Although parent involvement is essential, state education agencies have provided little financial support for staff and programs needed to improve school-family connections. This article discusses elements of good parent involvement programs and describes several successful examples. Advice is given for creating and managing school volunteer…

A high school principal describes a 48-hour plan he constructed to deal with adolescent suicide. Essential steps include activating the emergency contact chain used for school closings, enlisting community support, relaying the facts, refusing to glorify the suicide, helping staff help students, and evaluating the plan. (four references) (MLH)

Gatekeepers, or nontraditional referral sources, have proven to be an effective means of case finding and outreach for mental health needs of isolated senior citizens. A two-year project administered by county public health department found the gatekeeper concept to be an effective means of case finding in the public health setting. (ABL)

This description of the Canadian government's assessment of the social impact of hydrocarbon exploration in the Arctic demonstrates barriers to citizen involvement: ad hoc nature, travel and child care problems, and lack of enough volunteers. Recommendations for community participation in impact assessment are given. (SK)

This primary health care model is based on four assumptions: emphasis on collective, not individual, needs; coordination of preventive/episodic care with secondary/tertiary care; comprehensive, holistic approach; and partnership and equality among professional disciplines and community members. Stakeholders involved are medical, nursing, and…

Discusses how to get a community to participate in educational facility development that is effective provided one starts with a format that is fun. It presents a sequence of workshops that have been proven successful in developing community participation. (GR)

Discusses a variety of issues that face the disabled community such as discrimination, physical accessibility, language, and community involvement. Stresses the importance of meaningful community inclusion of marginalized groups. (JOW)

At century's end, educators confront numerous "wicked" problems (like juvenile violence) that resist their best programs and cleverest organizational schemes. Such problems require the entire community to take responsibility for working through conflicting motives and perceptions. Hosting public-engagement forums builds capacity for…

Community involvement in the creation of a sculptural monument in an English village illustrated the relationship between the relevance of an activity to participants and the value of learning. The importance of giving people support and control over their environment was demonstrated. (SK)

Describes the efforts of the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity's barrio residents to protect, represent, and help its troubled youth in Puerto Rico. Discusses various projects and activities created to involve youngsters in the community parish. (YKH)

Concept mapping of case studies resulted in nine organizational domains for community empowerment: participation, leadership, organizational structures, problem assessment, resource mobilization, critical awareness, linkages, outside agents, and program management. The domains provide a way to define and measure empowerment. (Contains 45…

Nonformal education can have a significant impact on community development only when education is introduced into the total development process. Content must answer actual needs of the community, and community members should participate in planning, organization, and implementation of education. (SK)

Discusses environmental regulations and laws. Highlights the role of environmental education in the development of, and support for, national and international efforts to protect limited natural resources. (JRH)

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)

Presents collaborative strategic planning as a useful method for establishing reciprocal relationships between universities and their communities and for bringing about lasting community change. Outlines typical planning models and further discusses the process of collaborative planning including purposes, methods and techniques, and guidelines.…