Page 8 (Family tasks):
“The crucial nature of everyday needs became obvious during the days following Katrina….
“This book is not about disasters. But millions of Americans face less drastic yet significant challenges in meeting six everyday responsibilities: (1) earning an income; (2) feeding their families; (3) maintaining their health; (4) finding housing; (5) handling everyday household chores; and (6) caring for their children. The storms that can debilitate families are figurative ones such as a medical emergency or a layoff. Even prosperous Americans often have less fortunate relatives or friends, and all Americans are affected by myriad conditions within their neighborhoods and communities. [Connecting the Dots includes chapters about each of these tasks, outlining what can be done by local communities and volunteers and what national commitments are necessary.]
“This book addresses the complex relationships between family and community, and between community and other players affecting family and community life, including the private sector, government, nonprofit groups, and religious organizations. Although we show how local communities can operate in ways that create nourishing environments, we also point out the limitations of both local communities and individual families in dealing with the changes wrought by structural shifts in the economy. The experience of Katrina leads us to examine more carefully the condition of our family and community levees.”
Copyright © 2008 by Transaction Publishers. Reprinted by permission of the publisher.
