An integrative model for group work in community organization practice

The task of organizing groups of activists that will toil toward solving their problems is the ideological basis of community organization in general, and especially self-help programs in particular. After reviewing literature on the subject and conducting in-depth interviews with community organizers that succeeded in activating groups of community residents, a general model is presented. This model describes the basic stages and principal contents the group acquires during their progression from a collection of individuals suffering from a specific problem, to an active organization that solves problems. The model may be used by field workers, instructors and supervisors, and community organization teachers.