Assessed self-esteem among homeless people (n=61). Found associations between low self-esteem and depression, family relationships, goal attainment, disability, health, and food deprivation. Findings suggest that depression and poor health are two most significant variables contributing to low self-esteem. (Author/NB)

The Ulster People's College is a community education center committed to radical social change and individual and collective growth. Its major concerns are assisting with social and economic problems and studying and bridging cultural and political divisions through an antisectarian approach. (SK)

Although new Widening Participation initiatives are promising for increased access to higher education in Britain, such policy initiatives tend to reinvent the wheel. A distinctive, radical vision is needed that places the university at the center of social renewal in excluded communities. (SK)

Reports on efforts at several universities to encourage more male students to use student health services, including establishment of male-only health clinics. Programs at the University of Colorado (Boulder), San Francisco State University (California), University of Rochester (New York), and Tulane University (Louisiana) are noted. (DB)

Article summarizes information on the prevalence of self-destructive behaviors and includes risk and protective factors. Describes the effectiveness of existing prevention programs. Proposes a coordinated, resilience-building prevention strategy which addresses generic and domain-specific knowledge and skills. (Author/JDM)

Focus group and survey results were used to create a continuing education outreach program in gerontology. The model includes aging knowledge and interpersonal and organizational skills. Core areas included the structure, contexts, theories, and concepts of aging; stability and change; ethics; scholarship; and practice. (SK)

Describes both past and more recent efforts by the California State University (CSU) system to come to terms with "remediation." Describes recently mandated collaborations between high school language arts faculty and CSU English faculty to reduce the need for remediation. Describes an ongoing outreach program addressing the needs of…

Supporting parental-involvement research findings, Congress in 1995 appropriated $10 million to fund 28 parent information and resource centers in 27 states and Washington, D.C. In 1999, 58 more were funded. Centers communicate personably with parents via newsletters, referral networks, websites, cable TV, and toll-free numbers. (MLH)

Explores initiatives by the University of Newcastle in Australia to facilitate participation and success of people from disadvantaged backgrounds, including low socioeconomic-status families, indigenous Australians, people with disabilities, people from rural and isolated communities, women in non-traditional fields, and young and older people who…

Highlights changes in the Catholic church over the past few decades that have broadened Catholic culture and made it more ambiguous for young Catholics. Describes ways to reach out to youth and involve them in social projects, volunteer ministries, religion teaching, nursing home visits, parish councils, choirs, and liturgical functions. (MAB)

Reviews attitudes toward art in the early Catholic Church, considering the ability of art to influence those who experience it. Highlights the spiritualism of the Russian painter, Wassily Kandinsky. Suggests ways in which today's religious institutions can use art as a form of outreach to bring greater meaning to members of their congregations.…

Describes the President's Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) program which encourages individuals, school classes, summer camps, public interest groups, and youth organizations to promote environmental awareness and community involvement. Describes the 10 projects that won the national award in 1994. Lists environmental education regional contacts.…

Responds to an article on health literacy and social practice and suggests the article has much to offer debates about literacy and health. (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse for ESL Literacy Education) (Author/VWL)

Discussion of library consortia focuses on the collaborative efforts in the Federated States of Micronesia that will enhance library services through staff training and educating while utilizing innovative technology. Highlights include background and socioeconomic overview; a project that addresses automation and Internet connectivity issues; and…

School districts have a variety of practices in their public-engagement portfolios, some often counterproductive. Offers school boards suggestions for developing policies to engage the public in meaningful ways. Includes a case study that describes five-step process for developing a set of parameters to maximize public engagement. (PKP)