When Government Is Not the Solution: The Role of Community Organizations in Outreach

Authors

  • Jack Clinton Byham Texas A&M International University
  • Viviana Martinez-Gomez Texas A&M International University
  • John C. Kilburn, Jr. Texas A&M International University
  • Andrew M. Hilburn Texas A&M International University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20899/jpna.9.1.4-27

Keywords:

Trust, Contract Failure Theory, Coproduction, Nonprofit, Government

Abstract

Trust between government entities and the public is critical; without it, communities become paralyzed in their ability to act collectively and for the greater good. Establishing and maintaining this trust, however, can be difficult. The outreach and coproduction performed by the coalition of organizations described in this article provide examples of how to address several interrelated problems of public distrust in the government. When viewed in their proper light, these examples enrich the theoretical understanding of contract failure theory. Rather than take advantage of their advantages in power, governments increasingly leverage the power of reciprocity to accomplish their goals by relying on preexisting community trust in nonprofits. Self-interest well understood is a critical component of this reciprocal relationship: it works best when government secures resources, funding, and access to policy processes, in return for nonprofit resources such as service delivery, political support, buy-in, and legitimacy. In this indirect way, nonprofit coproduction can help to foster perceptions of legitimacy and trust in government.

Author Biographies

  • Jack Clinton Byham, Texas A&M International University

    Jack Clinton Byham is Assistant Professor of Political Science in the Department of Social Sciences at Texas A&M International University in Laredo, TX. He received his Ph.D. in 2014 from Michigan State University. At TAMIU he teaches courses in American and State Government, in Ancient and Modern Political Philosophy, and in the Master of Arts in History and Political Thought program. His general research interests include political philosophy, American and comparative politics, religion, and economics.

  • Viviana Martinez-Gomez, Texas A&M International University

    Viviana Martinez-Gomez is a clinician, program director, and consultant with 18 years of experience in the behavioral health field.  She earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership & Development from Northcentral University and a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration from the Virginia University of Lynchburg; she is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and Certified Anger Resolution Therapist. Her research includes integrated behavioral health, community integration, cultural competency, trust among collaborators, collaborative partnerships, and sustainability. She is a program director with SCAN, Inc. in Laredo, Texas overseeing the expansion of parenting programs along the South Texas–Mexico border and piloting programs for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

  • John C. Kilburn, Jr., Texas A&M International University

    John C. Kilburn, Jr. is Professor of Sociology and Associate Vice President for Research and Sponsored Projects at Texas A&M International University. He received his Ph.D. from Louisiana State University and has published in journals such as Criminal Justice Review, The Journal of Pediatrics, Social Forces, and Urban Affairs Review. For over 30 years, Dr. Kilburn has served as a consultant to various nonprofit community organizations. His research has been supported through funding from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as other private foundations.

  • Andrew M. Hilburn, Texas A&M International University

    Andrew M. Hilburn is Associate Professor of Geography in the Department of Social Sciences at Texas A&M International University. He holds a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Kansas. His research generally focuses on the intersection of society and the environment, with specific topics ranging from waste management, land use/land tenure, and resource extractivism. Dr. Hilburn’s regional focus is Mexico, Central America, and increasingly, South Texas. His publications can be found in Applied Geography, Human Ecology, Journal of Latin American Geography, Geoforum, Journal of Urban Design, and The Geographical Review among others, with moderate funding from national, regional, and local sources underwriting his research.

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Published

2023-01-30

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 1 (2023)

Section

Research Articles

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