This article documents how an MSW student in an introductory community practice course took her class assignment and over the course of two years revitalized, democratized, and transformed a sclerotic, corporate-run Home Owners Association (HOA). While the community analysis assignment required the student to interview six of her neighbors, the…

Although there are questions concerning the extent of the problems facing rural Americans, there is considerable evidence that many nonmetropolitan communities are facing a multitude of serious challenges. These issues do not exist as distinct and unrelated problems. For instance, one cannot focus exclusively on depopulation without also…

Extension program participants tell story after story of the impact of Cooperative Extension on their lives, their families, and their businesses. Despite huge amounts of qualitative data, very little quantitative data exist showing the aggregated public value of Extension programs--especially across program areas. The lack of data leaves…

Community visioning is based upon principles that maximize group participation in a creative problem-solving process. The process itself is structured to solicit and use the full range of interests and expertise within a given community to develop an implementation plan that specifically addresses the needs of the community and that fosters change…

This paper examines a burgeoning network of organizations that is inventing new forms of community renewal and citizenship education. Their names vary--some call themselves public policy institutes, others centers for civic life--yet they share a common methodology, one aimed at tackling tough public issues, strengthening communities, and…

Examines an ongoing community development project in a primarily African-American county in Georgia. Identifies characteristics of the local development effort and compares them to the elements in the black organizational autonomy model of community development. (Author/JOW)

Examines the disruptive effects of a public-private effort to introduce an innovative venture intended to spur economic development in a small, southern, rural community. Suggests that entrepreneurial activity is most likely to occur under the conditions described in the conflict model of community power. (JOW)

Citizen participation and community education are critical to encouraging attractive and sustainable growth. The Alliance for Quality Growth (AQG), housed at the University of Georgia, was formed to increase awareness and understanding of the wide variety of planning and growth management tools available, including the charrette, a proven…

Describes Georgia university/community partnership to prevent juvenile delinquency at local level. Discusses goals to develop school/juvenile court staff relationship, establish local intra-agency staff groups to plan/coordinate services with troubled youth, and develop/implement prevention plan based on local needs. (NEC)

Case study of a community and youth leadership development program in Rural Georgia illustrates a blend of traditional and participatory strategies, including participatory action research. Evaluation demonstrates the importance of working with community culture, forming cohesive groups, choosing facilities carefully, and reconciling community and…

The Georgia Community Development Program is a medium of agricultural extension teaching involving community improvement. The chief difference between the Georgia program and those in other Southeastern states appeared to be in the areas of sponsorship and awards schemes. A survey of recognized leaders in 16 rural communities in the Atlanta and…

Rural economic development requires local consensus and a coordinated effort by community leaders and the public at large. In 12 rural Georgia counties, the University of Georgia is implementing a Rural Revitalization Initiative (RRI) that emphasizes collaboration of public officials and private individuals across disciplines, professions,…

The consistent economic growth of the Georgia community is the result of careful planning over a long period. Successful community development efforts have resulted in a new regional library, an airport, a vocational technical school, an industrial park, and increased industrialization. (SB)

Transcripts of the 1971 Senate hearings on rural development (held in Sioux City, Iowa; Montgomery, Alabama; Vermillion, South Dakota; and Tifton, Georgia) are presented in this document. Derived from many sources representing the varied interests of each host State, representative testimony includes that of: city and state officials; university…

Outlines data on the socioeconomic, health, and educational status of Blacks in Georgia. Calls for the maximization of internal resources for internal development, self-sufficiency, and self-determination. (GC)