National Youth Agency: Essential resources from the NYA

The historical 'grand narratives' of the creation of nations and empires, of advances in science and technology, of the universalisation of humanistic values, culture and knowledge and the creation of wealth on an unimagined scale are shot through with human suffering and struggle, the scale of which is immense. Everything from the catastrophes of war, famine and the degradation of the environment, to the simple unending misery of exploitation, squalor, poverty, homelessness and powerlessness have been part of the landscape of everyday life for many people caught up in the changes.

It is in this landscape that community and youth work is located. Here is a history of intervention, organisation and action within daily struggle. That history includes a wide range of intentions and purposes. At its best, motivated by the ideals of justice, democracy and equality, it has been a catalyst for creative, co-operative activity among ordinary people. At its worst, it has been a servant of the forces of repression and control.