While women have made many advances, their inferior status to men continues to be a global phenomenon. At a time of unprecedented economic growth, India is experiencing a dramatic intensification of violence against women and the majority of girls are still not getting equal educational opportunity. In one of the most important steps for the…

Self-Help Support Groups (SHSGs) for substance use issues are recognized in current policies for their role in reducing substance use. However, these policies recognize only their therapeutic value. This article argues that SHSGs can offer more than therapeutic advantage. This contention follows a study involving young people who were involved in…

This report contains highlights from a seminar on the role of parents in helping adolescents with their health problems. Comments by these panelists is summarized: Judy Areen, dean, Georgetown University Law Center; Barbara Popper, founder and board member of Children in Hospitals, Inc. and resource specialist at the Federation for Children with…

Describes the self-help movement in Britain among parents and relatives of children in public care and considers the achievements, problems, and hopes of local groups. (RJC)

Five papers from a 1980 conference on normalization reflect contemporary thinking about the principle's implication for mental retardation. G. Dybwad begins with "Normalization and Its Impact on Social and Public Policy," in which he cites progress in the popular attitude towards individuals with retardation. A panel discussion by S. Kaplan, V.…

The poverty rate in America has increased during the Reagan Administration. Real welfare benefits have fallen sharply and people with jobs have been disqualified from government assistance. Using lessons from the public and private sectors, legislators are attempting to change the regulations of public assistance and welfare work programs to…

To discuss ways to help strengthen family systems was the purpose of a Wingspread Conference held in Racine, Wisconsin. The conference was sponsored by the Coalition for the White House Conference on Families, in cooperation with the Johnson Foundation. There are ten sections to the report, including a brief introduction which provides background…

Describes the Canadian government's New Horizons program which sponsors projects begun and run by older adults. Shows how policy can assist the evolution of seniors' activities and can help seniors play active parts in society. Discusses the cost and benefits of such a program. (Author/ABB)

Describes the role of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the political arena, as well as in development and public welfare roles. Traces the recent history of grassroots efforts to solve social problems in Latin America. NGOs can strengthen institution building and influence national policymaking. (KS)

A combined report of the four Regional Rural Development Centers (RRDCs) and their partners focuses on selected outreach and research activities, projects, and accomplishments in fiscal year 1997. The report is organized around five topics identified as key issues for the mid 1990s: (1) improving economic competitiveness, diversity, and…

A policy statement by the Committee on Agricultural and Rural Development of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is presented. The mission of AASCU institutions involved in education and rural development includes to help strengthen the rural population and to dispel its isolation, reduce its poverty, link it to the…

The study circle concept, now almost a century old, is by far the most popular form of adult education in Sweden. Swedish study circles are sponsored by 10 national educational associations that receive substantial annual subsidies from the national government. Together with 140 folk high schools (residential adult programs), university short…

The purpose of this workshop was to work out sound, practical means of promoting better intergroup communication in American cities and improving community action on hard-core unemployment and other problems of the urban poor. Frustrations and aspirations of ghetto people were illustrated in a film. Panel interviews and an audience question…

Areas of concern for health educators who work with older Americans are addressed, including: (1) the nature of the aging population; (2) their health status and needs; and (3) impact of federal policies on their care. Health educators should dispel stereotypes, focus on wellness, and advocate consumerism. (PP)

Accumulating research attests to the benefits of self-help groups for people who have various chronic health problems. Expansion of self-help group participation may enable a broader portion of society to experience these health benefits. The Media and Education for Self-Help (MESH) Project was an effort to increase interest in health-related…