By Drs Bradley Olson & Lenny Jason (National-Louis University and DePaul University).
Peer Reviewed
Community program evaluations, visioning and assessments must always endeavor to attain useful information in the most sensitive way. We developed a participatory, narrative technique called Community Narration (CN), which is described here. The technique utilizes personal stories and community narratives as an entry into the evaluation process or other work involved in understanding an organization.
Read more...By Dr Cheryl Ramos (University of Hawai'i Hilo)
Peer Reviewed
This paper describes the development of the local strand of knowledge which included 1) considering the cultural, historical, social, political, and environmental context of the local setting, 2) engaging and collaborating with local scholars and cultural practitioners, and 3) selecting resources representing the local cultural and community context as it relates to community psychology principles and perspectives. Results of students’ course evaluations are provided and confirm the importance of including local cultural and community perspectives in community psychology courses. The application of the course development framework to other community contexts is discussed.
Read more...By Dr David Julian & Ms Tammy Collins (Ohio State University)
Peer Reviewed
This paper provides a brief review of the results of a survey of Family and Children First Council Coordinators in Ohio. Sixty-eight (68) local Coordinators responded to a survey regarding their perceptions of skills needed to facilitate collaborative community problem solving. The authors argue that Council Coordinators fill a critical role in the collaborative community problem solving process. They refer to this role as “community support.” Analysis of survey data provided an opportunity to consider the skills Council Coordinators felt were important to their community support roles. In addition, the community support role and its importance are described. The authors also suggest that community psychology practitioners are ideal candidates for assuming such roles. Finally, implications for training community psychology practitioners are addressed.
Read more...A generous thank you to everyone that helped make the three issues of Volume 1 a success!
We very much look forward to Volume 2 and all the issues we will publish in the future.
Read more...Have an idea for a interview of someone you admire and wish to share with others? Contact us! editor@gjcpp.org
In this video, Takehito Ito shares his vision for Community Psychology Practice.
Watch the videoYoung people are major stakeholders in society. They have ideas, strengths and vitality that come from their diverse experiences. Given a chance, young people can contribute to improving their own well-being and that of their communities.
The guidebook Changing the Landscape: Involving Youth in Social Change aims to promote youth engagement, especially among youth who have traditionally been marginalized.
by Judah J Viola & Susan D McMahon
Reviewed by Vincent T Francisco
Even a quick perusal of books in the business section of bookstores will reveal scores of books focused on organizational development, business start-ups, leadership development, decision making in difficult environments, and books about how to do consulting. However, Viola and McMahon’s book fits a particular niche in community psychology practice that other business books do not. This very useful and well-written book focuses on advice, examples, and guidance from some of the most note-worthy community practitioners in the field.
Read more...In this issue, you will find several articles that feature aspects of community practice from across the USA. Please be sure to leave comments and have conversations about any of the materials shared through the GJCPP. You will find the comments section at the end of each article, video, or tool.