Let the People Decide: Neighborhood Organizing in America

Practical scholarly study of neighborhood and community organizing in America distinguishes between three types of organizers in examining how principles and practices developed from 1900-1980.

Fisher provides a detailed outline of the major trends in neighborhood organizing in the United States from the early 20th century to the present. He does a good job in linking social conditions to organizing strategies and tactics. The book gives the reader a sense of the progression of ideological movements in the United States over time. It is very inclusive as it covers organizing among the white working and middle classes and African Americans. It also touches on gender issues and issues of sexual orientation. It is inclusive in another way in that it covers different organizing approaches such conflict organizing as opposed to consensus-building; and locality development, social planning and social action. Fisher concludes with "lessons" learned from history to strengthen community practice in the present and the future.