Review of a book The Communication Book

"The Community Book" by John McKnight and Jody Kretzmann is a comprehensive guide to building strong and vibrant communities. Drawing on decades of research and practical experience, the authors present a framework for community development that is based on the strengths and assets of individuals and neighborhoods.

The book is divided into two parts. Part One lays out the authors' approach to community development, which they call "asset-based community development." This approach is based on the premise that every community has a wealth of resources and strengths that can be harnessed to address its own challenges and problems. The authors argue that traditional approaches to community development often focus on the needs and deficits of a community, rather than its assets and strengths. This can lead to a culture of dependency, where outside experts are brought in to solve problems that could be addressed by the community itself.

To counter this approach, the authors advocate for a community-driven approach to development that is based on the strengths and assets of individuals and neighborhoods. They argue that every community has its own unique strengths, whether it's a talented pool of volunteers, a strong local economy, or a vibrant arts scene. By building on these strengths, communities can create their own solutions to problems and become more resilient in the face of challenges.

Part Two of the book is a practical guide to putting the principles of asset-based community development into action. The authors provide a step-by-step process for identifying and mobilizing a community's assets, building effective partnerships, and creating a vision for the future. They also offer practical advice on how to engage diverse groups of people, build trust, and navigate the political and bureaucratic landscape of community development.

One of the strengths of "The Community Book" is its emphasis on the importance of community-driven development. The authors argue that traditional approaches to community development often focus on the needs and deficits of a community, rather than its assets and strengths. This can lead to a culture of dependency, where outside experts are brought in to solve problems that could be addressed by the community itself. By focusing on the strengths and assets of a community, the authors argue, communities can become more resilient and self-sufficient.

Another strength of the book is its emphasis on the importance of building strong partnerships. The authors stress the importance of bringing together diverse groups of people and organizations, including residents, businesses, non-profits, and government agencies. They provide practical advice on how to build trust, foster collaboration, and work through conflicts. This is an important message in today's polarized world, where building consensus and working across political and ideological lines can be a challenge.

However, there are also a few weaknesses to the book. One is that at times, the book can feel somewhat academic and theoretical. While the authors provide numerous examples of successful community development projects, there are moments when the book feels more like a textbook than a practical guide. This may make it less accessible to readers who are looking for a more hands-on approach to community development.

Another weakness is that the book can be somewhat repetitive at times. The authors drive home the importance of asset-based community development throughout the book, but there are moments when it feels like they are rehashing the same ideas over and over again.

Overall, "The Community Book" is a comprehensive and informative guide to building strong and vibrant communities. The authors' emphasis on asset-based community development and the importance of building strong partnerships is particularly timely and needed in today's world. While the book can be somewhat academic at times, it offers practical advice and strategies for community leaders and activists who are looking to build stronger and more resilient communities.