The textbook has two sections. The first part covers the ideological, ethical, emotional, and programmatic foundation necessary for community practice. We believe professional social work practice requires this ethical, ideological, and emotional grounding as well as theoretical knowledge as foundations for the practice skills. Our ideology is clear. People and their communities are fundamental. The text also reflects our belief that personal fortitude, integrity, and dedication must accompany the application of any practice knowledge and skills. The second section is devoted to community practice skills, such as entering communities safely and unobtrusively, and with sensitivity to culture. Social workers need to be able to go into communities where clients live and work in order to provide services effectively.