Explores the shortcomings of mass mobilizations not grounded in long-term organizational developm... more Explores the shortcomings of mass mobilizations not grounded in long-term organizational development and seasoned leadership; the downside of failing to target indirect decision-makers; the disappointing experience of the Million Mom March, which employed a tactic as a strategy, and was opposed by the NRA; the basis of the extraordinary NRA political power; the Wall Street-led "billionaire brotherhood" forces behind the NRA, working to replace a bottom-up elective democracy with a top-down empire; and the most practicable means of remedying the imbalance of power by securing institutional powers for the general citizenry.
Reviews a full range of material from which an organizer might choose elements to incorporate in ... more Reviews a full range of material from which an organizer might choose elements to incorporate in a one-to-one visit, including: credentialing; vision, values, and religious legitimization; personal biography and surfacing pressures; strategic organizing vision; and stumbling blocks. (9 pp.)
Proposes that community organizing campaigns work as more powerful tools when they combine the de... more Proposes that community organizing campaigns work as more powerful tools when they combine the demonstrated power of organizing with the persuasive argumentation of lobbying. Examines problematic aspects of both, including: choosing coalition partners, setting campaign priorities, targeting decision-makers, strategizing a campaign, pressuring decision-makers, preparing lobbying arguments, assembling a policy brief, motivating decision-makers, planning a traditional media campaign, misusing social media, meeting with decision-makers, and testifying at legislative committee hearings.
Highlights the leadership deficit in progressive community organizing attempts to hold accountabl... more Highlights the leadership deficit in progressive community organizing attempts to hold accountable the stockholders and executives of the country's massively consolidated corporations; the need for continuous broad-based leadership development to build a unified national progressive grassroots movement; the importance of organizers taking greater risks in trusting leaders; the pillars of developing individuals as leaders; critical supportive organizational context; and criteria for evaluating the growth of leaders.
Recognizes that despite resurgent American optimism in mid-2021, after a fearful year and a half ... more Recognizes that despite resurgent American optimism in mid-2021, after a fearful year and a half of coronavirus pandemic, the faith and hope of the people remain subdued because of existential threats to our democracy, particularly Republican-led legislative assaults on voting rights and nonpartisan electoral administration. Identifies in these developments the central role of a growing fascist oligarchy, populated by a brotherhood of billionaires. Considers the tortuous path ahead for community organizing and the essential role of the profession's treasured legacy. Proposes a strategic vision to achieve institutionalized, structural empowerment of the demos, to revitalize and redirect the nation's democratic institutions.
Illustrates the relevance of social-learning theory to community practice based on two case examp... more Illustrates the relevance of social-learning theory to community practice based on two case examples.
Proposes and describes the dynamics of a cycle of cooperation, competition, conflict, and negotia... more Proposes and describes the dynamics of a cycle of cooperation, competition, conflict, and negotiation in community organizing. (5 pp.)
Schematic depiction of the inherent dialectical relationship between contingencies of social lear... more Schematic depiction of the inherent dialectical relationship between contingencies of social learning and exchange and the social construction of ideological realities.
Explores the necessity for two-tier government in urban areas, with public powers granted to dire... more Explores the necessity for two-tier government in urban areas, with public powers granted to directly democratic neighborhood assemblies, to satisfy both political and economic empowerment needs and to stop the "endless cycle of repression, rebellion, and reform."
Includes the basics of grassroots fundraising-canvassing knowledge and skill, parts of the pitch,... more Includes the basics of grassroots fundraising-canvassing knowledge and skill, parts of the pitch, and common myths and facts.
Describes the necessity for organizers to build relationships of trust with those they're organiz... more Describes the necessity for organizers to build relationships of trust with those they're organizing, which requires that they demonstrate moral and ethical character; the demands of "professing" organizing, the purposes and obligations; the critical role of teamwork and team culture; and the principal means of overcoming one's moral and ethical shortcomings as an organizer.
Provides an extensive range of evaluation categories, and examples that describe objectives and c... more Provides an extensive range of evaluation categories, and examples that describe objectives and content of education and training to help organizers meet performance standards. Focuses on base-building community organizing and emphasizes the overriding objective of leadership development.
