The Peterborough, New Hampshire Public Library closed during after school hours to dramatize the need for a more suitable place for young people to meet. The result was a temporary, then permanent, recreation center supported by the town. (JS)

This report is designed to help community-based organizations, youth-serving agencies, and the criminal justice and juvenile justice systems recognize their common stake in supporting healthy and positive youth development, both to revitalize their neighborhoods and to control crime. It focuses on: "The Basics: Youth, Crime and Community…

Presents an Izaak Walton League of America's Save Our Streams (SOS) program that teaches citizens how to protect streams. This organization provides activities for families, school groups, scout troops, 4-H clubs and other youth organizations. (MCO)

Parks and recreation departments (PARDs) can help alleviate societal problems associated with at-risk youths. To better position PARD programs for reducing risky behavior, there must be scientific evidence showing their impact on youths' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. The paper examines existing evaluation studies highlighting the positive…

This publication defines "service learning" as an instructional strategy in which students are involved in experiential education in real-life settings and where they apply academic knowledge and previous experience to meet real community needs. The publication is intended for persons who are interested in enriching learning through…

Offers four themes in the scaffolding of a critical education that advance grassroots activism in learning communities of praxis (scale, ownership, connection, and enterprise). Presents an example of a youth development project that affirms democracy via shared decision making, group motivation, self-esteem, and agenda setting opportunities…

This publication contains 36 short essays on the reauthorization of the National and Community Service Act. It begins with two introductory papers: "Visions of Service: The Future of the National and Community Service Act" (Sagawa, Halperin) and "Historical Background: An Overview" (Sagawa). Section I, Why Service?, contains 15…

Since the 1900s, US leaders have worked to address the needs of American children and youth. Social services, educational resources and health organizations have targeted the needs of youth. In every decade of the 20th century, the White House has brought together prominent scholars, social workers and community leaders to address the contemporary…