This six-page graduate paper examines the history and theory of community organizing.
In two related essays, the author discusses populist movements and mediating institutions, and notes that populist movements need to form, recruit, educate, and politicize, for victimization induces a sense of powerlessness and apathy which can only be overcome by developing a movement that can empower them and provide hope. He notes as well that mediating institutions are also vital to democratic societies, for they serve as a bridge of contact between citizens and their government.