An ethnographic study of Kalhor nomads in Iran showed that the government's top-down approach to development and weak local institutions obscure the impact of technology on women and poor people. Despite rhetoric about participation, these groups are not consulted about their needs, priorities, and interests. (SK)

Presents the steps necessary for creating a successful facility master plan, including the purpose and use of a steering committee and the need for a comprehensive database that includes a community/school profile. Explains community involvement in plan development, and outlines the steps necessary for preparing a final facility plan for…

The Edgecombe County (North Carolina) Schools have successfully adopted HOSTS (Help One Student To Succeed), a nationally recognized language-arts program that uses individualized, prescriptive learning through one-to-one mentoring by teams of volunteers. HOSTS begins where Reading Recovery leaves off and helped 240 low-performing students improve…

In Olympia (Washington), the Procession of the Species has been an annual parade and wildlife festival since 1994. By engaging the community in creative workshops and joyful participation, the festival seeks to promote appreciation of and responsibility toward nature more effectively than does traditional environmental education. (SV)

Examines how to conduct a successful school renovation or building planning process through thorough preparation and community involvement. Briefly highlighted are the use of population projections, building evaluations, cost analysis planning as is why it's important to involve the community in the planning process. (GR)

Land's Sake, a community farm in suburban Weston (Massachusetts), cares for most of the town's conservation land, grows organic fruits and flowers, harvests forest products, employs young people, and offers various outdoor environmental education programs. The community's engagement with the land led to the passing of a bond issue to preserve the…

Research was conducted on a British housing estate where children had opportunities to comment on their neighborhood and develop a voice in local government. Results suggested that barriers to adult participation might be avoided if they are encouraged to participate when young. (SK)

Case studies illustrate how a restorative approach to substance abuse can bring about the recognition of profound community injustices and how confronting injustices can help tackle substance abuse. Outlines the research and development needed to test the hypothesis that criminalization of the harm caused by substance abuse (e.g., burglary) may be…

Wraps up a theme issue that explores the common ground between the restorative justice and community justice movements and examines their effect on substance-abusing youth and the communities in which they reside. Suggests that restorative justice programs may help adolescent treatment providers in their adoption of practices to promote change and…

Projects involving mental health clients receiving occupational therapy and senior citizens engaged in capacity building illustrate steps in the participatory action research (PAR) process: issue identification and planning; investigation and action; action, reflection, and modification cycles; and knowledge creation and change. Challenges and…

A consultant eager to involve a southern Minnesota community in school reform recognized that most parents were simply too busy to participate. Since public involvement was unattainable, community permission for change might suffice. The process resembles a thoughtful, managed conversation that is interactive, organic, and ongoing. (MLH)

In Atqasuk, Alaska, a catchy proverb has become the Meade River Schools' mission statement. When isolated from its community, the 85-student school had nearly a 100 percent dropout rate. Assisted by the community, the school improved academically and became a second home for students and community members. (MLH)

An awareness of the empirical knowledge concerning school violence and programs that have been supported by research is essential for the successful adaptation of school violence prevention programs. Yet, knowledge of national trends and model programs is not sufficient. School social workers must also balance the importance of research-supported…

The Stafford Technical Center (STC) in Rutland, Vermont, operates with a mission statement that proudly touts its desire to "create a learning environment that promotes pride in work, a sense of self-worth and the ability to respect others by developing effective communication and life skills." Stafford acknowledges that these learning…

The purpose of the present study was to investigate developmental pathways to Erikson's (1959) construct of generativity, defined as care and concern for the next generation and traditionally viewed as important for midlife adults, in a late adolescent sample. A sample of 198 adolescents was followed three times over a 6-year period, from ages 17…