Voluntary Associations in
Low-Income Neighborhoods: An Unexplored Community Resource.
A Case Study of
Chicago's Grand Boulevard Neighborhood
In Grand Boulevard, one of Chicago's poorest communities, John McKnight's research team found a rich and varied associational life in which at least 319 groups were involved in a wide array of activities ranging from beautifying neighborhoods to fighting drug abuse. This new publication provides an "indicative snapshot" of this activity in 1995, based on data gathered from written materials, interviews, field and phone surveys. The study finds these local associations were involved in significant community-building activity, especially caregiving (i.e., working with youth and senior citizens), job training and placement, and dealing with "neighborhood challenges" such as teen pregnancy and child abuse. Though fewer were involved in local economic development, large numbers indicated their willingness to become involved in all of these activities. The publication offers a plan for tapping into this potential and maps out a special role for funders.
The paper is available from IPR's publications department for $5.00. You may download it now by clicking below.
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