Examines two central community work training areas in France--courses offering training in "animation" and social work courses. Also identifies three areas significant for community work training: community centers, postprofessional training, and social services. (CT)

The author discusses ritual as a process of creating social frameworks through the mobilization of communal sentiment and purpose. He presents a case study in which the ritual process was applied by an external change agent to develop social partnerships and local support for the establishment of a community center. (SK)