Social Action in Group Work

Abe Vinik and Morris Levin have shared more than forty years of professional practice together as colleagues, collaborators and friends. Both studied social group work with Grace Coyle at Case-Western Reserve University in the 1940's and pursued their careers in neighborhood based agencies, retiring in the 1980's as executive directors with the United Jewish Community Centers in the San Francisco Metropolitan Area and the Jewish Community Centers of Chicago. Each has taught group process at the University of Chicago and other schools of social work in the U.S. They have held board leadership positions in NASW and other professional organizations and institutions, written extensively - with primary focus on group work theory, board and staff development, agency planning and administration, and served as consultants for the State Department in Europe and Israel. Since their retirement they have concentrated their consultation to local and national organizations in the areas of executive development, evaluation of agency structures and programs, and continuing education for professional staff.

• Contents PrefaceIntroduction I. Ideas of Social Action Social Action, The Group and Society Social Change and Citizen Action: A Philosophical Exploration for Modern Social Group Work Social Action, Empowerment and Social Work--An Integrative Theoretical Framework for Social Work and Social Work With Groups Advocacy and Social Action: Key Elements in the Structural Approach to Direct Practice in Social Work Barriers to Effective Social Action by Groups II. Advocacy and Empowerment The Critical Role of Social Action in Empowerment Oriented Groups Reflections on Social Action Practice in France Some Aspects of Empowerment: A Case Study of Work With Disadvantaged Youth Empowerment Through Social Action Group Work: The “Self-Directed” Approach The Role of Structure in Effective Agency Advocacy III. Principles and Practice Mobilizing Women’s Strengths for Social Change: The Group Connection The Use of the Group and Group Work Techniques in Resolving Inter-Ethnic Conflict Action and Reflection in Work With a Group of Homeless People The Relevance of Stages of Group Development Theory to Community Organization Practice Index