Graduation Semester and Year
Summer 2025
Language
English
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Social Work
Department
Social Work
First Advisor
Dr. Marcela Nava
Second Advisor
Dr. Jandel Crutchfield
Third Advisor
Dr. Kiva Harper
Abstract
Although community-based and grassroots leadership research exists, little exists in the way of exploring the personal and relational experiences of community organizers to their work and to their community. Using data collected from semi-structured interviews with self-identified community leaders, this research addresses insights into their lived experiences. In particular, a thematic exploration looks at what appeared across each interview. This research is intended to serve as a basis for future research into the lived experiences of community organizers outside of one specific experience or cause, but rather to take an in-depth look into them, their perceptions, and their relationship to the community they serve.
Keywords
Stop Six, Community Leaders, Community Organizing
Disciplines
Leadership Studies | Organizational Communication | Organization Development | Other Social and Behavioral Sciences | Social Justice | Social Psychology | Social Work
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Herron, Caitlin, "Experiences of Community Leaders and Organizers within the Stop Six Community" (2025). Social Work Theses. 216.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/socialwork_theses/216
Included in
Leadership Studies Commons, Organizational Communication Commons, Organization Development Commons, Other Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons, Social Justice Commons, Social Psychology Commons, Social Work Commons
Comments
As all researchers and thesis writing graduate students may attest to, it is a long and sometimes arduous process. One that would surely have been all the more arduous without the gargantuan wisdom and support of Dr. Marcela Nava. I have never been so championed, challenged, and supported. Thank you for everything.
True social workers in name and practice, my sincere appreciation to Esmeralda Rubalcava-Hernandez, LMSW, and Elena Hall, LCSW, for the encouragement, empowerment, and the occasional prodding.
I have been enormously privileged by all the Women in academia who have encouraged and lifted me up over and over, all the way to the finish line. Thank you.