Community Development

Over the past several years, Hardwick, Vermont, a typical hardscrabble farming community of three thousand residents, has jump-started its economy and redefined its self-image through a local, self-sustaining food system unlike anything else in America.

Inconceivable combines memoir and investigative reporting to reveal an underground community of sperm donors and recipients who have chosen to circumvent traditional fertility avenues and meet up on their own terms. As an active participant in this community, Valerie Bauman uses her own story as a lens into this movement of people attempting to dodge the costly and often discriminatory world of sperm banks and fertility clinics.

A series of shifts are happening in our economy: Millennials are trading in conventional career paths to launch tech start-ups, start small businesses that are rooted in local communities, or freelance their expertise. We are sharing everything, from bikes and cars, to extra rooms in our homes. We now create, buy and sell handcrafted products in our local communities with ease. CEO of Imperative Aaron Hurst argues in his latest book that while these developments seem unrelated at first, taken together they reveal a powerful pattern that points to purpose as the new driver of the American economy.

Certain businesses are legendary, exerting immense influence in their field. Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is one of those places. Over the years, the flagship deli has expanded into a community of more than a dozen businesses, including a wildly successful mail order operation, restaurants, bakery, coffee roastery, creamery, candy maker, and events space—transforming Ann Arbor into a destination for food lovers.

In a world overflowing with information, how can we adapt our learning methods to thrive? Dave Cormier, a pioneering figure in digital education, presents a thought-provoking manifesto in Learning in a Time of Abundance. A leading voice in digital learning, Cormier offers a fresh perspective on how we can face the uncertainty of a world where our challenges don't have clear answers amid an overwhelming digital landscape.

As a veteran of six successful Kickstarter campaigns (and counting) and the proprietor of the Kickstarter Lessons blog, Jamey Stegmaier knows something about crowdfunding. In this audiobook, he goes beyond the nuts and bolts of how it works to a deeper level - crowdfunding not just as a cool way to raise money but as a better way to build and run a business.

Your experiences and expertise can make a profound difference in someone else's life. But to create a profitable business from your stories, you need to say good-bye to rapid strategy switching and hello to a simple plan for growing your audience. In this entertaining how-to guide, marketing mentor Nikki Nash reveals a straightforward, three-step process for generating audience growth and consistent revenue.

Discover the transformative power of social welfare redefined in "Redefine Social Welfare: A Blueprint for Change" by Dr. Gurudas Bandyopadhyay. In this groundbreaking guide, readers will embark on a journey to revolutionize the way we approach social welfare, from creating employment opportunities to advancing gender equality and beyond. Packed with actionable insights, practical exercises, and thought-provoking reflections, this book equips readers with the tools they need to drive real change in their lives and communities. Whether you are an advocate for social justice, a policymaker ...

What if you and just a handful of other dedicated, generous women could affect powerful change? That’s the question Wendy H. Steele set out to answer when she founded Impact100, one of today’s most significant grassroots organizations. In Invitation to Impact, she shares her story of creating a unique, successful giving model, as well as the stories of the amazing women who helped to make it grow, empowering you to spark change in your own community.

Online church is the new front door to visitors. Is your church connecting effectively with people behind the screen? When the pandemic forced congregations to set up online services in record time, people thought it would be temporary. But for too many, online church has become a staple, the new front door for visitors. But what does this mean for congregations who struggle to effectively reach online guests? Is it possible to create a connected virtual experience that fosters Christian community and enhances our faith? In Visiting Online Church: A Journey Exploring Effective Digital ...

We are ready to rise up. But how, exactly, do we do this? How does one reconcile? What we need is a clear sense of direction. Based on her extensive consulting experience with churches, colleges and organizations, Rev. Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil has created a roadmap to show us the way. She guides us through the common topics of discussion and past the bumpy social terrain and political boundaries that will arise. In this revised and expanded edition, McNeil has updated her signature roadmap to incorporate insights from her more recent work.

Structured into three sections - "belonging," "resistance," and "acceptance" - and informed by personal history, community stories, and deep research, Fat Girls in Black Bodies breaks down the myths, stereotypes, tropes, and outright lies we've been sold about race, body size, belonging, and health. Cox's razor-sharp cultural commentary exposes the racist roots of diet culture, healthism, and the ways we erroneously conflate body size with personal responsibility.

Most entrepreneurs spend their working lives competing, feeling fatigue, barely able to offer clients anything more than the industry standard. They deny their creativity and focus their time on making the most of scarce resources. “Free Zone” entrepreneurs don’t compete, they collaborate, creating and sharing “Intellectual Shortcuts” - ways to do things faster, easier, cheaper, and with bigger results. And by 2044, their combined revenue will grow to $15 trillion.

Are you seeking ways to make your classroom more engaging, interactive, and interesting? Do you want to delve into the intricacies of cooperative learning and its transformative impact on education? Look no further—this book is your ultimate guide to mastering the art of cooperative learning. Master the Art of Cooperative Learning is meticulously designed as a comprehensive resource, offering educators a clear blueprint for implementing cooperative learning strategies. This guide will aid you in fostering young learners' comprehension, tackling complex concepts, honing communication ...

In this easy-to-follow self-help manual sprinkled with relatable stories, Florence Ann Romano introduces the six roles commonly found in villages and provides a road map to help the listener build their own support systems.

Men were designed, created, and commanded to bear responsibility, but our history of failure in this area stretches all the way back to Adam. Today, irresponsibility is considered normal, even a birthright. Jim Wilson outlines the causes and results of this failure, the biblical principles and characteristics that define a responsible man, and how men can apply them both in their own lives and in raising their sons.

Coping Skills for Teens with Autism provides essential guides and tips for helping teenagers with autism develop the skills they need to navigate life's challenges and improve their quality of life. The coping skills shared here are not just for immediate relief—rather, they will become an integral part of the teenager and fortify them with a lifetime of knowledge and self-help tools.

Take Care prioritises Black women and their experiences and encourages them to take care of themselves in order to bring their best self into the world. A space for Black women to cultivate their joy is truly a necessity at a time when Black lives are at the forefront of discussions online and in the media, and Take Care is the audiobook to ensure that. Chloe Pierre, founder of thy.self, the brand making self-care inclusive, wants to inspire Black women to take time to care for themselves.

Looking for ways to create a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle? Interested in learning about bartering and trading in a homesteading community? Look no further! Trading Together is the ultimate guide to understanding the benefits and challenges of trading within a close-knit community. With 20 comprehensive chapters, this eBook covers everything you need to know about trading with others on a homestead. Begin with an introduction to barter, trade, and community, and then dive into the history of bartering and trading. Discover the different types of trading, including direct and ...

Picture this: You’re juggling project deadlines while poring over planning regulations that make no sense. Or you’re trying to design a thriving community space, but no one shows up to your engagement sessions. Maybe you’re stuck battling outdated zoning laws that stifle innovation. Sound familiar?