Preserving and Strengthening Small Towns and Rural Communities

This book provides an extraordinary new resource for examining the special issues confronting rural social work. Each chapter is well researched, offering a ready reference both for historical and for current literature. Case examples in many chapters illustrate rural social work practice in diverse settings in the United States and Canada. Practitioners, administrators, and scholars will find this book stimulating, particularly in the context of new directions for the profession.

James M. Fitzpatric, PhD, RSW

Associate Director, School of Social Work, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada

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In this book there is a remarkable collection of information that is as diverse as rural North America, including specific examples of good programs that work. But above all, there is the central message about the need to pay attention, to listen, and to learn, so that service delivery and advocacy are as effective as possible. The book is capped off by Si Kahn’s “Habits of Resistance,” the most powerful piece I have read in a long time.

Jim Winship, PhD

Associate Professor of Social Work, University of Wisconsin – Whitewater

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This book presents rigorous analyses by noted researchers that examine virtually every aspect of rural living. It advances our understanding of a wide range of topics, from health and education to social services and sustainable community development. As a policy analyst, I highly recommend this book. It provides empirical evidence and a critical analysis of programs and community efforts designed to improve the quality of living for people in rural areas. This is a must-read for rural community developers, health and social services advocates, educators, researchers, and practitioners.

Basil I. Gooden, MSW, MPH, PhD

1998-1999 Social Work Congressional Fellow, United States Senate