A program development and implementation change agent must be a perceptive individual who: (1) can readily identify all facets of a given situation and can choose the most appropriate alternative available; (2) is knowledgeable about the day-to-day life and politics of small, rural communities; and (3) is perceived as belonging by the community…

A rural school-community council identified local risk factors for youth substance abuse, selected prevention strategies related to the risks, and developed objectives and evaluation processes. Community members were presented with the plan and formed a committee to begin implementation. (LP)

A strong local economy which allows residents of a community to work and shop near their homes is perhaps the best safeguard against the threats of urban sprawl, economic stagnation, physical deterioration and loss of unique identity facing many small towns. Utilizing a six-phase process advocated by the University of Wisconsin-Extension,…