American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which of the following is true about Saul Alinsky?

1. He was a criminologist who lived in Illinois.

2. He was a community organizer in the Chicago slums.

3. He founded the "Back of the Yards" advocacy organization.

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

Saul Alinsky is best known for his role as a community organizer and is often considered a pioneer in this field. His work in the Chicago slums exemplified his commitment to empowering marginalized communities and fostering grassroots activism. By focusing on community organization, Alinsky aimed to build political power from the ground up, which involved mobilizing residents to address their own social and economic issues. In addition to his community organizing efforts, he also founded the "Back of the Yards" advocacy organization in Chicago, which significantly influenced labor and community organizing strategies in urban settings. His approach combined activism with strategic planning, making him an influential figure in the realm of social change and political theory. Thus, the answer encompassing all these aspects accurately reflects Alinsky's diverse contributions, including his work as a community organizer and the establishment of organizations aimed at empowering local communities.