Guidebook to Community Consulting

'A much-needed resource for independent community consultants. It provides a wealth of field-based advice and practical wisdom and offers an assessment tool to rate the knowledge, values, and skills required by community consultants. We can all benefit from the experience of Wolfe and Price!' Gail Vallance Barrington, Michigan State University, USA 'This book's conversational and engaging tone sets it apart from others, making it a great resource to students and early- and mid-career professionals. Susan and Ann have provided a comprehensive guide to community consulting with down-to-earth detail on how to set up and maintain a community consulting business. This is a must-have resource!' Kyrah K. Brown, University of Texas at Arlington, USA 'Wolfe and Price are consummate community consultants. They work 'with' not 'on' communities. Their guide is grounded in principles of equity and social justice, while providing concrete advice concerning the business side of consulting. This is a book for both the beginner and the seasoned consultant looking to be a part of a collaborative and sustainable community consulting practice.' David Fetterman, Fetterman and Associates, USA 'I wish I'd had this book when I was starting out on my own. It would have saved me a few headaches.' Kylie Hutchinson, Community Solutions Planning and Evaluation, Canada 'This guidebook simplifies the steps to engage in community consulting, while staying rich and expanding on the foundation of collaboration in working in communities. Ann and Susan do a great job of showing the reader the complexities of keeping integrity, social justice, and equity in the forefront of community-based work with complex systems. Sharing real life wisdom in combination with evidence-informed practice, it is a must read!' Tasha Parker, Institute of Development, USA 'Grounded in the theory and practice of community psychology, Wolfe and Price together draw on 60 years of experience to illuminate community consulting as a collaborative process that involves sharing knowledge, skills, and tools to build the group's capacity to reach its goals. Their partnering approach is participatory, equity-committed, utilization-focused, methodological diverse, systematic, systems-sensitive, and authentic. To begin community consulting or deepen an existing practice, the case examples, wisdom, insights, and lessons in this important book will guide you pragmatically and ethically to effectiveness and excellence.' Michael Quinn Patton, Author of Principles-Focused Evaluation 'This practical guidebook reflects on the value, skills, and benefits of working collaboratively to address the systemic issues that plague communities by partnering with communities at the forefront. The accessible writing style does not compromise complexity consultants must navigate upon and the authors elevate diversity through the examples, quotations and perspectives shared.' Geri Lynn Peak, Two Gems Consulting Services, USA 'Reading this book feels like you are being personally mentored by Susan & Ann. It is clear, honest, informative, and comprehensive. In this book, Susan & Ann meet you where you are – and generously share their knowledge and passion to help you shape a fulfilling career in community consulting.' Nina Sabarre, Intention 2 Impact, USA 'The Guidebook for Community Consulting will be THE new trusted companion for everyone considering a career in the field of community consulting. Wolfe and Price masterfully synthesize existing wisdom on the topic, and weave in guidance and advice gleaned from decades of their own community consulting experience. The writing is clear and accessible, and their recommendations are straightforward and up-to-date. What's more, they include loads of resources for readers who want to dig deeper into any topic relevant to community consulting today. The guidebook can be used to help YOU make a career change or decision and then support your success as a reference tool to go back to over and over again as you grow your practice.' Judah Viola, National Louis University, USA 'Wolfe and Price have written the perfect book for the Community Consultation practitioner. The volume is comprehensive, clear, lively, and jam packed with all the information you will need to start or expand your practice. Most valuable and engaging are the many real-life examples highlighting the triumphs and headaches of community consultation.' Tom Wolff, Tom Wolff & Associates, USA