From needs to action : community organizing at Heritage Common, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Name
47912796-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
6.02 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
b014faae29cd3e014808d5d9fe3ea7c7
Author(s)
Fraser, Madeline C. (Madeline del Carmen), 1973-
Advisor(s)
Axia N. Cintrón.
Alternative Title
Community organizing at Heritage Common, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Date Issued
2000
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
This is a study of the effect researchers and their methods have on the process of community organizing. It specifically focuses on Heritage Common, a subsidized housing development in Lawrence, Massachusetts with a population comprised of 81% Latino residents. A survey on the social service needs of the residents was conducted for the owner and management company, The Community Builders (TCB). During the survey process, the residents of Heritage Common voiced their desire to organize a Tenants' Committee that would be formally recognized by the management and have a say in the future of their community. The project started as a social services needs assessment and became a community organizing case study with an interest in the role of the researcher and the research methods as catalysts in the process. The results of the survey were used to inform the residents about which groups within the community as well as which social services could be identified as targets for organizing efforts. This project was begun in October 1999, and as of May 2000, Heritage Common has established a formal Tenants' Committee. The first meeting between management, the Tenants' Committee and the residents to address community concerns will be held on May 18, 2000.
Description
Thesis (M.C.P.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Urban Studies and Planning, 2000.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 71-72).
Subjects
Urban Studies and Planning.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Urban Studies and Planning
Terms of Use
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