Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Building Communities of Hope: How People are Making Positive Change

Rate this book
Book: Building Communities of Hope
Author: Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan

Would you like to bring more hope and power into your life? Can you see yourself as an influencer and force for positive change?

Each one of us, deep down, has the spirit and fire within to make positive changes that bring joy and hope to ourselves and others. Most of us have wondered more than once: “How can I make a difference?” This book helps you answer that question!

This Expanded Version of Building Communities of Hope helps us to:

• Believe in ourselves.
• Take steps to improve our lives.
• Address challenges and break through barriers.
• Build hope that’s our own – that’s practical and works for us.
• Strengthen our personal purpose and power.
• Win friends, influence, lead, and support others.
• Be a force for positive change in our communities.

Building Communities of Hope is a guide for those of us who yearn for a change in our lives. It’s a roadmap for creating positivity and a meaningful difference in our communities and society. It’s a resource for those who need support and motivation to recover from life’s challenges.

We can face multiple difficulties in life. Things like natural disasters, accidents, health challenges, economic setbacks, addiction, inequities, climate change, and war. We often feel overwhelmed when we go through these challenges. This book teaches that there is a way through and beyond these challenges, especially when we rely on each other. Together, we have the power to do just about anything. That power is life-changing. This book is a practical guide with lots of stories and examples.

Building Communities of Hope shares how people from many walks of life bring positive changes to their lives and those around them. Settings include Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Louisiana, California, New York, Texas, Wyoming, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, England, Central America, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Ukraine. Readers shared they found practical tools from the stories about the people featured in the book. A few of the stories include:

• The “little old lady in tennis shoes” who led a movement for positive change for older adults.
• A boy who influenced others to help the homeless, which grew into a large housing nonprofit.
• A model of recovery on a motorcycle who brought health and healing to communities.
• An engine on fire who engaged her entire community to give and build resources for children.
• Someone who moved from an office in a broom closet to lead sweeping change.
• People who are living through health crises with love, faith, and hope.

Every step makes a difference.

Every single thing we do makes a difference. What we do to promote compassion and justice matters. Our work together builds over time, and creates positive change that can be unstoppable! That’s because every single act of kindness, compassion, love, shared action, advocacy, and justice has ripple effects. This my friend, is how we make lasting, positive changes in our lives and the lives of others. It’s how we influence others, lift each other up, and power up our communities!
You have the power within you!

You have a spiritual power and force deep within you. When connected to others and the energies of the universe, this power within you can create immense and positive change. You can connect with that spiritual “slipstream” and power up your life and the lives of those around you.

Let that spark in you connect with the energy all around you to light up your life. Connect with others. Support one another on the journey. Let that create a movement that powers up your life, and builds your community.

Paperback

Published August 1, 2020

8 people are currently reading
7 people want to read

About the author

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
14 (63%)
4 stars
5 (22%)
3 stars
3 (13%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Literary Reviewer.
1,178 reviews94 followers
February 22, 2023
Building Communities of Hope by Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan is an inspiring guide that serves as a beacon of hope and motivation to transform ourselves and bring positive change to our communities and society. With years of experience and expertise, the author has compiled a comprehensive resource to help those who seek support and guidance through challenging times. This guide comprises various components, such as self-belief, steps to improve one’s life, breaking through barriers, and becoming a driving force for positive change in communities, among others.

The book provides practical tools and examples from people from different walks of life who have brought positive changes to their lives and those around them. These stories feature people like us, who, through their vision and drive, have become exceptional treasures for society. After reading this powerful guide, I was filled with hope and truly inspired.

The author’s brilliance shines through in this masterpiece, which is sure to help and motivate generations to come. Dr. Anne’s writing style is clear and concise, making this book user-friendly for readers of all backgrounds to grasp with ease. Her guidance is compelling, and if utilized in our day-to-day lives, not just individually but as a community, I am confident that many communities will benefit, making the world a better place to live. In the author’s words, “optimism and helping each other is the way to move forward.” Each story is a gem, and my personal favorite is “Packaging Hope in Purple Tennis Shoes.” Maggie Kuhna was a phenomenal woman of intellect and wisdom who brought about an important social change.