Outlines initial steps in faith-based community organizing, from relationship-building with clerg... more Outlines initial steps in faith-based community organizing, from relationship-building with clergy to workshops and organizing committees.
Related in story-form as an ongoing discussion between three congregational rabbis, offers a deta... more Related in story-form as an ongoing discussion between three congregational rabbis, offers a detailed approach to the development of the congregation as a kahal poalei tzedek (congregational community of doers of justice and righteousness), not only in their own community but in the larger world.
Outlines role of coalitions in lobbying, choosing a decision-maker to lobby, questions to help de... more Outlines role of coalitions in lobbying, choosing a decision-maker to lobby, questions to help devise a lobbying campaign strategy, preparation of a policy brief, meeting with a decision-maker, and testifying at legislative hearings. (8 pp.)
Focused on the necessity within community organizing projects of achieving internal accountabilit... more Focused on the necessity within community organizing projects of achieving internal accountability; the commonplace failure of leaders to constructively confront others within their organizations for the sake of accountability; the failure to develop a culture of accountability; obstacles to achieving internal accountability; essential elements of holding someone accountable within our own organization; and appropriate attitude and language in accountability confrontations.
Describes the hallmark of effective leaders as commitment and competence to widen the circle of l... more Describes the hallmark of effective leaders as commitment and competence to widen the circle of leaders, both formal and informal; Moses' model of leadership development in that vein; the traditional view that character is the critical qualification for leadership; the essence of leadership development as relational; and practice guidelines.
Considers dissimilarities that create tensions between micro and macro forms of social work pract... more Considers dissimilarities that create tensions between micro and macro forms of social work practice and teaching.
Explores the shortcomings of mass mobilizations not grounded in long-term organizational developm... more Explores the shortcomings of mass mobilizations not grounded in long-term organizational development and seasoned leadership; the downside of failing to target indirect decision-makers; the disappointing experience of the Million Mom March, which employed a tactic as a strategy, and was opposed by the NRA; the basis of the extraordinary NRA political power; the Wall Street-led "billionaire brotherhood" forces behind the NRA, working to replace a bottom-up elective democracy with a top-down empire; and the most practicable means of remedying the imbalance of power by securing institutional powers for the general citizenry.
Reviews a full range of material from which an organizer might choose elements to incorporate in ... more Reviews a full range of material from which an organizer might choose elements to incorporate in a one-to-one visit, including: credentialing; vision, values, and religious legitimization; personal biography and surfacing pressures; strategic organizing vision; and stumbling blocks. (9 pp.)
Proposes that community organizing campaigns work as more powerful tools when they combine the de... more Proposes that community organizing campaigns work as more powerful tools when they combine the demonstrated power of organizing with the persuasive argumentation of lobbying. Examines problematic aspects of both, including: choosing coalition partners, setting campaign priorities, targeting decision-makers, strategizing a campaign, pressuring decision-makers, preparing lobbying arguments, assembling a policy brief, motivating decision-makers, planning a traditional media campaign, misusing social media, meeting with decision-makers, and testifying at legislative committee hearings.
Highlights the leadership deficit in progressive community organizing attempts to hold accountabl... more Highlights the leadership deficit in progressive community organizing attempts to hold accountable the stockholders and executives of the country's massively consolidated corporations; the need for continuous broad-based leadership development to build a unified national progressive grassroots movement; the importance of organizers taking greater risks in trusting leaders; the pillars of developing individuals as leaders; critical supportive organizational context; and criteria for evaluating the growth of leaders.
Recognizes that despite resurgent American optimism in mid-2021, after a fearful year and a half ... more Recognizes that despite resurgent American optimism in mid-2021, after a fearful year and a half of coronavirus pandemic, the faith and hope of the people remain subdued because of existential threats to our democracy, particularly Republican-led legislative assaults on voting rights and nonpartisan electoral administration. Identifies in these developments the central role of a growing fascist oligarchy, populated by a brotherhood of billionaires. Considers the tortuous path ahead for community organizing and the essential role of the profession's treasured legacy. Proposes a strategic vision to achieve institutionalized, structural empowerment of the demos, to revitalize and redirect the nation's democratic institutions.
