The approach of social ecology: A partnership of support and empowerment

Abstract

Instead of an approach which brings together some kind of "magic solution" from the outside, the social ecological approach of the "Bottled Pain" project centers on supportive relationships between people, their families, and relatives, and their environment as natural strengths within a community. It draws on the skills and abilities of people within a community. It contributes to helping a neighborhood or an organization see itself as a resource for its members and for persons in the community at large. The approach of social ecology fosters empowerment; that is, it encourages people to come together in community and take action to control their own lives. The Participants and the SettingsApproximately 10,000 people in 24 congregations of the American Lutheran Church in Southeastern Minnesota are participating in the project. The work is taking place within each congregation's own community setting. Twelve of the congregations are participating in a chemical dependency information and education approach. Six of these 12 congregations in addition receive special 0163-514x(82}1600-0139502.75 139

Collaboration between mental health organizations and religious institutions.

“…Gottlieb (1983) also reports on religious institutions as informal sources of sup port for alcoholism and drug abuse. A program in Minnesota (Roberts & Thorsheim 1982) involved numerous Lutheran congregations in identifying people at risk of alcoholism and drug abuse, and mobilizing social support to help them avoid and overcome drug dependency.…”