Which of the following was NOT an early form of community organizing?

The correct answer is based on the context of community organizing and the roles of various entities. Trusts created by the railroad industry were primarily economic entities formed to consolidate control and maximize profits in the transportation sector. They operated more as business organizations focused on industry regulation and market control rather than as grassroots movements aiming to empower communities or address social issues.

In contrast, neighborhood watch groups, labor unions, and community development corporations are all initiatives aimed at mobilizing community members around common interests, providing support systems, and advocating for change. Neighborhood watch groups promote safety and community vigilance; labor unions advocate for workers’ rights and collective bargaining; and community development corporations focus on local community development and improvement projects. These forms align closely with the ideals of community organizing, which emphasizes collective action and community engagement to address social concerns.