Illustrates the relevance of social-learning theory to community practice based on two case examp... more Illustrates the relevance of social-learning theory to community practice based on two case examples.
Proposes and describes the dynamics of a cycle of cooperation, competition, conflict, and negotia... more Proposes and describes the dynamics of a cycle of cooperation, competition, conflict, and negotiation in community organizing. (5 pp.)
Schematic depiction of the inherent dialectical relationship between contingencies of social lear... more Schematic depiction of the inherent dialectical relationship between contingencies of social learning and exchange and the social construction of ideological realities.
Explores the necessity for two-tier government in urban areas, with public powers granted to dire... more Explores the necessity for two-tier government in urban areas, with public powers granted to directly democratic neighborhood assemblies, to satisfy both political and economic empowerment needs and to stop the "endless cycle of repression, rebellion, and reform."
Includes the basics of grassroots fundraising-canvassing knowledge and skill, parts of the pitch,... more Includes the basics of grassroots fundraising-canvassing knowledge and skill, parts of the pitch, and common myths and facts.
Describes the necessity for organizers to build relationships of trust with those they're organiz... more Describes the necessity for organizers to build relationships of trust with those they're organizing, which requires that they demonstrate moral and ethical character; the demands of "professing" organizing, the purposes and obligations; the critical role of teamwork and team culture; and the principal means of overcoming one's moral and ethical shortcomings as an organizer.
Provides an extensive range of evaluation categories, and examples that describe objectives and c... more Provides an extensive range of evaluation categories, and examples that describe objectives and content of education and training to help organizers meet performance standards. Focuses on base-building community organizing and emphasizes the overriding objective of leadership development.
Outlines initial steps in faith-based community organizing, from relationship-building with clerg... more Outlines initial steps in faith-based community organizing, from relationship-building with clergy to workshops and organizing committees.
Related in story-form as an ongoing discussion between three congregational rabbis, offers a deta... more Related in story-form as an ongoing discussion between three congregational rabbis, offers a detailed approach to the development of the congregation as a kahal poalei tzedek (congregational community of doers of justice and righteousness), not only in their own community but in the larger world.
Outlines role of coalitions in lobbying, choosing a decision-maker to lobby, questions to help de... more Outlines role of coalitions in lobbying, choosing a decision-maker to lobby, questions to help devise a lobbying campaign strategy, preparation of a policy brief, meeting with a decision-maker, and testifying at legislative hearings. (8 pp.)
Focused on the necessity within community organizing projects of achieving internal accountabilit... more Focused on the necessity within community organizing projects of achieving internal accountability; the commonplace failure of leaders to constructively confront others within their organizations for the sake of accountability; the failure to develop a culture of accountability; obstacles to achieving internal accountability; essential elements of holding someone accountable within our own organization; and appropriate attitude and language in accountability confrontations.
Describes the hallmark of effective leaders as commitment and competence to widen the circle of l... more Describes the hallmark of effective leaders as commitment and competence to widen the circle of leaders, both formal and informal; Moses' model of leadership development in that vein; the traditional view that character is the critical qualification for leadership; the essence of leadership development as relational; and practice guidelines.
Considers dissimilarities that create tensions between micro and macro forms of social work pract... more Considers dissimilarities that create tensions between micro and macro forms of social work practice and teaching.
Case study of transforming a social service program reliant on paper-driven administration to a c... more Case study of transforming a social service program reliant on paper-driven administration to a computer-based turnkey database management system. (6 pp.)
Clarifies the relationship of obesity and metabolic syndrome diseases (MSD), the extraordinarily ... more Clarifies the relationship of obesity and metabolic syndrome diseases (MSD), the extraordinarily high morbidity and mortality linked to MSD, the identification of "free sugar" in peer-reviewed research studies as the principal added food ingredient linked to MSD, the established toxic and addictive qualities of "free sugar," the role of Big Food in promoting sugar-laced unhealthy and addictive food using methods borrowed from the tobacco industry playbook, the individual and collective social costs of the epidemic of obesity and metabolic-syndrome diseases, and the necessity to combat the epidemic with a broad-based public education campaign, grassroots organizing and lobbying of local, state, and national legislative bodies, and a mass boycott-movement to convince the food industry players that it's not in their economic interest to continue promoting foods that are toxic and addictive. (8 pp.)
