Based on the 1989 presidential address to the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), the article discusses the role that social studies education plays in developing citizenship skills. States that society cannot leave to chance the promotion of citizenship in successive generations. Calls for the NCSS members to unite their efforts to…

At the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, the public relations staff and the chief executive officer team up to improve community relations. To improve minority relations, the university participates in a precollege mentor program. Experiences at the University of Vermont are described. (MLW)

Rather than forming a coalition as minority groups against the majority, African Americans and Hispanics are engaged in a struggle with each other over economic and social justice issues. Hispanics are largely frustrated by a social welfare and service system that seemingly caters to blacks. Racial tensions are seen more at the grass-roots level…

In a small Illinois town experiencing immigration of working-poor families, the differing notions about respectability of newcomers and the old guard became symbolized by conflict over the appearance and use of private and public property. Concludes that property issues, more than occupation or family background, shape social relations in…

Describes a music educator's experiences in lobbying for legislative support of school music programs. Suggests that those interested in lobbying should set clear goals, develop networks of supporters and acknowledge their assistance, maintain community visibility, and brainstorm for ideas. Emphasizes the importance of getting news coverage and of…

At one Wisconsin middle school, a successful student motivator is an improv troupe that develops and performs unscripted, improvisational skits about social issues affecting adolescents. Skits stop at a critical decision-making point or show the devastating effects of a negative choice. Discussion reinforces the message. (MLH)

Describes one superintendent's behaviors and activities while trying to implement a change agenda (site-based management) in his district. Although the superintendent's leadership style seemed based on theory, it created consternation and fear in many and acceptance in some. Administrators ultimately rejected the superintendent's…

Focuses on the role of the foreign-language department chair at American institutions of higher education. The article encourages foreign-language chairs to assume their roles of fund-raiser, program developer, and entrepreneur and to view them as a blessing in disguise. (nine references) (CK)

The case study of a community relations program in Northern Ireland demonstrates the importance of contextual variables and illustrates that the demands of short-term, context-stripped, value-for-money evaluations are often in conflict with qualitative inquiries that can reveal the social, political, and cultural influences on program delivery.…

Describes results of discussions among social scientists reflecting on issues and opportunities related to youth civic engagement in the twenty-first century. Identifies specific forces, such as globalization, that must be considered by educators and policymakers. Outlines responsibilities of schools, governments, the commercial sector, community…

Reflects on the potency of libraries as community assets during the past 2000 years. Traces the preservation of knowledge in ancient libraries. Addresses ecclesiastical library development and the relatively recent rise of public and academic libraries; identifies their connections with their communities, and the relevance for today. Describes…

The ability of the superintendent to communicate ethical leadership to the community and demonstrate a positive relationship with the board president and the board of education has considerable influence on communities' perceptions of the quality of educational programs and the academic achievement of children. This investigation employed…

Various traditions within developmental science and psychology have concentrated on either personal or collective correlates as manifestations of well-being. The authors' claim is that the well-being of any one person is highly dependent on the well-being of her relationships and on the community in which she resides. Well-being may be defined as…

The purpose of this guidebook is to provide practical information to assist state and local aging agencies in developing strategic relationships with businesses in their communities. The goals of the guidebook are: to spark the aging network's interest in developing and expanding public/private partnerships in the area of older worker employment;…

Information is presented from a study examining the amount, type, goals, and consequences of contacts between foreign students and the residents of a local community (a college town in the Northeast). Several types of data on contacts between foreign students and townspeople were collected in a period from January to June 1986. Results indicate…