The Organizational Context of Faith-Based Community Organizing: Effects on Member Civic Engagement

Abstract

This article explores the congregation as a conduit for civic engagement. Specifically examined are the effects of participation in congregations engaged in faith-based community organizing (FBCO). Civic engagement is examined by comparing FBCO-affiliated congregation members to non-FBCO-affiliated congregation members, local school participants, neighborhood association members, and those without such affiliations. Findings reveal that those engaged in FBCO evidence higher rates of civic engagement than members of the other groups. Implications for the field and future study are discussed.

More Than Place-Based: Viewing Geography on a Continuum and the Implications for Social Work Practice

“…Historically, church communities have played important roles in facilitating social and political change efforts. Through the use of congregation-based community organizing (CBCO)—also known as faith-based community organizing (FBCO)—community members leverage the social networks within religious communities to mobilize for social action (Jones, 2015). The Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), People Improving Communities Through Organizing (PICO), and Gamaliel Foundation are all successful, national networks of local congregations that have proven track records of creating change through social and political action (DeFilippis, Fisher, & Shragge, 2010).…”

It's all about needs: the role of Christian congregations in addressing the social exclusion barriers of seasonal agricultural workers

“…For some congregations, commitments to social justice may be unfamiliar, as they do not see acts of social justice as a top priority for Christians (Janzen et al, 2016b). Other congregations may just need to highlight social justice more (Jones, 2015). By shifting understandings of what churches are called to do in this world, congregations as service providers may improve their ability to contribute to systemic change.…”

“…Mulder (2018) argues that the immediate and progressive assessment of community needs will benefit both parties. Churches will increase their awareness of those living around them and what those individuals need, while the target populations will receive more effective, need-based assistance (Jones, 2015).…”

“…To identify the initial and ongoing needs of the target population, congregations must first partake in rigorous research and exploration of these needs. According to Jones (2015), congregations must first research the root cause of the issue that the target population is facing.…”

“…UC Davis (2010) highlights the importance of ongoing inclusion of community perspectives because the population knows about their own situation and needs better than anyone else. In order to do this work, congregations must have intentional conversations with the members of the target population, listening to and asking thoughtful questions about the population's true needs (Jones, 2015). Throughout the entire process of initial and ongoing assessment of community needs, congregations will be better equipped to develop a more effective response to the issues at hand and therefore have a meaningful impact on the population that they serve (UC Davis, 2010;Mulder, 2018).…”