Abstract

DISCIPLINING DIVERSE COMMUNITY AGENCIES: THE PRESSURE TO PARTNER

Susan McGrath, Ken Moffatt, Usha George and Bill Lee

This paper is based on the findings of our SSHRC funded study of community work practice with agencies serving marginalized and diverse populations across Ontario. The study used interpretive and reflective research designs to capture the lived experiences of practitioners in order to add to the store of professional knowledge. Using a snowball technique that built on existing social networks, 22 interviews were held with community workers serving immigrants and refugees, First Nations/Aboriginal persons, and the gay/lesbian/ bisexual/transgendered community in four urban centres. The participants identified the pressure to form partnerships with other organizations as one of the changes affecting their practice. Community based agencies are struggling with the power relations of being compelled to form “communities” of service provision often with agencies that they are in competition with for declining resources. The pressure for partnership is driven largely by funders, governmental and non-governmental, who argue cost containment, efficiency and effectiveness. This paper examines these relationships which may involve the sharing of power, work, support and/or information and identifies the tensions and benefits of partnerships for agencies serving diverse populations. The elements of successful partnerships (inclusion, mutual dependence and empowerment), that can strengthen agencies and contribute to local social development are considered.

Bio

• Dr. Susan McGrath, Associate Professor, School of Social Work, York University
• Dr. Ken Moffatt, Associate Professor, School of Social Work, York University
• Dr. Usha George, Associate Dean, Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto.
• Dr. Bill Lee, Associate Professor, School of Social Work, McMaster University

This team of experienced community workers and academic researchers has been working together since 1996 researching and publishing on community work issues in Canada. At least one team member has worked with and/or identifies with each of the communities researched.

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