Building Communities of Hope is a great book that guides readers toward building a strong community through good deeds. It is also a much-needed resource for self-healing from life’s challenges and advocating compassion, kindness, and love to support one another.
Profile Image for Evelyn.
1,193 reviews26 followers
February 23, 2023
Building Communities of Hope: How People are Making Positive Change by Dr. Anne Hays Egan is a compelling guidebook aimed at a general audience, offering inspiration and practical advice on how to effect positive change in the world. As a Presbyterian Minister, Dr. Egan has made it her life's work to encourage everyday people to make a difference in their communities, and this book is a testament to her passion and dedication.
What sets this book apart are the many inspiring true stories of ordinary people who have made a significant impact on the world through simple yet powerful acts of generosity. The writing is thought-provoking and inspiring, leaving readers infected with the desire to make a difference in their own lives and those of others.
The collaboration part of the book, where readers are encouraged to write and share their own stories, is a particularly valuable addition. Dr. Egan's writing is so encouraging and challenging that readers will be inspired to take action and create their own positive change in the world.
The book's title is apt and immediately captured my attention. As an ordinary person, I have often wondered how I could make a difference in the world. The pages of this book reveal that getting started on this journey is easier than we might think, but it does require support and guidance. Dr. Egan's work provides both, and her presentation of the ups and downs of the collaborative process is authentic and refreshing.
Overall, I believe that this book is a powerful tool that can help many people find their path to positive change. It has certainly helped me in many ways, and I am now inspired to make a real difference in my community. The frameworks provided by Dr. Egan are valuable for anyone seeking to become a better person or support others in need.
Profile Image for Lynda Stevens.
286 reviews13 followers
January 27, 2023
This book comes with examples both from the States. And from the surrounding Americas, on how determined individuals can make a difference to. Impoverished communities, and I initiate change. A lot of these stories sound like mini biographies of said game changers, alongside a slap on the back to them.

This is edifying to be sure, not so sure there is quite so much on specific guidance and techniques on how to bring about these social changes to its readers. However, if so motivated, readers are invited to contact the writer personally if they would like advice and feedback on how to proceed.

This book seems to be designed more to motivate and cheerlead, though I suspect that a certain amount of toughness and charisma would be essential qualities to possess in order to achieve these great things. The writer, being a reverend, would say having faith and self belief beyond any personal ego issues are what are needed. It's clear that the writer is well acquainted with illness, death and adversity, but still manages to be something of a Pollyanna - not saying that being a Pollyanna is a bad thing (she seems to be a bit of a New Ager too, which this reviewer did find more irritating at certain points, though this does balance out any potential pulpit sermonising).

Never has the situation on mother Earth been as grave as it is now, and partbpf the premise of this book is to remind its readers to brace for current world crises to really bite. Resourcefulness as well as hope and faith may well be required in more ways than we can imagine in the future, during the current terrible twenties and beyond.

This book might suit those who want to hear about those who have done something, at least.
Profile Image for jullan .
14 reviews
February 23, 2023
Building Communities of Hope by Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan is a remarkable collection of inspiring stories that showcase how ordinary people have made a positive impact in their communities. These stories, categorized into 10 different themes, are an insightful reflection of how small acts of kindness can lead to significant, positive change. Through these stories, Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan demonstrates how age, economic status, or background do not limit one's ability to contribute to the betterment of their community.

The book is an eye-opener, which showcases that making a difference does not require huge sums of money or resources. The author provides practical examples of how small acts of kindness can make a profound impact on people's lives. As we read the inspiring stories of ordinary people, we are reminded that every act of kindness matters, no matter how small it may seem.

In today's world, where we are constantly exposed to conflicts and challenges, these stories of kindness, love, and camaraderie provide a much-needed reminder of the goodness that exists in the world. This book is not only inspiring, but it is also a great resource for anyone seeking to make a positive change in their community.

Among the many wonderful stories, Ralph's story, "They're his legs for a while," stands out. The story is a powerful testament to how a community can come together in times of need, providing a glimpse into the transformative power of kindness and collaboration.

Building Communities of Hope is an uplifting and motivating read that reminds us of the power of small acts of kindness. Through the stories shared in this book, we can learn valuable lessons and be inspired to make a difference in our own communities.
Profile Image for Chico's Mom.
908 reviews7 followers
February 23, 2023

Building Communities of Hope by Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan is a remarkable collection of inspiring stories that showcase how ordinary people have made a positive impact in their communities. These stories, categorized into 10 different themes, are an insightful reflection of how small acts of kindness can lead to significant, positive change. Through these stories, Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan demonstrates how age, economic status, or background do not limit one's ability to contribute to the betterment of their community.