Acknowledges that the U.S. is headed for a Dark Age, marked by wholesale moral collapse of instit... more Acknowledges that the U.S. is headed for a Dark Age, marked by wholesale moral collapse of institutions, a slide toward authoritarianism; recognizes that the devastating assault is masterminded by a brotherhood of billionaires; laments the general lack of appreciation by American citizens for the potency of evil arrayed against our democratic form of government; itemizes the discouraging conditions which indicate we will not avoid the looming darkness; and proposes that although the darkness can no longer be avoided, it may be limited to years rather than decades if the institutions of democracy are rebuilt from the grassroots.
Notes the beginning of the end of electoral democracy in the U.S.; the probable effects of a 6-to... more Notes the beginning of the end of electoral democracy in the U.S.; the probable effects of a 6-to-3 conservative majority-SCOTUS; the likely end of progressive legislation and policy from the federal government for the remainder of this century; the necessity of countering oligarchic power with an empowered demos; the lessons to be learned from the labor movement of the late-19th to mid-20th century; that the remaining institutions of Congress and the Presidency will not save American democracy; and that the only hope is to build bottom-up institutional power from the grassroots.
Challenges the claim that Jews in the U.S. are experiencing dysfunctional fear of anti-Semitism, ... more Challenges the claim that Jews in the U.S. are experiencing dysfunctional fear of anti-Semitism, and that the U.S. is "structurally hospitable" to Jews so as to preclude more dangerous forms of anti-Semitism here; considers the primary character of contemporary American anti-Semitism; and considers the link between anti-Semitism and outmigration of Jews from Jewish religious life.
Points to the contemporary relevance of Deuteronomy (Devarim) 16:18-20; notes the importance of c... more Points to the contemporary relevance of Deuteronomy (Devarim) 16:18-20; notes the importance of clarifying the national motivation for prosecuting President Trump; posits that revenge, retribution, and deterrence rationales will all increase division and hatred in the country; and proposes an untarnished moral justification for prosecuting Trump and his co-conspirators.
Depicts (in table form), as sociologically ideal types, the top-down and bottom-up ideologies of ... more Depicts (in table form), as sociologically ideal types, the top-down and bottom-up ideologies of the sponsors of social infrastructure.
Proposes Trump's likely action if the pandemic continues to have extremely disruptive effects on ... more Proposes Trump's likely action if the pandemic continues to have extremely disruptive effects on the economy and the health care system and if it appears he will lose the election in November; outlines a strategic vision to deal with the constitutional crisis that threatens American democracy; and acknowledges the necessity for Americans to question whether to pledge their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to the Government of the United States if Trump declares himself "king."
Describes the recent predations on American democracy as threatening the moral-spiritual core of ... more Describes the recent predations on American democracy as threatening the moral-spiritual core of the nation; notes the specific reasons for pessimism about the nation's future; acknowledges that doing more of what we've been doing, while necessary, is obviously not sufficient; and proposes rebuilding the institutions of democracy at their roots by establishing directly democratic assemblies as the lower tiers of metropolitan government, through which citizens could shape their own laws and policies, and ultimately hold accountable corporations and higher levels of government.
Depicts the span of social work in table form, including scale of practice, empowerment objective... more Depicts the span of social work in table form, including scale of practice, empowerment objectives, beneficiaries of practice, forms of practice, practice methodologies, employment nomenclature, and employing organizations.
Posits the critical importance of morality to healthy social life; explores the inadequate social... more Posits the critical importance of morality to healthy social life; explores the inadequate social work approach to spirituality, the breadth of cross-cultural moral values that enable morality focused social work intervention, the conditions required to foster clients’ moral sensibility, the necessity for using a morally-indeterminate treatment model, the foundation in attachment of moral character and empathy, and the social worker’s role in clients’ acquisition of moral compass.
