Institute for Sustainability and Technology Policy

This book illustrates how community engagement and civic participation is taking place in Western Australia within the space created by the concept of sustainability.

It provides theoretical background from a social science viewpoint coupled with a series of practical case studies. The case studies focus upon the different ways in which people come together in the community to achieve sustainability outcomes, encompassing environmental, social, cultural and economic goals.

The case studies range from stories of activists saving forests from logging, to efforts by indigenous communities to retain aspects of their culture and claim a voice in matters which concern them.

Where groups of people come together to work as a community interest group, they often experience many of the issues which also face corporate entities eg. leadership and group dynamics, funding needs, marketing, the need for continuing relevance.

Some of the groups described here have been very successful. However, there was one that was less successful with miscommunication contributing to its ultimate demise.

Available from UWA Press for $39.95 or email Sally Paulin at ISTP