Community work is often dismissed even by its own advocates. Often seen as agents for the delivery of services, community workers have been accused of becoming depoliticized in their response. In a climate of criticism and cuts, many feel that community work has lost its sense of purpose and direction at a time when it has never been more vital. As governments seek to find more effective ways to engage with communities, to help them meet their own needs, this book asks whether community work is still relevant? Can we see community workers as key agents in making the connections needed to generate social action? Drawing on a body of rich interdisciplinary work, and extensive international research, this book develops an innovative analytical framework for considering the practices, politics and potential of community work, considering how it may flourish.