2000 - 304 pages - University of Press of America - $ 24.50
Author: Jona Rosenfeld, Bruno Tardieu
Twelve case studies that show how very poor people, other members of society, and institutions have succeeded in creating alliances. Their partmnerships have led to changes in the institutions, with benefits reaching the larger community. The book then explores implications for anyone concerned by the persistence of poverty and looking for ways to do something about it.
“This is a beautiful book about the work of Father Wresinski and his colleague with the poorest ot the poor and it is unique in that it speaks not just of 'serving' people in poverty but honoring their dignity and learning from their words and lives”
-Jonathan Kozol
Author
“Rosenfeld and Tardieu provide a nuanced and intelligent account of a different sort of voluntarism, one that gives respect and a voice to the marginalized and excluded. At a time when private charity is being portrayed as an alternative to public services, this book carries a very different messages, showing that an emphatic and participatory voluntarism can be the complement and not the alternative to a generous public section.. An important book.”
-Frances Fox Piven
Author of People’s Movements
“All too often, powerful stories of extreme poverty leave the affluent reader who is unable or unwilling to make a total commitment to voluntary pocerty at a loss as to what to do. By telling the stories of allies, Artisans Of Democracy answers their questions with practical, inspiring models. A fine book, a tribute to the work of the Fourth World Movement.”
-Mary Jo Bane
Kennedy School of Governement, Havard University
“This remarkable book is about doing the ‘impossible’: connecting the poorest of the poor to the stubborn institutions that they encounter. It offers both a commitment to hope and a traveled path to improving both lives of the poor and the efficacy of schools, politicians, administrators, and businesses.”
-S.M. Miller
Professor of Sociology, Boston College
“How should we engage the poor? This book elegantly describes how a variety of individuals came to work with the poor not in a paternalistic relationship, but rather in relationships of mutual respect and efforts… A critical read for anyone interested in and committed to working with the poor.”
-Christopher Winship
Chair of the sociology department, Harvard University