Community: The Structure of Belonging

Great book

Challenged both democratic and conservative ideologies. At times perhaps a little esoteric, but nonetheless, a strong application intended to transform our ideas about what it means to be a community, to live as empowered citizens rather than "consumers", stop waiting for leaders to save us, to restore trust where it is broken and ultimately (and after a long time of hard work and persistence) end political suffering. Block makes it seem doable. Found myself getting the most out of the details. Might not be great for skimmers.

The restoration of community is a vital need for us today. Block suggests that the first step to community is to quit thinking of community as a problem and instead to define it as conversations -- conversations of possibility. Block sees the role of leadership as convening small groups, which he sees as the unit of transformation. In starting the conversations in these groups, the leader needs to remember that questions are more transforming than answers; curiosity more useful than advice. He explains what questions have power and what questions squelch power. He also explains how to invite people, how to facilitate accountability and ownership, and the importance of physical space for meetings and how to design it. Having dealt with these issues a long time myself, I was pleased to see some of my wisdom validated and also to learn important new wrinkles about small groups and community.

Block's book is a simple primer for restoring the health and vibrancy of a community or creating one. By looking at and giving energy to the gifts of the community rather than it's problems, a community will grow.Block encapsulates each chapter at the end of the book which can serve as a great review or a resource for someone who wants a quick understanding.Reminded me of the old parable where the monk leaves a dying community to seek advice on what to do and returns telling the remaining monks individually that he is the messiah. Eventually the community thrives because each man believes he is important

It is the responsibility of public school administrators to create a strong community in their learning organization.Neighborhood businesses need to be included in this emotional and educational support system.This book offers ways to move forward with ways to achieve inclusion in a diverse income and ethnic world.

Ok book

For nearly 25 years, it has been my privilege to work with community leaders as they seek enhancement of the places they live. Block's book is the best I've read about the complexity and potential success of community work if leaders and volunteers are asking the right questions and learning to live collaboratively.While those reading this review don't know me, my recommendation: buy the book, devour it, AND use the principles in it.

Used the book for a graduate class. Needed edition 2, but this is a first edition. It will work just fine. Super happy that it arrived in two days!! Thanks for that.

Block does a singularly great job of distilling the most valuable insights around a noun like Community - defining it as a verb. He synthesizes so many others' work that the book then reflects a community of ideas on community and focuses on creating space for people to gather and communicate. And communication is the basis of all community.

Engaging and essential in the war against neo-liberal nonsense, corporate dictatorship and the professionalisation of everything. Takes you home.

This book is a must read for group study on community building.

Not an easy read, but I've highlighted many sections in it.It is an inspiring and very important read in an increasingly disconnected (well, connected online) world.

I'm a big fan of Peter Block's books. Practical, insightful book that I highly recommend!