Provides a detailed description and guidelines for a transpirational, daily self-havening that in... more Provides a detailed description and guidelines for a transpirational, daily self-havening that integrates neurobiology and moral-spirituality. The practice is designed to ease the lifelong punishing effects of failed maternal attachment in infancy and developmental trauma during childhood. The potential outcomes of this psychosensory methodology include: enhanced self-awareness; lessening of amygdala-based fear, shame, and rage; heightened perception and appreciation of the external world; and deepened empathy, compassion, moral sensibility, and contentment.
Explores the effect of destructive cultural ideas in the failure of marriages; contemporary probl... more Explores the effect of destructive cultural ideas in the failure of marriages; contemporary problematic sex-based roles and related activity that cannot provide a healthy foundation for marriage and family life, but lead instead to marital infidelity; the damaging and destructive outcomes and costs of marital infidelity; healthy foundation for marriage and family, including secure attachment in infancy and adulthood; misguided ideas of romance promoted to increase commercial profits, but which become ingrained cultural marital expectations; the character of authentic intimacy; the connections between authentic intimacy and lifelong fulfilling sexual relations; and the emotional and moral foundations of successful marital intimacy.
Acknowledges the "dark side" of parenting, when parents must come to grips with their children's ... more Acknowledges the "dark side" of parenting, when parents must come to grips with their children's wrongdoing, the different sources of pain involved in these situations, how that pain can be lessened by doing everything possible to be a loving and responsible parent, and by recognizing the role of Divine Providence in the future of one's children. (2 pp.)
Considers the traditional meaning of "a seal on your heart" and the Zohar's teaching on the phras... more Considers the traditional meaning of "a seal on your heart" and the Zohar's teaching on the phrase; the implications of "knowing we are nothing"; how we experience God's "seal of truth"; the consequences of moral-spiritual ignorance; and the intersection of the mesorah and neurobiology.
Identifies the challenge of an am kadosh (holy people) to transform the world through the creatio... more Identifies the challenge of an am kadosh (holy people) to transform the world through the creation of openings to the light of Torah by action as a group of visionaries, teachers, and keepers of sacred space and time within a kahal poalei tzedek (a congregational community of doers of justice and righteousness).
Acknowledges the lack of attendance at synagogue services by most congregants, the history and co... more Acknowledges the lack of attendance at synagogue services by most congregants, the history and conditions for joyous festival celebrations at the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, and the potential for revitalizing shalosh regalim as joyous celebrations connecting contemporary Jews with one another, with Torah, and with God. (2 pp.)
Links the historic survival and success of Am Yisrael to leadership accountability, both to the p... more Links the historic survival and success of Am Yisrael to leadership accountability, both to the people and to God. (1 p.)
Points out the modern religious axiom that the synagogue service doesn’t compare to praying outdo... more Points out the modern religious axiom that the synagogue service doesn’t compare to praying outdoors in the beauty of nature, that the bamot or "high places" were forbidden when there was a central sanctuary, that the prohibition reflected an understanding of bamot as places to pour out personal thoughts and feelings rather than take in Torah teachings, effectively promoting autonomy in life-decisions rather than reliance on the Torah vision and path, and that living according to Torah we understand the purposes of choosing the synagogue over nature: to learn and teach God’s will, to discern it in the liturgy, Torah readings, and divrei Torah, and to more effectively seek its realization as a community. (2 pp.)
Considers what we learn from Jonah's example, his failure and success, his fears, and his sacrifi... more Considers what we learn from Jonah's example, his failure and success, his fears, and his sacrifice and reward. (2 pp.)
This collection of Torah verses from the parshiot (weekly Torah readings), including musical chor... more This collection of Torah verses from the parshiot (weekly Torah readings), including musical chords and interpretive commentary, serve as “songs” for the kharakim—that is, for those who seek to be openings to the light of Torah for the sake of tikkun olam (repair of the world). Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch (1808-1888) teaches that shirim (songs) are the “visionary word, seeing the invisible ruling of God in actual occurrences.” The shir (song) is an expression of what an external event reveals to the inner self . . . to counteract mistaken ideas by witnessing the truth of troubles in defection” from a Torah-guided life. Kharakim accept the challenge of an am kadosh (holy people) by their actions as visionaries, teachers, and keepers of sacred time and space in a kahal poalei tzedek (a congregation acting righteously and justly in the world).
