Just and Lasting Change: When Communities Own Their Futures

by Daniel C. Taylor, Carl E. Taylor

Just and Lasting Change presents how to transform communities rapidly and inlocally appropriate ways. Daniel Taylor-Ide and Carl Taylor have been present at key events and worked with key thinkers in dealing with the large forces of inequity, environmental change, and globalization. The approach they have synthesized builds on what has worked over the last century―and can now be implemented rapidly and cost-effectively in many parts of the world. It relies on a three-way partnership of "bottom-up" initiatives from the community level, "top-down" support from government agencies, and "outside-in" ingenuity and objectivity from experts. Based on both a diverse range of case studies―from the earliest attempts to promote social development in India a century ago to current efforts in Tibet, the Peruvian Andes, China, and the American Southwest―and engaging personal experiences, this book describes, step-by-step, how SEED-SCALE can be effectively implemented. With contributions from leading international experts in community-based development and public health, Just and Lasting Change offers a hopeful description of how people have made a difference in diverse communities around the world and a practical, accessible handbook for those trying to improve the quality of life in underdeveloped communities everywhere.

Genres: Nonfiction

368 pages, Paperback

First published February 27, 2002

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

I agree with the central tenets of this book, but the writing style is rather tedious. The authors just pummel the reader with reiterations of how communities need to be involved in a three-pronged partnership, but after 100 pages, I started to say, "okay I get the point, tell me something else". The case studies provided are good, but I get the sense that the facts are cherry-picked. I did not feel that enough time was spent on each case example to fully describe the complexities of the situation and what forms of aid/development had worked/failed/was working concurrently.

The authors admit that for development to work the way they are prescribing, it'll take decades to a century. I believe that is the major weakness of their argument. Sure, everyone knows that community owned change is the key to sustainable development, but millions die in extreme poverty every year. Sometimes, you can't wait for these communities to spur their own development.

[Katie]

This book has been sitting next to my bed for months now and I've failed to get motivated enough to complete it. I'm sure there are some good lessons in here for development professionals (but I found the beginning a bit too self-aggrandizing). Maybe I'll give it another go sometime in the future.

[Ashley]

I am in the beginning of this book, and taking a little bite at a time. Lots of info and theories on community development.

[Alisa Wheeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

A difficult but informative read. A must read for anyone interested in Community Development.

[Vivien · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tedious and repetitive. I was too annoyed with the tone of the book to engage with the content, even if I agreed with the authors. Many of the arguments seemed incomplete and one-sided.

[Kenny V · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting ideas and useful for those thinking about global health and development work.