The course helps students understand the organization of urban, multicultural communities, while engaged in service learning activities in grassroots and nonprofit organizations. Included are methods of practice used to mobilize people to collective action to solve their own problems, form ongoing organizations that enhance their power to meet their own needs, and develop resources where needed. Emphasis is on work with diverse human populations and the importance of evaluation in practice. The course involves students in the formal and experiential study of select areas of Central Los Angeles through a combination of directed reading, reflective papers, macro-practice activities, a service practicum, and group discussions. Course is available only through the L.A. Term Program.