1. Introduction; 2. Community consulting – how to prepare and where you might work; 3. Do you have the personal qualities to be a community consultant; 4. Community consulting values and knowledge; 5. Skills you might need or want; 6. Setting up your practice and managing the practical matters; 7. Collaboration with colleagues; 8. Collaboration with clients and the community; 9. Money matters; 10. The future of community consulting; Appendix 1: Community consulting professional development planning tool; Appendix 2: Resources; Glossary.
A practical guide to collaborating and consulting with communities to enhance social change.
Dr. Susan M. Wolfe, CEO of Susan Wolfe and Associates, has been working with communities for over thirty-six years. Her award-winning work includes research, evaluation, coalition development, advocacy, needs assessments, and strategic planning. She has published her work in journals, books, and blogs, and regularly teaches workshops and gives presentations to professional audiences nationally and internationally. Dr. Ann Webb Price, President of Community Evaluation Solutions, works with community coalitions, non-profit organizations, and foundations that focus on systems change. She conducts workshops throughout the country on coalition development and evaluation. She has a podcast called Community Possibilities where she speaks to community leaders doing the hard work of community change.
'A much-needed resource for independent community consultants. It
provides a wealth of field-based advice and practical wisdom and
offers an assessment tool to rate the knowledge, values, and skills
required by community consultants. We can all benefit from the
experience of Wolfe and Price!' Gail Vallance Barrington, Michigan
State University, USA
'This book's conversational and engaging tone sets it apart from
others, making it a great resource to students and early- and
mid-career professionals. Susan and Ann have provided a
comprehensive guide to community consulting with down-to-earth
detail on how to set up and maintain a community consulting
business. This is a must-have resource!' Kyrah K. Brown, University
of Texas at Arlington, USA
'Wolfe and Price are consummate community consultants. They
work 'with' not 'on' communities. Their guide is grounded in
principles of equity and social justice, while providing concrete
advice concerning the business side of consulting. This is a book
for both the beginner and the seasoned consultant looking to be a
part of a collaborative and sustainable community consulting
practice.' David Fetterman, Fetterman and Associates, USA
'I wish I'd had this book when I was starting out on my own. It
would have saved me a few headaches.' Kylie Hutchinson, Community
Solutions Planning and Evaluation, Canada
'This guidebook simplifies the steps to engage in community
consulting, while staying rich and expanding on the foundation of
collaboration in working in communities. Ann and Susan do a great
job of showing the reader the complexities of keeping integrity,
social justice, and equity in the forefront of community-based work
with complex systems. Sharing real life wisdom in combination with
evidence-informed practice, it is a must read!' Tasha Parker,
Institute of Development, USA
'Grounded in the theory and practice of community psychology, Wolfe
and Price together draw on 60 years of experience to illuminate
community consulting as a collaborative process that involves
sharing knowledge, skills, and tools to build the group's capacity
to reach its goals. Their partnering approach is participatory,
equity-committed, utilization-focused, methodological diverse,
systematic, systems-sensitive, and authentic. To begin community
consulting or deepen an existing practice, the case examples,
wisdom, insights, and lessons in this important book will guide you
pragmatically and ethically to effectiveness and excellence.'
Michael Quinn Patton, Author of Principles-Focused Evaluation
'This practical guidebook reflects on the value, skills, and
benefits of working collaboratively to address the systemic issues
that plague communities by partnering with communities at the
forefront. The accessible writing style does not compromise
complexity consultants must navigate upon and the authors elevate
diversity through the examples, quotations and perspectives
shared.' Geri Lynn Peak, Two Gems Consulting Services, USA
'Reading this book feels like you are being personally mentored by
Susan & Ann. It is clear, honest, informative, and comprehensive.
In this book, Susan & Ann meet you where you are – and generously
share their knowledge and passion to help you shape a fulfilling
career in community consulting.' Nina Sabarre, Intention 2 Impact,
USA
'The Guidebook for Community Consulting will be THE new trusted
companion for everyone considering a career in the field of
community consulting. Wolfe and Price masterfully synthesize
existing wisdom on the topic, and weave in guidance and advice
gleaned from decades of their own community consulting
experience. The writing is clear and accessible, and their
recommendations are straightforward and up-to-date. What's more,
they include loads of resources for readers who want to dig deeper
into any topic relevant to community consulting today. The
guidebook can be used to help YOU make a career change or decision
and then support your success as a reference tool to go back to
over and over again as you grow your practice.' Judah Viola,
National Louis University, USA
'Wolfe and Price have written the perfect book for the Community
Consultation practitioner. The volume is comprehensive, clear,
lively, and jam packed with all the information you will need to
start or expand your practice. Most valuable and engaging are the
many real-life examples highlighting the triumphs and headaches of
community consultation.' Tom Wolff, Tom Wolff & Associates, USA
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