Chapter 3: History of Community Development Flashcards
What global event triggered an increased interest in community development in Canada?
World War II: colonies were virtually abandoned by Britain, and a strong economy made more funds available for community-led initiatives
Why did the federal government fund the Company of Young Canadians in the 1960s and 70s?
As a channel for youth, influenced by the anti-establishment movement, to funnel their energies into helping others
What was the Preventive Social Services Act
An Alberta initiative in the 1960s to channel federal and provincial funds to municipalities, requiring them to determine their own priorities for preventive social programs.
What are Local Community Service Centres/CLSCs?
A network of neighbourhood-based health and social service centres in Quebec that respond to local social and economic priorities
What were settlement homes, and who are they associated with?
Multi-service neighbourhood organizations that worked to meet basic needs and take political action for those living in poverty; Jane Addams
What was the Industrial Areas Foundation, and who is it associated with?
A foundation established with the goal of building organizations that enhanced local political power and social change; Saul Alinsky
What is critical consciousness, and who is it associated with?
Individuals’ or groups’ awareness of the structures that oppress them; Paulo Freire
What are economic co-ops, and who are they associated with?
Economic organizations that are owned by workers themselves and help retain profits locally; Jimmy Tompkins and Moses Coady
Where did Jane Addams get inspiration for her North American settlement houses?
Witnessing severe poverty and settlement homes, specifically Toynbee Hall, while on vacation in Europe
What was the Highlander Folk School, and who is it associated with?
A peer education organization in Tennessee focused on bringing people, who otherwise wouldn’t have access to formal education, together in order to share their knowledge and develop solutions to shared problems; Myles Horton
What made Saul Alinsky one of North America’s most controversial community organizers?
-Abrasive and condescending speaking style
-Relentless criticism of professionals in power
-Confrontational social change model based on military strategy
What were Alinsky’s instructions for people involved in community organizing?
Pick a target, freeze it, personalize it, and then polarize it
Alinsky had 11 “Rules for Radicals” for using power tactics. Name 6.
-Power isn’t what you have, but what the other side thinks you have
-Don’t go outside the expertise of your people
-Go outside the expertise of your target
-Force your target to live by their own rules
-Ridicule is potent
-A good tactic is enjoyable; one that drags on isn’t good
-Keep applying pressure
-A threat is worse than the actual experience
-Use others’ mistakes for your benefit
-Have an alternative in mind in case the target comes to you
-Pick a target, then freeze it; make it personal and polarized
What were some characteristics of the oppressed that Freire observed?
-Frequently exhibit a kindly acceptance (ex. “Blessed are the poor”)
-Self-deprecation, devaluing of their knowledge, and learned helplessness
-Negative internalized beliefs (sick, lazy, and unproductive, etc.)
-Magical belief in the invulnerability of the oppressor
-Culture of silence; preoccupied with meeting basic needs and blocked from developing critical consciousness
According to Freire, the relationship between the oppressed and the oppressor is characterized by:
Dehumanization of both the oppressed (by their life situation) and the oppressor (by their necessity to oppress)
