denmark. 110 pgs. Paper $16.00. N.F.S. Grundtvig: Selected Writings Edited and introduced by Johannes Knudsen (1976) Contains sections on the Church, Christian Life, and Human Living; sermons; hymns and poetry; educational writings. Last copies only available from IPEA. Fortress Press. 184 pgs. Paper $8.00.

The Land of the Living: The Danish Folk High Schools and Denmark's Non-Violent Path to Modernization
By Steven Borish (1991)
A comprehensive examination of the historical context in which the folk high school movement grew, the contribution of "Danish national character," and account of life in modern folk high schools. The best book in English to examine the folks schools of Denmark in their historical and social context. Blue Dolphin Press. 512 pgs. Hardback $28.00.

The Struggle for Enlightenment:
Danish Adult Education During 500 Years (English summary)
By Ove Korsgaard (1998)
An investigation of adult education in Denmark from the Reformation until today. Part I emphasizes the historical and social influences on adult education; Part two emphasizes the interplay between "the worlds of the hands and the mind" in the production process and in educational theories and practices. Association for World Education, 32 pgs. Paper $5.00.

 

PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH

Doing Community-based Research: A Reader
Edited by D. Murphy, M. Scammell & R. Sclove (1997)
Introduces both "lay people" and "experts" to the concept of community-based research. It is a compilation of 12 articles that address the broad range of objectives served by community-based research and of the kinds of studied that have been performed. Forward by Lois Gibbs (Love Canal Homeowners Assoc.) and Jim Sessions, Director of the Highlander Center. Loka Institute. Spiral-bound paper. $10.00.

Grassroots Participatory Research
By Lee Williams (1997)
A guide to the strategies, methods, and resources used by practicing participatory researchers to mobilize communities around gathering and producing popular knowledge. Includes case studies from around the U.S. Community Partnership Center, UT. 92 pgs. Spiral-bound paper. $11.00.

It Comes from the People: Community Development and Local Theology
By Helen M. Lewis, Mary Ann Hinsdale, and Maxine Waller (1995)
A personal and moving account of participatory action research in the southwestern Virginia town of Ivanhoe. From economic and social disarray, this small community began a process of revitalization and participation using photographs, interviews, stories, songs, theater, and more. The book is unusually open about the difficult process faced by outside researchers working with community members to describe community life. Temple University Press. Paper $23.00.

People's Participation: Challenges Ahead
Compiled and analyzed by Orlando Fals Borda (1998)
Papers and reflections of the World Congress of Participatory Convergence in Knowledge, Space, and Time, held in Colombia, June 1997 (a first global gathering of practitioners of participatory action research, action research, action learning, and process management). Deliberations centered on the relationship between political action and academic activity, reflected here in the context of the personal stories and conference workgroups. A rare, inspiring, "state of the global art" review. Tercer Mundo Editores. 253 pgs. Paper $21.00.

Voices of Change:
Participatory Research in the United States and Canada
Edited by P. Park, M. Brydon-Miller, B. Hall & T. Jackson (1993)
A collection of articles drawing on case studies in participatory research in North America communities, working with such issues as absentee land ownership, environmental health and more. Ontario Institute for Studies in Education Press. Hardback $58.00.

 

DIALOGUE AND STUDY CIRCLES

The Circle of Simplicity: Return to the Good Life
By Cecile Andrews (1997)
An outgrowth of Andrew's work in the voluntary simplicity movement throughout the Seattle area and beyond, this book applies the principles of study circles to helping people explore ways of fostering simplicity in our lives. HarperCollins Pub. 256 pgs. Paper $12.00.

Common Fire: Leading Lives of Commitment in a Complex World
By Daloz, Keen, Parks & Keen (1996)
This book provides a mirror which reflects "the potential in all of us to find strength and commitment needed for the practice of citizenship in the 21st century." Through interviews with a diverse group of 100 community leaders throughout the US, Antioch College faculty Cheryl and James Keen and their co-authors reveal how we become committed to the common good and sustain such commitments in a changing world. Beacon Press. 273 pgs. Paper $15.00.

Conversation
By Theodore Zeldon (1998)
Based on a series of BBC radio shows, these six engaging talks illustrate the power of conversation in helping "ordinary people to make big changes by improving the way they relate to each other in daily life." Conversation in families, in loving relationships, in the workplace, among friends. The author/artist's accompanying "pictorial aphrodisiacs" accompany a list of conversation topics ("Can you tell from the way someone talks what their work is?" "What is the effect of electronic toys on conversation?"). The Harvill Press. 103 pgs. Hardback $10.00.

Learn and Act with Study Circles
By Henry Blid (2000)
This book is designed for organizers of leader trainings and adult educators who have little or no experience with study circles. The author argues that study circles, in which the experiences and opinions of people matter, are a critical piece of democratic learning that gives power to the powerless, self confidence to the insecure, and strengthens the democracy of organizations. Describes the historical context of study circles, but focuses on study circle approaches to learning, starting study circles, and study circle materials and leadership. Nykopia Tryck. Paper 193 pgs. $20.00.

Study Circles: Coming Together for Personal Growth and Social Change
By Len Oliver (1987)
Includes study circle history in Sweden and in the US today (highlighting Kettering's National Issues Forum and the Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen). 176 pgs. Paper $10.00.

What Does It Mean to Be Human?
Reverence for Life Reaffirmed by Responses from Around the World
Gathered by Frederick Franck, Janis Roze, and Richard Connolly (1998)
Responses to the question "What Does it Mean to Be Human?" from 109 authors ranging from an archbishop to a local tire dealer, from Nobel Prize laureate to a woman who founded childcare centers in her own poor black neighborhood, from composer to nuclear scientist. Limited copies remaining from the original printing, which is being followed by a new US edition and German printing. Circumstantial Productions. 334 pages. Paper $15.00.