Community Development

Little Giants of Paradise is a short novel showcasing Jaime Bedoya Martínez’s talent for creating fantastical storylines premised on the mundane and the visceral; that is, the natural world of insects and the surprisingly sophisticated social rituals and hierarchies which dominate their existence. His experience and insight as a laborer, manager, and educator in the fields of Colombia—a region blessed with some of the most diverse ecological areas in the world—is in full display as he creates modern mythological heroes and legends, not mythologies based on cultural or religious ...

David Korten argues that global corporate consolidation of power is but one manifestation of what he calls "Empire", the organization of society by hierarchies of dominance that have held sway for the past 5,000 years. Empire has always resulted in misery for the many and fortune for the few. Now it threatens the very future of humanity. The Great Turning traces the ancient roots of Empire and charts its long evolution from monarchies to the transnational institutions of the global economy.

Your experiences and expertise can make a profound difference in someone else's life. But to create a profitable business from your stories, you need to say good-bye to rapid strategy switching and hello to a simple plan for growing your audience. In this entertaining how-to guide, marketing mentor Nikki Nash reveals a straightforward, three-step process for generating audience growth and consistent revenue.

We each have our own unique hospitality personality. And when you tap into yours, you'll find a lot more blessing with a lot less stressing. With personal assessments, encouraging stories, and plenty of practical ideas, Morgan Tyree shows you how to identify and embrace your hospitality personality so you can stop worrying and start enjoying yourself and your guests. She helps you understand your hospitality habits, hurdles, and hang-ups, then offers real-life solutions that fit you.

Certain businesses are legendary, exerting immense influence in their field. Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is one of those places. Over the years, the flagship deli has expanded into a community of more than a dozen businesses, including a wildly successful mail order operation, restaurants, bakery, coffee roastery, creamery, candy maker, and events space—transforming Ann Arbor into a destination for food lovers.

Our journey through life as African Americans comes with unique hurdles—generational struggles, systemic biases, and often unspoken pressures within our communities and families. In this book, I share my personal journey of overcoming toxic influences, offering tools and perspectives shaped by the strength and resilience of our culture. Chapter Themes Include: Understanding Toxic Influences: Recognize the patterns of behavior that hinder growth, whether from relationships, workplaces, or societal narratives.

A series of shifts are happening in our economy: Millennials are trading in conventional career paths to launch tech start-ups, start small businesses that are rooted in local communities, or freelance their expertise. We are sharing everything, from bikes and cars, to extra rooms in our homes. We now create, buy and sell handcrafted products in our local communities with ease. CEO of Imperative Aaron Hurst argues in his latest book that while these developments seem unrelated at first, taken together they reveal a powerful pattern that points to purpose as the new driver of the American economy.

Online church is the new front door to visitors. Is your church connecting effectively with people behind the screen? When the pandemic forced congregations to set up online services in record time, people thought it would be temporary. But for too many, online church has become a staple, the new front door for visitors. But what does this mean for congregations who struggle to effectively reach online guests? Is it possible to create a connected virtual experience that fosters Christian community and enhances our faith? In Visiting Online Church: A Journey Exploring Effective Digital ...

Master the art of communication in your relationship in just a few weeks, even if endless quarrels and misunderstandings have formed your everyday reality. Are you seeking concrete strategies to improve your communication and strengthen your relationship? Do you feel unheard or misunderstood by your partner? Have trivial issues snowballed into bitter disagreements because of poor communication? Are you yearning to rebuild trust, navigate life changes together, and maintain intimacy over time but don’t know where to start? If so, then this book is your ultimate guide.

Over the past several years, Hardwick, Vermont, a typical hardscrabble farming community of three thousand residents, has jump-started its economy and redefined its self-image through a local, self-sustaining food system unlike anything else in America.

Written by Funk Roberts with Mike and Rick Tielemans, known as The Tribe Guys, this book draws on decades of combined experience and deep research into what makes communities so powerful. Mike and Rick dedicated years to studying the positive aspects of cult psychology and human behavior, uncovering timeless principles that drive loyalty, connection, and influence. By applying these 27 secrets, the team built Funk Roberts' Over 40 Alpha Membership into a $3.5 million success, and Funk has helped build other multi-six-figure Tribe-based businesses.

We are ready to rise up. But how, exactly, do we do this? How does one reconcile? What we need is a clear sense of direction. Based on her extensive consulting experience with churches, colleges and organizations, Rev. Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil has created a roadmap to show us the way. She guides us through the common topics of discussion and past the bumpy social terrain and political boundaries that will arise. In this revised and expanded edition, McNeil has updated her signature roadmap to incorporate insights from her more recent work.

This book delves into the multifaceted effects of divorce within the black community, a group that has faced unique historical, economic, and social challenges. By exploring these impacts, I aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics at play. - Macio Donner Sr.

Road trips with kids aren't easy, but new parents of twins Stephanie and Jeremy Puglisi became experts at creating lasting family memories without breaking the bank. From hiking with infants to navigating RV camping in state parks and camping in national parks - these outdoor lovers have tried it all, and See You at the Campground is packed with personal anecdotes, packing lists, site recommendations, and recipes that will help you create a one-of-a-kind vacation on a family-friendly budget.

Life changes dramatically for the entire family when the decision is made to move a person who has dementia from home to community care. Rachael Wonderlin - a gerontologist, dementia care expert, and popular dementia care blogger - helps caregivers cope with the difficult behaviors, emotions, and anxieties that both they and their loved one may experience.

What if you and just a handful of other dedicated, generous women could affect powerful change? That’s the question Wendy H. Steele set out to answer when she founded Impact100, one of today’s most significant grassroots organizations. In Invitation to Impact, she shares her story of creating a unique, successful giving model, as well as the stories of the amazing women who helped to make it grow, empowering you to spark change in your own community.

Picture this: You’re juggling project deadlines while poring over planning regulations that make no sense. Or you’re trying to design a thriving community space, but no one shows up to your engagement sessions. Maybe you’re stuck battling outdated zoning laws that stifle innovation. Sound familiar?

Coping Skills for Teens with Autism provides essential guides and tips for helping teenagers with autism develop the skills they need to navigate life's challenges and improve their quality of life. The coping skills shared here are not just for immediate relief—rather, they will become an integral part of the teenager and fortify them with a lifetime of knowledge and self-help tools.

Looking for ways to create a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle? Interested in learning about bartering and trading in a homesteading community? Look no further! Trading Together is the ultimate guide to understanding the benefits and challenges of trading within a close-knit community. With 20 comprehensive chapters, this eBook covers everything you need to know about trading with others on a homestead. Begin with an introduction to barter, trade, and community, and then dive into the history of bartering and trading. Discover the different types of trading, including direct and ...

The Community of Grief maps the landscape of communal mourning and provides insight, structure and inquiry to support anyone called to “hold space” for Grief. This book explores the dynamics that already exist and that are also needing to be set in motion in order to remember and reimagine collective mourning in community spaces.