This paper examines trends that have contributed to the changing awareness and understanding of poverty and community in the United States. It also describes and comments on the recent amalgam of place-based and people-based approaches known as comprehensive community initiatives (CCIs) and community building that have grown up as a result of the…

This study investigated the historical development of the Gage Park community in Chicago, Illinois, including its population changes, education, income, racial composition, housing and crime. The results indicate that the community, which in the past has been primarily composed of persons of German ancestry, has experienced an influx of Latino and…

Describes a 10-city satellite teleconference, "If Not Us, Who?" produced by the National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise and the Community Telecommunications Development Foundation. Issues discussed included redirecting gang violence into more productive activities, funding mechanisms for solving neighborhood problems, and strategies for…

This paper describes an education project to train religious leaders in Cleveland's inner city to become community advocates and change agents. Includes results of a followup survey of participants indicating how their acquired skills are benefitting the community. (SK)

Uses examples of the University of Illinois at Chicago Neighborhoods Initiative (UICNI) and Policy Research Action Group (PRAG) to show how strong, viable university/community collaborations can occur. Points to a new research model and key lessons learned on how to use collaborative partnerships to enhance social action on urban problems. (DSK)

This study focused on the role of constituency-based community organizations as a key element in revitalizing the neighborhoods of Chicago and on the need for strengthening their capacity in partnerships with the private sector and with the government. The study activities included discussions by a committee of 41 people from corporations,…

In 1974, residents of East Humboldt Park, one of the oldest working class communities in Chicago, Illinois, gathered together in a common effort to reverse the process of urban decay and deterioration in their community. With the help of a hired consultant, the citizens planned the future of their community, a process that was completed in 1976,…

Described in this paper are strategies and programs developed by the Control Data Corporation to address inner-city needs. Strategies cited include the establishment of new plants in economically depressed areas and the encouragement of local community support in business operations. Specific programs discussed are directed at the disadvantaged…

The squatter settlements in Kuala Lumpur exhibit a high incidence of communicable diseases, teenage pregnancies, and psychological and familial stress. The Sang Kancil Intervention Program responds to this situation by providing preschool education, maternal and child health care clinics, and activities that generate income for low-income…

The Pew Partnership works with local and national partners to design and implement new solutions to social problems, analyze local leadership for action, and research and disseminate cutting edge strategies for urban improvement. Interviews were conducted with 65 people in 9 communities participating in the Pew Partnership to examine their ways of…

In 1992 the Pew Partnership launched a national initiative aimed at discovering new knowledge about how citizens accomplish significant, lasting improvements in their communities. The Partnership chose smaller cities as the focus for this experimental effort, granting each of 14 cities up to $400,000 for a 3-year period. Eight of the cities later…

The need to develop "family capital" (the attributes and skills that enable families to carry out their economic, social, and nurturing functions) in inner-city neighborhoods is the focus of this background briefing report. Part I of the report describes the characteristics and causes of distressed communities and their impact on families, and…

This Spanish-language publication of the Association of Puerto Rican Executive Directors (APRED) presents recommendations for action by the New York State legislature to improve opportunities and services for the Puerto Rican and Latino community. The agenda for legislative action calls for the integration to the community in the social, economic,…

This publication of the Association of Puerto Rican Executive Directors (APRED) presents recommendations for action by the New York State legislature to improve opportunities and services for the Puerto Rican and Latino community. The agenda for legislative action, produced by the APRED Legislative Task Force, calls for the integration of the…

Argues that Neighborhood Development Organization (NDO) staffs and volunteers have a faulty understanding of the political economies of poor urban communities, and have adopted a free market orientation. Recommends an alternative "organizing-driven" model of community development. (FMW)