Focus groups conducted in Saint Louis, Missouri, determined consumer and provider perceptions relevant to the roles and functions of community education programs. Needs identified included community unity, services that support families, and more participation in community schools. (JOW)

Discusses possibilities for growth and vitality for small libraries based on numerous examples of success stories. Topics include individual initiative; cooperative efforts; community involvement; and elements of success, including assessment, planning, and knowledge of the profession and willingness to learn. (LRW)

The goal of a Community Involvement Network is to develop systematic supports for children, families, and school personnel. By creating a system that involves representatives from the entire community, the schools and the community will benefit from an infusion of talent, experience, and commitment. (Author)

The 2000 White House Conference on Teenagers brought together parents, teenagers, educators, youth workers, researchers, policymakers, and others to examine how families and communities can teach youth sound values, promote healthy behavior, and support positive development. Presents an article by Hillary Rodham Clinton that summarizes the…

Discusses concerns that American education is faced with many important challenges such as literacy, safety, discipline, and standards. Points out that family involvement is a critical link to student performance. Introduces the Read*Write*Now! and the America Goes Back to School programs which promote intergenerational and community…

A mobile immunization clinic targets medically underserved neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Program design emphasizes community participation through partnerships with churches, housing units, day-care centers, schools, malls, and shelters. Nursing students acquire community practice experience. (SK)

The Secretary of Education urges principals to read "America Goes Back to School: Get Involved," produced by the Partnership for Family Involvement in Education. This publication encourages parents, grandparents, community and religious leaders, employers, college students, and other caring citizens to work together to improve schools…

Many students require more attention than teachers can provide, and taking advantage of the willingness of senior citizens to volunteer can improve the Head Start experience. Head Start has formed a partnership with two large senior volunteer organizations to place a senior volunteer in every classroom by the year 2000 and add warmth, insight, and…

Discusses public participation methods that aim to include the public in policy making. (Author/CCM)

Clarifies the concept of restorative justice, exploring paths for further exploration (harms, causes, and obligations; offenders as victims; and shame and vindication). Discusses possible fault lines and dangers (co-optation and victim exclusion). Suggests ways to stay true to restorative justice through attention to principles and evaluation,…

The past 20 years have seen great strides in addressing violence against women by their male partners. Although the author cannot point to one single intervention or set of interventions as being the most effective, institutional reforms that have included coordinated community responses have had a positive impact. During the next 10 years,…

Several years ago, the question was posed, "How could a school like Pomona College encourage its students to affirm a more socially engaged self?" In answering that question Pomona College has developed programs that stress association, allowing the development of relationships and trust. These are essential to the highest forms of happiness and…

Despite declines in youth violence nationally in the past decade, incidence of youth violence and victimization--from assaults to homicide--continue to be pressing concerns in public safety and public health. Youth violence is also a particular concern for low-income, minority communities, where poverty, family instability, and unemployment…

The Institute for Youth, Education, and Families (YEF Institute) is a special entity within the National League of Cities (NLC). The YEF Institute helps municipal leaders take action on behalf of the children, youth, and families in their communities. NLC launched the YEF Institute in January 2000 in recognition of the unique and influential…

Through research, data collection, and analysis, this descriptive project examined rural Missouri school board governance practices. The study focused on Missouri rural schools with a student population of 400 to 1000. Effective school board members, as questionnaire respondents, were identified as having served rural Missouri school districts…