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Building TheoryOur background research led us to develop a working theory coupled with several hypotheses about development and unequal access. Education is a proven tool for dismantling structural poverty and its attendant social injustices. In short, the theory tests whether putting the right pedagogy (inclusive, participatory processes) in the right place increases civic intelligence, or what we call community competence. Community-based organizations (CBOs) in the form of community technology centers (CTCs) are the key institutional variable in our theory. CBOs are "bureaucratic in structure, governed by an elected...volunteer board of directors, [and] employ professional or volunteer staff to provide a continuing human service to a clientele in the [target] community" (Kramer, 9). They are the "right place" where we believe the right pedagogy is taking place. Our study, which gauges the best practices employed by community technology centers in Austin, acts as a metaphor for what the CBO movement can do across the nation in order to counteract inequality and promote substantive change for all citizens. Community-based organizations are effective arenas for individuals to become connected, empowered and ultimately able to participate in and revolutionize society at large. These smaller, human-scale organizations foster the conditions for civic engagement and community consciousness by developing assets. They have a role in developing the physical infrastructure of neighborhoods. They are places where individuals can develop and practice valuable life skills. They are places to meet new people and do new things. Increasing evidence shows that social cohesion is critical for societies to prosper economically and for development to be sustainable. Social capital refers to the institutions, relationships and norms that shape the quality and quantity of a society’s social interactions. It is not just the sum of the institutions that underpin a society. It is also the glue that holds them together. Technology skills and resources can be a powerful catalytic force. They can be used to promote healthy, sustainable community. The value of the CBO is far greater than providing individuals with the chance to learn new skills. Lamont’s story demonstrates the power of technology when it is used to bring people together to learn and do things they would not be able to accomplish alone. The degree to which a CBO exhibits the five criteria determines how nearly they approximate our 'ideal-type' CTC: a CBO well-suited for 'doing democracy in the hood.' |
NotesKramer, R.M. (1981). Voluntary agencies in the welfare state. Berkeley: University of California Press.
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