"Lead the Way" examines major theories, practices, and strategies in community and civic engagement. It provides readers with a working knowledge of such engagement, and discusses the importance of collaborating with active stakeholders to enhance leadership, foster community-building, increase civic participation, and guide policy change.
Part I of the book provides conceptual and historical perspectives on leadership and community development. Part II addresses challenges and opportunities. Part III is devoted to hands-on applications of engagement in action.
Topics include moving leadership from the local to the national, capacity building, leadership and sustainability, and disaster/risk management. Readers will also learn about principles and practices for community-university partnerships, faith-based capacity building, and community reinvestment.
Written with passionate commitment, and effectively representing diverse opinions, "Lead the Way" is ideal for leadership courses and programs. In addition, the book serves as an excellent field guide for community organizations seeking to improve their engagement practices.
Forrest D. Toms earned his Ph.D. in developmental psychology at Howard University. He is an associate professor in the Department of Leadership Studies at North Carolina A&T University, and is nationally recognized for his work related to cultural competency and systems change. Dr. Toms' research focuses on leadership and community/civic engagement.
Sylvia Willie Burgess holds a Ph.D. in leadership studies from North Carolina A&T University, where she currently serves as an adjunct assistant professor. She is also a consultant on leadership training, spiritual capital, and community/civic engagement.