Debunking Four Common Community Organizing Myths
If several people live in close proximity to each other, they more than likely share many of the same community interests. Often, they will come together to change issues important to them. Unfortunately, organized communities get confused with other groups, and there are several myths that need to be dispelled. Myth #1: Community Organizing is Activism Both community organization and activism are responsible for many social changes in history. However, the two deviate when you look at their general focus. Community organization often has a specific purpose in mind for starting a domino effect of changes. While members of the organized community can be classified as activists, they receive the empowerment that builds within the community, allowing members to stand up and take charge. Activists, while concerned with many of the same issues as an organized community, don't provide the individual empowerment that comes from within an organized community.