Analyzes a series of cases to understand how collaborative processes work and whether government can be an equal partner even as government agencies often formally control decision making and are held accountable for the outcomes, looking at examples where government has led, encouraged, or followed in collaboration.
Collaborating for Environmental Health and Justice in Urban Communities
Focusing on environmental health disparities, the book explores collaborative efforts among community groups, academics, and government agencies to combat inequities faced by low-income and marginalized urban populations. It presents case studies from Rochester, Duluth, and Southern California, highlighting initiatives to tackle issues like childhood lead poisoning, unhealthy living conditions, and pollution from commercial activities. Through these examples, the author emphasizes the importance of cross-sector coalitions in creating effective policy changes for healthier communities.
Not long ago, pottery was a lost art in Chihuahua, Mexico. But in the 1970s, near the ruins of Casas Grandes, an art revolution was born. Inspired by ancient pottery fragments from a tradition that had disappeared before the arrival of the first Europeans, a self-taught woodcutter-turned-artist reinvented an entire ceramic technology. Today Casas Grandes pottery, made by hand from local clays and mineral colors by a handful of artists, claims high prices and sets the standard for contemporary pottery. Photographer Sandra Smith traveled to Mata Ortíz to photograph the potters and to record their reflections on their work. Her portraits document their techniques—collecting and preparing the clay, forming by hand, sanding, and painting. They also capture intimate moments between artists and their art. For anyone who has ever admired Casas Grandes pottery, Portraits of Clay is a beautiful introduction to the potters and their work.