Description
Grassroots Associations is a comprehensive review and critique of empirical and theoretical research on grassroots non profit-making and voluntary organizations. David Horton Smith examines in depth the distinctive nature and characteristics of a previously under-studied area which includes such groups as Alchoholics Anonymous, community environmental action committees and church Bible study groups. He addresses: group formation, structure, process, leadership, and life cycle change; effectiveness; the influence such associations have on society; the future of grassroots associations, which he sees as integral to a postmodern society moving towards participatory democracy, self-determinism and individual choice. PART ONE: TOWARD A ROUND-EARTH PARADIGM FOR THE VOLUNTARY NONPROFIT SECTOR Definitions and Metaphors Revising Flat-Earth Maps The Rest of the Voluntary Nonprofit Sector PART TWO: THE DISTINCTIVE NATURE OF GRASSROOTS ASSOCIATIONS Formational Characteristics Internal Guidance Systems Internal Structure Internal Processes Leaders and Environments Life Cycle Changes Impact and Effectiveness PART THREE: THEORETICAL PARADIGMS AND CONCLUSIONS Flat-Earth Paradigms and the Round-Earth Paradigm in Outline Some Conclusions and Forecasts The Advent of Homo Voluntas
