Lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of public education funding systems are currently underway in 21 states. Litigation represents an opportunity to restructure the ways in which public education is financed, expanded, and delivered to children across the country. Public engagement plays a uniquely important role to ensure real improvement…

Combining cartoons with brief narratives, this handbook identifies the five steps for developing the community councils mandated for each Teacher Corps project. The five steps are (1) establishing the community council as an organization, (2) identifying short-and long-term goals, (3) expanding community involvement, (4) training council members…

The first guide shows individuals how to organize a series of small-group discussions in order to help participants consider ways to prevent crime and violence in their homes, schools, and neighborhoods. Based on the concept of a study circle--small-group, democratic, and highly participatory--these groups bring people together to discuss…

Through description and discussion of the county prison's setting and potential for adult education, this booklet presents guidelines for successful correctional services. (It was designed as a supplement to a community-centered county correctional workshop.) An introductory section describes the prison setting including regulation of Pennsylvania…

Based on the view that communities that have good schools and better educated residents are safer, more stable communities where business and families thrive, this pamphlet describes how community-based organizations can support family-school compacts and affirm the importance of family and community involvement in student learning. The pamphlet…

Although increasing numbers of organizations are speaking out on behalf of children, politicians need to hear first-hand from families about their concerns for their children. This book provides parents and others with skills necessary to organize effectively and speak out on issues that affect children at home, at school, and in the broader…

Presents six steps for organizing community forum programs: establish forum steering committees; enlist community organization cosponsors; involve local media; develop related activities and community events; provide for panelist and moderator practice sessions; and develop forum promotional plans. Includes action steps for the forum coordinator.…

Since its founding in 1983, The Jefferson Foundation has engaged increasing numbers of Americans in study and discussion of the U.S. Constitution. Through participation in Jefferson Meetings on the Constitution citizens will come to a fuller understanding of how the Constitution was made, why it designed the national government the way it did, and…

Based upon interviews in a number of community-based organizations in several states, this report describes community-based organizations from several perspectives. The report begins with a discussion of the origins of community-based organizations. This historical perspective sets the background for a discussion of the nature of community-based…

More people than ever are using coastal waters for recreation and business activities and living along the shores. This puts more pressure on natural resources and creates more conflicts between the people using the resources. This guidebook is designed to help citizens develop an understanding of how coastal management works. Four chapters in…

Since 1978, federal legislation and regulations have required that Teacher Corps projects involve the participation of elected councils of at least seven members representative of the parents and other residents of the communities within the boundaries of the project schools. These councils participate in such project functions as needs…

Presented are recycling program alternatives, procedures for handling and marketing recyclable materials, and suggestions for financing and publicizing a recycling operation. This publication offers a general overview of the possibilities and potential pitfalls of recycling efforts, thereby serving as a catalyst and guide for organizations wishing…

As a community-based organization, community leader or activist, individuals are in a unique position to take the lead in raising awareness about resource conservation, good solid waste management, and safeguarding the environment for future generations. This paper is designed to help individuals plan and execute community events that promote the…

This guide was developed to encourage community organizations to employ public engagement strategies in the context of school finance litigation taking place in their states. While litigation may at times seem daunting and complex to non-lawyers, there is much that community-based organizations concerned with education reform can do to become…

A growing number of charter schools are being designed, launched, and operated by community-based nonprofit organizations (CBOs). This resource guide is intended to target a priority technical assistance need: creating and sustaining a healthy relationship between a new charter school and a founding community organization, leading to the creation…