Re-defining University's Civic Responsibility through Community Organizing

This chapter explores the potential for an alternate vision for civic renewal through one universities’ engagement with community organizing. The literature on community organizing is relatively rich although it is mostly from the United States. It draws upon community organizing as developed in the UK, particularly through the work of Citizens UK, whose Birmingham branch features in Birmingham Post's Power 250 list for the region and is credited by public agency leaders for being 'ahead of the curve' on working for common good. Tangible successes include establishing local shops and community buildings as safe havens near schools, securing the backing of elected and business leaders to pay the Living Wage and Birmingham committing to resettle 500 Syrian refugees from UN camps. Softer impacts have included the local community feeling that the University is committed to them and students and staff feeling more confident, empowered and knowledgeable of the community’s issues.