AFR 330T(S) Non-Profit Organization and Community Change (Same as Political
Science 331T) (W)
PSCI 331T(S) Non-Profit Organization and Community Change (Same as Africana
Studies 330T) (W)
Two converging realities create a political and intellectual problem: an evolving recognition
of the vitality of private sector supported community organization work; and the challenge
that such organizations may have to assume a larger role due to reductions in public agency
support and declining participation among the poor and racial minorities. In the United
States these agencies-essentially NGOs-play important roles in communities and movements, often modeling the very programs adopted by the government. Some, like the Highlander Center, have near-mythical status in our memories about what it means to struggle for
social change; others, including HARYOU, were critical in structuring thought about anti-
poverty strategies. In recent years some like Teach for America have plunged into the thick
of the effort to keep public education a viable option. This tutorial examines the role of non-
profits and social justice work in the United States focusing on the non-profit as a type, governance and staffing, fund-raising and persecution.
Format: tutorial. Requirements: five 3-page papers and a final paper of 15 pages.
Prerequisites: an interest in and experience with community-based organizations involved in
advocacy work with adult citizens on race, economics, equity, or other issues. Enrollment
limit: 10 (expected 10). Preference given to political science majors.
American Politics Subfield
Hour: A. WILLINGHAM