The book is an eye-opener, which showcases that making a difference does not require huge sums of money or resources. The author provides practical examples of how small acts of kindness can make a profound impact on people's lives. As we read the inspiring stories of ordinary people, we are reminded that every act of kindness matters, no matter how small it may seem.

In today's world, where we are constantly exposed to conflicts and challenges, these stories of kindness, love, and camaraderie provide a much-needed reminder of the goodness that exists in the world. This book is not only inspiring, but it is also a great resource for anyone seeking to make a positive change in their community.

Among the many wonderful stories, Ralph's story, "They're his legs for a while," stands out. The story is a powerful testament to how a community can come together in times of need, providing a glimpse into the transformative power of kindness and collaboration.

Building Communities of Hope is an uplifting and motivating read that reminds us of the power of small acts of kindness. Through the stories shared in this book, we can learn valuable lessons and be inspired to make a difference in our own communities.

Profile Image for Conscientious.
484 reviews10 followers
February 22, 2023
Building Communities of Hope, written by Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan, is a truly inspiring and motivational guide for individuals seeking to make a positive impact on their communities and society at large. Drawing from years of experience and expertise, the author has created a comprehensive resource that offers guidance and support for those who have faced challenges in their lives. This guide covers a range of topics, including self-belief, steps for self-improvement, overcoming obstacles, and becoming a driving force for positive change in one's community. The diverse stories included in the book serve as shining examples of what communities are capable of achieving when people come together with vision and drive.

As I finished reading this powerful guide, I felt a renewed sense of hope and inspiration. Dr. Egan's brilliance is evident in the creation of this masterpiece that will motivate and guide readers for generations to come. Her writing style is clear and simple, making it easy for readers of all levels to understand and apply the guidance provided. The author's compelling insights are actionable and, if followed daily, have the potential to benefit not only individuals but entire communities. As Dr. Egan states, optimism, and mutual aid are key to moving forward.

Every chapter provides valuable lessons and insights, with detailed content on each topic. Overall, this is a great book for building strong communities, one good deed at a time. It is also a much-needed resource for self-improvement, healing from life's challenges, and advocating for compassion, kindness, and love. I rate this book 5 stars and encourage everyone to read it and make it a way of life.
Profile Image for Haisam Syyed.
194 reviews3 followers
February 24, 2023
Building Communities of Hope: How People are Making Positive Changeby Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan is an inspiring and thought-provoking book that delves into the importance of bringing hope and power into your life, as well as the lives of others. The author's message is clear: each of us has a great fire within us, and it is up to us to make that fire burn brighter by taking steps to actively change our lives for the better, address challenges, and break through barriers that have held us back. 

This book provides a roadmap for creating positivity and meaningful change in your life, and serves as an invaluable guide to building hope and overcoming the multiple challenges we face every day. The author's insights on the benefits of self-hope and the power of human connection are truly remarkable, and she makes a strong case for working with others to overcome fear and despair. 

Building Communities of Hope is a well-written, user-friendly guide that is accessible to readers from all walks of life. The book's emphasis on the importance of love, patience, and confidence in every step of the journey is both heartening and uplifting. The stories and examples included in this book provide a powerful testament to the transformative power of hope, and serve as a reminder that every single step we take in our lives is an important one. 

Overall, Building Communities of Hope is a 5 out of 5-star read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to make positive changes in their life or in the lives of others. It is a valuable resource that is sure to inspire and motivate readers for years to come. 
Profile Image for Ashley Mitchell.
441 reviews10 followers
February 24, 2023
Building Communities of Hope: How People are Making Positive Change by Dr. Anne Hays Egan is a spiritually-guided book that delves into the notion of hope and its ability to ignite positive change in the world. The book is divided into ten sections, each highlighting how ordinary individuals have transformed their communities through the power of hope, faith, and love. From fighting for resources for impoverished communities to advocating for equitable and compassionate living, Dr. Hays Egan illustrates how hope can spark community-building and encourage activism.

One of the notable aspects of this book is the author's approach to hope from multiple perspectives, including various religious and spiritual beliefs. This makes the message more universal and inclusive. The stories in the book offer a source of inspiration, providing readers with ideas on how they can contribute to positive change in their communities.

What stands out about this book is the emphasis on introspection and self-discovery. Dr. Hays Egan stresses the importance of finding one's own passion and talent as the most productive way of making a difference in the world. The final chapter includes practical tips on how to develop a mindset that fosters positivity and change.

