These essays provide eloquent examples of the power of citizens to solve social problems in Latin America. It is an homage to the achievements of Juan Felipe Yriart who struggled with enormous energy to overcome the obstacles that democratic progress faces in the region. Arthur Domike has integrated a superb sample of collective civic engagement projects that clearly indicate that civil society is the key to achieving social justice and democratic governance throughout our hemisphere.
Gabriel Murillo Castaño, Professor, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota, Colombia