Empowerment Toolkit

EMPOWERMENT

The way we as Christians attempt to restore communities can be either harmful or helpful. The purpose of this book on Empowerment is to move us toward more effective involvement with and empowerment of the poor. This requires that we look at ourselves, our under-resourced communities and their residents through a whole new set of eyeglasses helping us focus more on developing people’s skills and capacities, rather than focusing on helping the poor to simply live better lives.

Empowerment is one of eight key components of Christian Community Development, a Biblical approach to restoring under-resourced communities.

DVD Resources

• Institute Introduction
• Empowerment Introduction
• Lupton: Empowerment and the Church
  
  • Churches at a Crossroads
• Lupton: Betterment to Development
  
  • Diagram
  • Food Program
  • Thrift Store
  • Christmas Store
• Hope CDC
• Mika CDC
• Empowerment Conclusion

What does it do?

This book sheds new light on the underlying causes of poverty in our communities but it does more than simply highlight the problem.

It will help you discover how to benefit your community through empowerment. This powerful resource can be used with churches, community groups, NPOs and even in your own backyard!

It lays out empowerment structures (like Asset-Based Community Development) in a strategic format. It solidifies these principles with practical examples that have grown from the lives and ministries of seasoned community developers.

How do I use it?

• Host a training session about Empowerment at your church for organizations in your community
• Benefit your CCD organization by learning how to better empower those in your community
• Read it for ideas and inspiration from the examples of Empowerment
• Study it in your Small Group or Sunday School
• Gift it to a church that you know is interested in CCD and Empowerment

Mary Nelson

Mary Nelson is President Emeritus of Bethel New Life, where she served for 26 years as the founder and CEO. Bethel was a pioneer in creative community-based efforts, helping to build healthier, sustainable and equitable communities on Chicago’s west side. Two of the most notable projects developed under Mary’s leadership were the adaptive re-use of a closed down inner city hospital, and a smart, green, mixed use commercial center at a transit stop. She presently serves on the boards of Sojourners, Christian Community Development Association, Good City and is past board president of Woodstock Institute. Mary earned her PhD from Union Graduate School and has been awarded six honorary PhDs. She is in demand as a consultant, writer, teacher, and speaker in all areas of community development. Mary serves on the faculty of ABCD Institute (Northwestern University), North Park University, CCDA Institute, Loyola University, and the Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education (SCUPE).

How do I order it?

Empowerment Toolkit by Mary Nelson
Price: $35 (Book & DVD set)

Book: $12.95
DVD: $25.00
 
Shipping and handling $4.00

All toolkits will be shipped USPS Media Mail.  
Estimated delivery time 5-14 days.

To order Empowerment resources:

1. Send a check for your total amount (include shipping and handling), with "Empowerment" on the memo line to:
   
   • CCDA
     Attn: Resource Sales
     1100 W. Cermak Rd B414
     Chicago, IL 60608
   • If the address that you would like the resources shipped to is different than the address on the check, please provide shipping information. Also, please provide a phone number and/or e-mail address so that we can contact you with updates on shipping dates.
2. Call 312-733-0200 and provide credit card payment and shipping information over the phone.

Contact Stephanie stephanie@ccda.org at 312.733.0200