How do we build a better world where communities thrive? In this program, we will help to answer that question by providing students with a foundation for change work with communities and organizations. We’ll use seminar time to explore how theory from public administration, social work, critical theory, and abolitionist perspectives answer our guiding question. We’ll also use workshop time to engage practice skills to support students in building concrete skills for community and organizational change.
This program will engage topics including defining and characterizing community; collaboration, advocacy, and empowerment in community-based work; diversity, difference, and power in communities; community assessments; and approaches to use when conducting and evaluating community initiatives. Students will learn facilitation skills for community engagement aimed at developing and strengthening relationships within and between communities and organizations. After completing this course, students will be prepared with analytic and practical skills for work as community organizers and leaders in professional as well as non-professional settings.
This course meets online in Zoom once a week with four face-to-face Saturday intensives in weeks 1, 3, 7, and 10.
Four Saturday classes:
October 3, 2026, 11am-4pm
October 17, 2026, 11am-4pm
November 14, 2026, 11am-4pm
December 5, 2026, 11am-4pm
Students will also complete two field observations on their own time outside of class during the term.
Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:
2 - Qualitative Methods
3 - Social Work Practice in Communities and Organizations
3 - Public Administration: Community Engagement and Leadership