Building Communities of Hope is a thought-provoking and engaging read that offers a message of hope and empowerment to its readers. The stories included in the book serve as a reminder that collective action can lead to positive change. If you're looking for a book that will inspire you to make a difference in your community and the world at large, this is an excellent choice.
Profile Image for Celeste.
995 reviews24 followers
February 22, 2023
Building Communities of Hope authored by the renowned Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan is an inspiring and enlightening read. The book offers practical guidance and encouragement to readers who wish to bring positive change to their lives and communities. At a time when the world is beset with negativity and despair, this book provides a much-needed perspective on how to make a positive impact.
Rev. Dr. Egan's writing style is both engaging and accessible, striking a balance between being earnest and concise. Her storytelling skills shine through, breathing life into the real-world examples and advice that she provides in the book. The stories move at a brisk pace, while remaining interesting and thought-provoking. The author carefully reflects on her experiences, allowing readers to feel a strong emotional connection with the individuals portrayed in the narrative.
Building Communities of Hope emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself, while also working towards the betterment of one's community. Rev. Dr. Egan's message is clear - each one of us has the potential to be an agent of change, but we must first work on healing ourselves before attempting to help others.
This book is an excellent resource for anyone who is seeking guidance on how to overcome life's challenges and problems. It teaches us to be brave, resilient, and live life to the fullest. I highly recommend "Building Communities of Hope" to anyone looking for a practical and motivational guide to positive change, and believe it deserves the highest commendation.
Profile Image for Marina  Lujan .
847 reviews13 followers
February 22, 2023
Building Communities of Hope is a truly inspirational book for anyone seeking a positive change in their lives. It provides valuable insights on how to take control of your life, empower yourself, and cultivate self-belief. In addition to benefiting your own life, this book also teaches you how to bring hope and joy to those around you who may be facing life's daily challenges, including health issues, financial difficulties, and addictions.

I found this book to be an enjoyable and reassuring read, providing a recipe for encouraging more hope and joy in my life. It is a valuable resource for anyone looking for guidance during difficult times or when facing important decisions or challenges.

What I appreciate most about this book is how it encourages self-empowerment, self-improvement, and self-esteem building as a means to help others achieve the same. Its positive message is inspiring, calling for us to contribute to positive change in our society and communities.

Reading Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan's book has provided me with invaluable insights, inspiration, and techniques to make small yet significant positive changes in my life and in the lives of others. The techniques and advice presented in the book are approachable, easy to achieve, and simple to incorporate into your daily routine.

Overall, Building Communities of Hope is a well-written and user-friendly book that has come into my life at the right time. It is truly a gift, and I am grateful to the author for creating and sharing this wonderful resource.
Profile Image for Almiria.
668 reviews8 followers
February 22, 2023
Building Communities of Hope written by Reverend Dr. Anne Hays Egan is a highly inspiring and deeply impactful book that has the potential to transform the reader's life. The book features poignant stories of individuals, both young and old, who have contributed to making the world a better place. Reverend Dr. Anne Hays Egan emphasizes that each of us has the power to make a difference, even if we are not aware of it, and shows us how we can positively impact our communities and the world.

The book is divided into ten well-structured chapters, each of which focuses on different positive scenarios. The chapters range from overcoming challenges by cultivating hope to strengthening the inner compass, as the author aptly puts it. Each chapter has an engaging heading that helps the reader quickly find the most relevant section for their particular situation.

The true stories in the book about individuals who raised the level of compassion in their communities are especially poignant and moving. What I found most appealing about this book is that it centers on positive emotions such as joy, compassion, gratitude, perseverance, and hope. It highlights acts of giving, overcoming despair, and sharing positive experiences, which create a ripple effect that spreads these positive feelings and actions to greater heights.

Ultimately, this book teaches us that by working together, we can overcome any obstacle and transform negatives into positives. I highly recommend this motivational and insightful read, and it deserves five stars.
82 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2023
An inspirational stuff i
recently had the pleasure of reading "Building Communities of hope: How People are making positive change," written beautifully by Dr. Anne Hays Egan. As the title suggests, this book is based on hope and real-life stories of people making impactful changes.

In the book, the writer tells several stories of people who are working towards uplifting society. The writer has emphasized that even the smallest efforts of hope can bring a huge impact on the lives of people. This book is full of inspiration, vigor, and hope and fills every corner of your body and mind with positivity. Not only are the stories of people serving humanity told, but the tools for fulfilling your life with hope are also mentioned.

