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.…

Principles for participatory community development are as follows: humility and respect; power of local knowledge; democratic practice; diverse ways of knowing; sustainability; reality before theory; uncertainty; relativity of time and efficiency; holistic approach; and decisions rooted in the community. (SK)

Explains how to plan and implement an elementary school career day, which requires counselor leadership and integration into the school's guidance program. Suggests roles for administrators, teachers, staff, parents, and community representatives. (SK)

Describes part of a research project in which an indigenous school community began to develop a mathematics curriculum. Although the community used a document to start, many of the dilemmas that they raised were not mentioned in it and the facilitating document became, therefore, a catalyst rather than a stimulus for mathematics curriculum…

A major concern confronting development specialists in the education sector is the sustainability of project activities and outcomes, that is, their ability to persist once external funding ends. The increased attention of international development-assistance organizations to sustainability reflects the greater recent focus on outcome-based…

A One Book program called "Building a Community of Readers" encourages reading and discussion of a book in a casual setting and not as an assignment to earn a grade. Some suggestions are provided that would help in establishing such a program and encourage a community-wide participation that includes choosing the book, choosing the committee,…

Academically trained professionals who develop survey materials, collect data, and interview subjects in communities, acting as external experts, have traditionally conducted social research. The researchers then head back to their offices and institutes to interpret the results, which are seen and heard by academics in journals and at…