Russell Weaver, Ph.D., is a geographer, quantitative social scientist, and Director of Research at the Cornell ILR School Buffalo Co-Lab. He was previously an associate professor in the Texas State University Department of Geography, where he taught courses in community geography, community development, urban planning, geographic thought, and quantitative data analysis. Dr. Weaver’s research programs are aimed at understanding and contributing to pathways for context-sensitive, sustainable, and equitable community change. He is the lead author of the book “Shrinking Cities: Understanding Urban Decline in the United States.” Find him on Twitter @RustBeltGeo.
Course Overview
In this course, you will discover the importance of solidarity and collective action in equitable community change. More specifically, you will investigate the forces that intentionally seek to disempower ordinary people and undermine democracy. You will create a personal story for use in a larger public narrative that will be used to persuade members of a target audience toward collective action. Using the tools gained in this course, you can support your personal and community goals with awareness and best practices.
Key Course Takeaways
- Recognize and prepare to confront, both as an individual and as part of one or more groups, forces that intentionally disempower ordinary people and undermine democracy
- Identify and distinguish among various bonds that bring people and organizations together for collective action
- Identify and prepare to use established tools and techniques for building and strengthening different types of social bonds.

How It Works
Course Length
2 weeks
Effort
3-5 hours per week
Format
100% online, instructor-led
Course Author
Russell Weaver
Director of Research
Cornell ILR Buffalo Co-Lab
Director of Research, Cornell ILR Buffalo Co-Lab
Who Should Enroll
- Activists and community development organizers and practitioners
- Policy makers and political staff
- Public interest lawyers and advocates
- Leaders and members of organized labor organizations
- Urban planners and strategic planning agencies
- Social workers
- Grant writers
- Educators
- People interested in engaging in community change
Get It Done
100% Online
100% Online
Our programs are expressly designed to fit the lives of busy professionals like you.
Learn From
cornell's Top Minds
cornell's Top Minds
Courses are personally developed by faculty experts to help you gain today's most in-demand skills.
Power Your
career
career
Cornell's internationally recognized standard of excellence can set you apart.
Stack To A Certificate
Request Information Now by completing the form below.
Act today—courses are filling fast.