In any problem-solving approach, the most important part of the process may be the feedback loop in which goal completion and the processes through which goals are achieved are examined (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2018). Consequently, the final or postengagement stage of an organizing effort involves reflection about and the evaluation of the social action campaign, community development effort, or social planning process. Both these activities should take place in the context of a group process. However, reflection requires group self-analysis about how the organizing activity took place and what it achieved. It can be conducted informally, based on participant perceptions and analysis, or formally, through the collection and analysis of quantitative data or systematically collected qualitative data from interviews, observations, or content analysis.
In this chapter, the reflection stage of the organizing process, also called praxis, is described. The various uses and applications of praxis to assess the work of staff members and volunteers and the interpersonal skills needed by the organizer to facilitate this type of group dialogue are also discussed. In addition, the use of reflective practices to monitor the social change process and modify strategies and tactics in response to situational demands is explored. The use of critical reflection and dialogue in the final stages of a campaign or other community-organizing, development, or planning activity to critically examine the process and outcomes associated with organizing efforts is also described. In the last section of this chapter, the application of principles associated with the process of praxis is examined.