Preface

If you want to be a change agent for social justice, but are not sure how to begin, you have come to the right place. The authors of this Community Psychology textbook will show you how to comprehensively analyze, investigate, and address escalating problems of economic inequality, violence, substance abuse, homelessness, poverty, and racism. As you read through these chapters, you will begin a journey that will provide you with perspectives and tools to promote a fair and equitable allocation of resources and opportunities, resulting in meaningful changes in your community.

Consistent with the liberating ideas of social justice, this Introductory Community Psychology textbook is free, providing an alternative to costly college textbooks that contribute to the rising levels of student debt. We thank the Vincentian Endowment Fund at DePaul University for making this online resource accessible.

In our continuing effort to expand our thinking and outreach, we are able to offer you an opportunity for learning about the field of Community Psychology. Undergraduates can now become free Student Associate Members of the Society for Community Research and Action, which is the home organization of Community Psychology. We highly encourage you to visit this link to learn more about our field, what it can do for you, and how you can get involved.

Leonard A. Jason, Olya Glantsman, Jack F. O’Brien, & Kaitlyn N. Ramian
DePaul University