Cross-sector collaborations can generate the resources and political will necessary to tackle urgent, complex issues. Because these partnerships involve local leaders, they are typically responsive to their surrounding communities, addressing local concerns, and capitalizing upon local assets. These strengths-oriented, locally driven…

Hardly anyone can have failed to pick up on the recent flurry of stories in the national press about the Big Society, sparked off by Dame Elisabeth Hoodless's remarks that funds for volunteers are disappearing at an alarming rate, and that this is undermining the very idea of a "Big Society". At the same time, under the government's…

On the weekend of December 13, 2008, 4,000 House Meetings in our nation convened to plan service events. In Jacksonville, Florida, four such House Meetings were held. Of the four, two became official links in Organizing for America, President Obama's grassroots organization. Of the two, one strove to become a learning organization. At the heart of…

Several groups of prevention scholars and practitioners have recently worked independently and simultaneously to identify and disseminate guidelines for effective prevention and health promotion, reaching remarkably similar conclusions. The authors argue that community-based collaboration is an overarching best practice in prevention because it is…

Discusses the development of Fluxus as a community of individuals who responded to complex interactions among themselves, yet who struggled against the codification of their activities into "artistic cohesion." Refutes myths of periods of ideological unity. Provides an overview of consensus among scholars, curators, and critics…

The Alabama Rural Elderly Enhancement Project was originally intended to help maintain the health and independence of the elderly in Alabama; it developed into an intergenerational program. The project director's leadership built a strong organization that promoted linkages among community agencies and with citizens. (JOW)

Examines state-civil society partnerships for policy implementation in developing countries. Considers the applicability of strategic management approaches to policy partnerships and suggests steps to strengthen the successful pursuit of state-civil society partnerships. Extensive references. (Author/JOW)

Argues that many of the needs youth have are determined by where and how they live. Suggests youth services providers should take a constructivist approach by helping communities and organizations create services that provide and nurture caring attitudes and behaviors. Presents recommendations for modifying cultures and organizing caring…

Three seminars examined strategies and tactics for community mobilization in Latin America. The sessions--which were held in Bogota, Columbia; Quito, Ecuador; and Recife, Brazil--involved a total of 75 participants from 27 organizations. Addressed during the seminars were development, leadership, mobilization, and learning in the context of…

Calls for school reform and performance have crested and receded many times this century. Establishing rigorous academic standards will revolutionize education and improve equity, and standards enjoy popular support. Standards require: (1) proficiency by students of all grades in a variety of subjects; (2) assessment testing; and (3) cooperation…

Discusses self-government among Canada's Native peoples. Examines the idea of having each family represented within tribal government. Explains that Canadian government policy forces a departure from the traditional ways of selecting tribal leadership. Argues that Native Canadians must find their own means of self-determination if they hope to end…

This report presents the findings and recommendations of the Governor's Commission on Higher Education for the Portland Metropolitan area. The Commission found that Portland needs educated citizens, that Portland's postsecondary education facilities are deficient particularly in systematic coordination, and that area strengths provide an…

Provides the personal narratives of three Rosebud Sioux tribal leaders: Geraldine Ancoren, a mother of 7 who has worked for the tribe in various departments for 16 years; Ned Metcalf, who organized several development projects for his extended family; and Duane Hollow Horn Bear, a Lakota Studies instructor at Sinte Gleska University and member of…

Summarized is Arnstein's "ladder of citizen participation" for environmental decision making which indicates the necessity for collaboration between teachers and planners. A ladder of "teacher-planner" collaboration is needed to precede Arnstein's. (DC)

In spite of polls showing lack of confidence in public schools, the author suggests that schools are not doing a bad job, but that they are not doing a good job of communicating the rationale and goals of school programs. A good vehicle for communication is the community school. (KC)