One of the things that stood out to me about the book was the way it is divided into different sections. Each section is filled with impactful stories and tools for changing lives.

This is a life-changing book. The author has done a great job of immersing the reader in the story and touching the reader's heart. All in all, this book is for all who need a ray of hope in their lives.
Profile Image for Kathrin Spinnler.
116 reviews12 followers
January 23, 2023
Building Communities of Hope: How People are Making Positive Change by Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan is a self-help book about how ordinary people are changing the world. The author tells the stories about community leaders and inspirational individuals she has met and worked with. From young children to people in their 80s, everyone can make a difference.


The book is split up into ten sections, each of which examines an important concept. There are stories about introverted leaders, retired people finding a new purpose in life, and normal citizens changing their communities with their enthusiasm and effort. The author also includes some chapters about topics like finding hope, giving, building hope, and dealing with challenges. At the end of the book, there are a lot of helpful tips for people who would like to start making a difference.


I would recommend the book to people who love reading nonfiction books and those interested in leading communities or changing social inequities.
Profile Image for Carol Palmer.
609 reviews5 followers
September 3, 2021
This was a pleasant book, but it wasn't what I thought it would be. I was hoping for a book that told the stories of different people from different communities (it does that) who worked with people in their communities to provide community support (it does that), giving specific steps or methods that each person used (it doesn't really do that). Instead of being a book of practical suggestions or steps to take in community building, it was more of a cheerleading book to praise specific people who do community building. That's nice, but not very helpful in a practical way. It might have helped if I lived in New Mexico, since most of the book centered around that state. At least I might have recognized some names of people or programs, but alas, being from east Texas, I didn't have that personal connection.
Profile Image for M.A..
Author 5 books7 followers
August 8, 2023
Build a Better World One Story at a Time

This book is very inspiring as it provides many different stories of real people making a difference in their community. It will make you want to go out and make a difference anyway that you can.

I love that the book ends with ways to care for yourself and others, and leads you to find the best way that you can contribute to your own community by using your talents.

After reading, there are questions for the reader to answer which will help them tell their own story of community building.

This is a great book for church and other organizations to read through for inspiration on how to make a difference.
Profile Image for Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan.
19 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2020
I hope that many people can read this book about how leaders in communities across the US are making positive change. I welcome feedback from others about the book. Thanks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
March 7, 2023
Exceptional Read! With so much bad new in the world today, it's refreshing to read GOOD NEWS! This book with inspire and encourage you to go out a make a difference in your community.
93 reviews3 followers
January 23, 2023
Egan’s Book is a breath of fresh air thanks to its attempt to capture stories of hope and how different communities are transforming society. The “Living in the Slipstream” as she calls it is a perfect description of how collaboration contributes to overall impact. The author describes many challenges that have drastically affected the lives of people globally including the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and climate change. It is interesting how the author approaches these challenges with an optimistic look. All hope is not lost! Each one can make a difference in their own small ways is a big statement. People can overcome setbacks. While Egan dwells on hope as a solution, she does not capture other vices rampant in society such as corruption, discrimination and marginalization, racism, political ill-will, inequalities, among others. The world is plagued by these factors to a great extent contributing to increased poverty, environmental degradation, and poor infrastructure. While people can pool resources and rely on hope to solve societies’ prevalent issues, there is a limit as to how much hope can achieve. It is however an interesting read, one that acknowledges faith in humanity. The author displays her expertise in the subject by mentioning great leaders who have made a positive difference in their own unique ways. Hope is the anchor! I was moved by how spirited efforts from small communities have immense power. There is a spiritual healing in interacting with the communal stories. In a world plagued with despair and hopelessness, no deed is small.
82 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2023
An inspirational stuff
I recently had the pleasure of reading "Building Communities of hope: How People are making positive change," written beautifully by Dr. Anne Hays Egan. As the title suggests, this book is based on hope and real-life stories of people making impactful changes.

In the book, the writer tells several stories of people who are working towards uplifting society. The writer has emphasized that even the smallest efforts of hope can bring a huge impact on the lives of people. This book is full of inspiration, vigor, and hope and fills every corner of your body and mind with positivity. Not only are the stories of people serving humanity told, but the tools for fulfilling your life with hope are also mentioned.

One of the things that stood out to me about the book was the way it is divided into different sections. Each section is filled with impactful stories and tools for changing lives.

This is a life-changing book. The author has done a great job of immersing the reader in the story and touching the reader's heart. All in all, this book is for all who need a ray of hope in their lives.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.