Když se řekne komunitní práce

Community work is closely associated with social work, which has a long tradition in the Czech context. Over the past few decades, models and practices of community work have become more widespread, helping to address local issues and support initiatives. The publication is intended for social workers, students, public administration officials, and the general public.
Since the first edition published in 2016, community work has seen dynamic development, including the emergence of community centres, schools, gardens, and community energy initiatives. The new edition takes these trends into account, updates statistical data, and discusses the latest concepts (gentrification, the Anthropocene, degrowth, digitalisation, and the influence of social media) as well as new organisational structures (local action groups). The number of chapters in the second edition has been expanded from 8 to 11, now also covering traditional structures with new functions (parishes, municipalities).
The book provides an overview of the principles and models of community work, its historical development, its distinctive features in the Czech lands, and contemporary approaches influenced by other disciplines, such as sociology, public policy, economics, urbanism, environmental sciences, and social anthropology. It emphasises the links with community development (education, planning, citizen engagement, and the creation of social capital).
It now includes chapters on supporting the local economy and the role of urban planning and architecture in community work. It concludes with a discussion on trends, opportunities for improving the quality of life in local communities, and examples of best practices from the Czech Republic and abroad.