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)

Examined is the political relevance of discussions of how disabilities are determined and administered. Michael Foucault's work is presented as the basis for interpreting literature on disability from a viewpoint which is sensitive to variations in epistemological presuppositions and to political implications of research for the administration and…

Discusses libraries and issues relating to censorship, social protest, and First Amendment rights. Topics addressed include materials selection based on objective criteria; removing inappropriate material; intellectual freedom; limited versus absolute censorship; and possible errors in selection decisions. (LRW)

Considers the role of older adults as advocates in matters of concern to elderly citizens and in issues of general community interest. Examines the relationship of self-education and learning to advocacy in civic affairs. Offers a cross-cultural perspective on senior advocacy. (DMM)

Profiles four Iowans who became agricultural leaders and committed themselves to addressing farmers' needs: Henry Wallace, James R. Howard, Milo Reno, and Ruth Buxton Sayre. Identifies farm organizations with which each was affiliated, such as the Farm Bureau and the Farmers' Union. Summarizes each leader's major accomplishments and political…

New social movements--ecological, peace, feminist, and personal autonomy--share several basic principles: ecology, social responsibility, grass-roots democracy, and nonviolence. The realization of their visions may require the greatest mobilization of imagination and learning potential yet known. (SK)

This essay is a reminiscence of a life-shaping experience from the author's freshman year and an attempt to draw certain lessons from that experience for the freshmen of the eighties. He describes a personal discovery made at the "March on Washington" in 1963. (Author/MLW)

Although there is no lack of interest in social action among children, educators often lack necessary skills and experience. Teaching citizenship involvement requires not a new curriculum, but extension of a subject into real life. To succeed, teachers must grasp four concepts (problem, process, products, and presentation) hinging on students'…

Adult education's historic identification with democratic social change must compete with the more dominant corporate model of education and the cult of efficiency. Several models for socially responsible, issue-oriented adult education have evolved: total quality management, strategic planning as participatory research, and partnerships with…

In the holosphere model of empowerment for health promotion, five spheres are linked: personal care, small group development, community organization, coalition building and advocacy, and political action. The model presumes that professionals and institutions are capable of change and of sharing power. (SK)

Examines ethical considerations regarding advocacy and social action in atmosphere of uncertainty. Considers use of discretion and protection and defense of fundamental human rights in absence of organized, informed constituency. Examines informed consent and client's best interest when neither individual not collective group has autonomy through…

Globalization poses a challenge for societies that must adapt to an ever-changing world. The Delors Report to the International Commission on Education for the 21st Century identifies the problems that globalization raises. Education must not be restricted to a narrow utilitarian role related to economic growth but must regain its political and…

Describes the author's experiences as a Fulbright scholar and English-as-a-Foreign-Language lecturer at the National University of Cote d'Ivoire in Abidjan before and during teacher and student strikes in May 1991. Notes that the author experienced what education is like for many people in the world--education in Abidjan was serious and deadly.…

Contributes to journalism scholarship by presenting an ethnographic case study of how an inner-city neighborhood newspaper deals with the conflict between alternative, advocacy-style journalism and its interpretation of the conventions of objectivity, newsgathering, and story construction. (SR)

Asserts that because many teachers embrace the use of literature in their classrooms and use many avenues for responding to books, social action can be an important addition to the repertoire of response strategies. Examines support for activism from both the social studies and literacy education communities, and offers guidelines and resources…