Acknowledges that our relationship with God is often tenuous, that God may be accepted as an orde... more Acknowledges that our relationship with God is often tenuous, that God may be accepted as an order of intelligence beyond our comprehension, but as presented in Siddur and Tanakh is often not believable to us, that understanding requires grappling with our wisdom tradition, and that the tradition calls on us to act out its teachings in our day-to-day lives by keeping the mitzvot, which is how we come to know God with certainty from within. (3 pp.)
Proposes that High Holy Days may be used productively to search for and act out the highest and b... more Proposes that High Holy Days may be used productively to search for and act out the highest and best parts of ourselves, the fears that keep us from teshuvah, the basis in hope and faith to overcome our fears, and the value of acting with others in a congregational community. (2 pp.)
Lays out some of the demands and dynamics of forgiveness, both offering and accepting it, Torah's... more Lays out some of the demands and dynamics of forgiveness, both offering and accepting it, Torah's directives regarding hatred, revenge, and holding a grudge, the distinction between loving one's neighbor versus what belongs to one's neighbor, and the importance and acceptable forms of reproof. (3 pp.)
Emphasizes the importance of not trivializing stories in the Torah, like that of the manna, what ... more Emphasizes the importance of not trivializing stories in the Torah, like that of the manna, what we may understand about the manna and its delivery from a naturalistic viewpoint, the traditional teaching about the manna as a gift from God to sustain the people in the wilderness, and what the manna teaches us about God's power over nature and history, and about our role role as a holy nation and a nation of priests. (2 pp.)
Considers the circumstances of the failed leadership of Moses when his anger interfered with his ... more Considers the circumstances of the failed leadership of Moses when his anger interfered with his obeying God's command. Explores why God refused to let Moses lead the people to the Promised Land, requiring instead that he be buried outside of it. Recognizes this seemingly unfair outcome not as a "punishment" but educational consequence, both for Moses and the people. Highlights the importance of holding leaders accountable and responsible for their modeled behavior, both intended and inadvertent.
Points out that at the end of his life and his mission, Moses demonstrates his legendary modesty ... more Points out that at the end of his life and his mission, Moses demonstrates his legendary modesty and humility by serving Joshua and, in doing so, he teaches us the radical principle of national survival: caring for one another as neighbors, which requires humility and kindness; and ironically, it's his own momentary lapse of modesty and humility that destines him to die in the wilderness, bequeathing the everlasting lesson that his extraordinary gifts were entirely human, not unlike our own potentialities. (2 pp.)
Questions how it is possible to use Shabbat to bring more happiness and fulfillment into our live... more Questions how it is possible to use Shabbat to bring more happiness and fulfillment into our lives, the demands placed on us that are obstacles to keeping Shabbat, the meaning of the commandments to remember and observe Shabbat and the consequences, in the form of spiritual disease, for ignoring them, the need for trust in God to have the courage to protect Shabbat, and a verbal formula for doing that when challenged to give it up. (2 pp.)
Explains the meaning of the torn olive leaf in the beak of the returning second dove that Noah se... more Explains the meaning of the torn olive leaf in the beak of the returning second dove that Noah sent out, the reason the Torah was given to a "stiff-necked" people, the implications of Noah's prophecy for his three sons, and the connections between these aspects of the Noah story and our blessing of God, which brings the Shechinah to dwell among us on earth. (2 pp.)
Questions the significance of the first commandment given at Sinai, what it means practically tha... more Questions the significance of the first commandment given at Sinai, what it means practically that Adoshem is to be one's God, the requirements of demonstrating our allegiance to God, the incentives for satisfying those requirements, the relevance of the understanding that God brought us out of Egypt, the legacy of our miraculous history as a people, and what we will do to protect that legacy now that it's in our hands. (1 p.)
Reviews some of the more important misconceptions about congregational community development and ... more Reviews some of the more important misconceptions about congregational community development and the critical contribution of each person's unique gifts to the process.
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Community & Faith-Based Organizing