A community-based intervention study for suicide prevention was conducted in six towns (total population 43,964) in Akita Prefecture of Japan according to a quasi-experimental design to reduce suicide rates in rural towns. Public awareness raising activities using a health promotion approach emphasizing the empowerment of residents and civic…

This article compares two different institutional models--state-sponsored rural partnerships and community-based development trusts--for engaging and empowering local communities in area-based regeneration, using the Isle of Wight as a case study. Following a critical review of the literature on community governance, we evaluate the effectiveness…

Discusses the effects of inadequate leadership on productivity in the American work force and, based on interviews with effective leaders in private and public organizations, identifies four competencies exhibited by these leaders. The concept of empowerment as the collective effect of leadership and its positive impact on workers are described.…

The author states that the movement to increase discipline and detail in post-Freirean adult education may ultimately reduce it to reproducing the status quo. He argues that empowerment and power are opposing concepts and that adult educators must oppose the systemizing of adult education if they hope to effect social change. (CH)

This paper presents five snapshots of data collected by adult basic math students taking part as co-researchers in a project to investigate the discourse of an adult basic math classroom. The work is presented against a background of the Freirean influence on adult literacy and numeracy. The notions of empowerment and dialogue in the Freirean…

There is a need for a better understanding of how to build empowering environments and schools, based on empirical findings rather than rhetoric or opinion. This book uses 2 large national studies conducted over 6 years in 26 schools, as well as other research. It will be useful to students in leadership training classes and to practitioners…

By stressing the importance of either technology or librarianship, commentators on digital libraries have created a false dichotomy in the literature. This article describes the process of creating a digital library at the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) that balances technological empowerment. Concludes that digital libraries need…

Uses the scenario of a women's adventure therapy trip to illustrate theoretical and practical information about "basic" therapeutic communication skills with participants in outdoor adventure settings. Discusses gender-based language style (women's "tentative" language), issues of physical and emotional safety, a philosophical…

In the current economic climate, fast-track career models pose problems for individuals and organizations. An alternative model uses a resource-based view of the company and principles of sustainable development borrowed from environmentalism. (SK)

The growing interest in adult education and mental health work is an opportunity to return to adult education's roots in social purpose education and critical pedagogy. Although such work is often thought of as recreational or therapeutic, recasting it in terms of teaching and learning and empowerment reveals its educational dimensions. (SK)

Examines Augusto Boal's relationship to and understanding of Marxism, and its influence on the development of his work. Explains that Boal's reformist politics as reflected in his practice would therefore appear a negation of socialism as Marx conceived it. Concludes Boal's approach appears to encourage people to look for that insight in terms of…

Presents findings from a multisite case study of consortia in the federal Healthy Start Initiative to reduce infant mortality in high-risk communities. Examines the facilitators of well- functioning consortia in a framework of empowerment theory and community organizing with women of color. Implications for social work practice and for policy are…

Summarizes lessons learned from listening to individuals with disabilities at the fourth National Self-Advocacy Conference, "The Beat Goes On: Rhythms of the Self-Advocacy Movement." Discusses the views of the organization, Self Advocates Becoming Empowered, which addresses ways to support people who are in institutions and specific strategies for…

Suggests that as technology becomes more pervasive, it is important to ask why it can be important for children, discussing: how today's technologies offer new ways for children to socialize, how technology can empower children, and how new technologies create learning opportunities that support the "messiness" of being a child, the interactive…

Although Education Action Zones were created to empower parents in British schools, data from three zones indicate that the interests of education professionals and already involved parents predominate over those of socially excluded parents. The deficit model of parents as "problems" contributes to continued limitations on their…