Grassroots Associations [Paperback]

Grassroots Associations is a comprehensive review and critique of empirical and theoretical research on grassroots, nonprofit and voluntary organizations.

David Horton Smith examines in depth the distinctive nature and characteristics of a previously under-studied area which includes such groups as Alchoholics Anonymous, community-environmental action committees and church Bible study groups. He addresses: group formation, structure, process, leadership, and life cycle change; effectiveness; the influence such associations have on society; the future of grassroots associations, which he sees as integral to a postmodern society moving towards participatory democracy, self-determinism and individual choice.

Grassroots Associations is a comprehensive review and critique of empirical and theoretical research on grassroots, nonprofit and voluntary organizations.

David Horton Smith examines in depth the distinctive nature and characteristics of a previously under-studied area which includes such groups as Alchoholics Anonymous, community-environmental action committees and church Bible study groups. He addresses: group formation, structure, process, leadership, and life cycle change; effectiveness; the influence such associations have on society; the future of grassroots associations, which he sees as integral to a postmodern society moving towards participatory democracy, self-determinism and individual choice.

PART ONE: TOWARD A ROUND-EARTH PARADIGM FOR THE VOLUNTARY NONPROFIT SECTOR
Definitions and Metaphors
Revising Flat-Earth Maps
The Rest of the Voluntary Nonprofit Sector
PART TWO: THE DISTINCTIVE NATURE OF GRASSROOTS ASSOCIATIONS
Formational Characteristics
Internal Guidance Systems
Internal Structure
Internal Processes
Leaders and Environments