CHAOS in the making celebrates the journey of the CHAOS Network, established in the 1970s, as it marks its 40th year of community development and education. Since its inception, the network has transformed from being situated on the fringes of mainstream society to becoming an established entity in the state budget, receiving government support, and receiving recognition for its innovative programs and services.
This book, informed by the stories of women within the network, highlights the transformative impact of CHAOS in nurturing effective change-makers and propelling their knowledge beyond the local landscape into the wider national and global arenas. The book celebrates the role of women as pioneers of leadership, networking, and community collaboration, offering valuable lessons for the sector.
The book highlights the importance of responsive approaches in navigating ever-changing community currents and emphasises the need for resilience and adaptability in addressing emergent issues. The book acknowledges and celebrates the myriad achievements of the CHAOS network over the years, from grassroots activities to high-level engagement in national and international events, from furnishing houses with recycled material to building million-dollar businesses, from creative solutions to difficult problems to award-winning programs.
Overall, this book underscores the significant contribution of the CHAOS network to community development and education and promotes the recognition and celebration of the accomplishments of women in the sector. The book also cautions against complacency in the face of emerging challenges and the need for continuous innovation, collaboration, and risk-taking to propel the sector forward. With its powerful message of hope, resilience, and achievement, this book is an essential read for anyone working in the community development and education field.