Small stories

Small stories: Reflections on the practice of youth development

A collection of funny and sad stories which spans 30 years of teaching and youth work by Lloyd and Anthea Martin in the community of Cannons Creek, Porirua, New Zealand. Each story is interspersed with reflections that link practice with theory, drawing from fields as diverse as behavioural sciences, theology, and community development. 

Lloyd and Anthea’s book is an invitation to actively embrace the opportunities for learning that exist right under our nose, in the ‘small’ stories that surround us every day.

Howard Sercombe, Professor of Community Education, University of Strathclyde, Scotland

An essential road map to navigating the complex and ever changing world of youth, and direct hands-on engagement with young people. 

Sharon Davis, Teen Parent Services, Te Ora Hou Aotearoa/ New Zealand

Small stories use the power of narrative to convey deep truths hidden beneath troubling statistics and diagnostic labels. 

Professor Rob White, Director, Australian Clearinghouse for Youth Studies

Table of contents

Part I – the principles of care

Chapter 1: Becoming present

Chapter 2: Stories around connection

Part 2 – the practice of care

Chapter 3: Communities that care – development

Chapter 4: Communities that care – coercion and influence …

Chapter 5: Communities that care – Citizenship

Chapter 6: Organisations that care

Chapter 7: Caring for ourselves

Postscript: A last word about stories

References

Sources and resources