“How To” of Community Work◎Woo Peiyi and Yu Xinyao

“How To” of Community Work offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build and sustain community in Singapore. Based on over a year of interviews, research, writing, and design, this book gathers the insights of 38 individuals—community workers, social workers, grassroot leaders, social entrepreneurs, citizen facilitators, policy makers, and academics—each shaping how we connect, collaborate and mobilise care.

From navigating complex relationships to working alongside individuals from low-income or marginalised backgrounds, this book doesn't shy away from the everyday challenges of community work. With real-life Challenge Scenarios, reflective Thinker Exercises, and a hands-on Guide, it captures the lived realities and quiet wisdom of those doing the work on the ground.

“How To” of Community Work is both a heartfelt passion project and a practical resource. Supported in part by the Good Design Research grant from the DesignSingapore Council, it documents the know-how that rarely gets written down—but is vital for anyone seeking to do community work meaningfully.