Community, Empowerment and Sustainable Development

by Blewitt John (ed)

The first in The Converging World Series from the Schumacher Institute, this book explores a compelling range of community-based activities from different cultures and nations which help nurture intercultural understanding and practices of sustainable development. The specially commissioned chapters from practitioners and academics offer a set of interconnected case studies, personal stories, philosophical discussions and critical reflections on direct experiences, focussing on co-operative action, creative media innovation and community empowerment connecting individuals, groups, organisations from across our converging world. At the book's core is a central belief that ecological sustainability can only be attained through social learning, community empowerment, participation and a commitment to global justice. It is the first in a series of books addressing issues emerging from the Schumacher Institute's Converging World Initiative. Contributors John Blewitt (University of Exeter), Ian Roderick /Nicola Jones (Schumacher Institute), Dr S Cletus Babu (SCAD Tamil Nadu), David Selby (University of Plymouth), G. Nagarajan (SCAD), Ros Wade et al (London South Bank University), Lucy Thompson (MSc student University of Exeter), Donna Ladkin (Cranfield University), Siobhan Riordan MA (University of East London/University of Exeter), Kaz Janowski (BBC World Service) Monica Janowski (University of Sussex). Contents The Converging World - Empowerment through eduction (SCAD's experience) - Globabl education as sustainable community education - Diaspora global networks and local learning - equity, empowerment and partnership - Human well-being and the natural environment - NGOs & carbon a potential space for Convergence - Drawing on using local radio in Africa to bring about change - Picturing the lives of others

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2008

Reviews

[Michael Layden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A variety of short essays, some of which I really liked. Others didn't seem particularly relevant.
They give a bite sized taste of several different problems and approaches to them.