Community surveys in rural Pennsylvania (393 responses) investigated how residents view women in their local community. Results suggest that women are as involved as men and perceive similar characteristics as important to being influential, but their underrepresentation as leaders has resulted in perceptions that women are not very influential.…

Analysis of data from 10,798 residents of 99 small Iowa towns revealed that smaller communities, those with a high percentage of full-time employed residents, more college graduates, and more people working in town have higher community participation levels. (Contains 41 references.) (JOW)

This paper investigates the process of how actions of community groups are initiated and carried out. It also identifies key characteristics of participation in community action projects. Social actions in two communities in North Carolina are studied from a 10-year period. (Author/CT)

Four nonmetropolitan communities were selected for an experimental program designed to train local citizens in general procedures of economic impact research. A handbook easily used by lay persons was developed, but a broad base of citizen involvement in research could not be developed. (Author/SK)

Community development practitioners (n=33) in Australia, Botswana, Canada, Malaysia, and the United States held strong beliefs about community involvement in change. They developed theories-in-action that guided practice and derived ideas and information form colleagues and the literature. A conceptual framework about reflective practice was…

Evaluation of public service programs uses language and techniques inimical to community development. Key elements of a better approach are as follows: (1) community participation; (2) emphasis on qualitative measures of success that complement the quantitative; (3) strong awareness of the importance of process goals; (4) concern with sustainable…

Study of three community collaborations in family violence coordinating councils identified factors influencing sustainability: clearly stated goals, identification of key members, and good internal and external communication. Collaborations succeed when they enable individuals and their organizations to agree on vision, mission, and goals. (SK)

Three case studies (senior citizens center, senior citizens housing project, and a housing and employment project) are assessed against an operational definition of community development. Since only one of these fits the definition, the author concludes that projects designated as community development activity by agencies and workers often do not…

This paper proposes bargaining as a useful conflict resolution skill for community developers. Key bargaining concepts and practice principles from the fields of international conflict resolution, the social action model of community organization, and political science are discussed. (Author/CT)

Whole-community organizing is a new approach to community change that is supported by theories of social relations and interaction. It uses an asset-based approach to community development. Empirical studies have identified ways to mobilize community assets and build community from inside out. (Contains 58 references.) (SK)

Available data and selected literature were examined to identify key questions to guide future research and practice in community leadership development. Questions pertaining to (1) how programs influence participation in public affairs, (2) institutional advocacy in public affairs education, and (3) the design of rural and agricultural leadership…

Surveys of 76 community leadership programs in 1990 and 130 in 1993, participant observation, and 25 interviews found community members involved in leadership after program participation because of feelings of responsibility. They suggested better participant selection and attention to program length and design and noted that willingness to become…

Survey responses from 179 community members in 3 rural Northern Ontario areas determined that involvement with information technologies that link individuals with sources outside the community was not related to local community participation. The exception was a negative relationship with participation on committees. (SK)

A case study analysis of four communities, in which reputation, decision, and position measures of leadership were used, found that there was a high degree of overlap among the three methods in each of the four communities. (LRA)

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…