Community Organizing in the Physical Environment: An Interview with Liam Reilly

by Brad Forenza, MSW, PhD

     April 22nd is Earth Day, which makes April a fitting month to spotlight environmentalism, as it relates to social work and social welfare. In addition to having been labeled the existential crisis of our time, environmental justice is also an explicit priority of the NASW’s professional organizing agenda. To this end, it behooves us to consider the relationship between one's physical environment and one's overall sense of well-being. 

     In this month’s interview with Mr. Liam Reilly, please take note of the ways in which Mr. Reilly’s advocacy for tenant rights intersects with issues of environmental justice (or lack thereof). Also, consider the ways in which community organizing processes might look the same regardless of the focal issue.

     Happy listening, and Happy Earth Day!

Brad Forenza, MSW, PhD, is an associate professor at Montclair State University and a recognized scholar of social policy. His research foci pertain to youth development, primary prevention, and civic engagement. His academic career is accentuated by direct social work practice at youth and family development agencies, program evaluation for clients in the human services, and public policy analysis at the state and federal levels. He regularly publishes and presents his work in national and international forums. His original, public scholarship also extends to the organization of practice-oriented events and panels, the production of documentary film and a social welfare podcast, and the authorship of practitioner interviews and many policy speeches.