This article explores factors that facilitate moving from the service-provider role to becoming part of a family's constellation of helpers. Elements of empowerment are juxtaposed with the following metaphors for practice: building a definition of disability, following the parent's lead, creating a community of helpers, and expanding perspectives.…

Used an empowerment perspective to consider the degree to which intrapersonal and interpersonal power dynamics in heterosexual relations have an impact on condom use among high risk youth. Results from 333 African American and European American urban youth show the model to be most useful in predicting condom use among female participants. (SLD)

Describes how an innovative application of new technology, in a Graphics of Journalism course, not only accommodated a physically challenged student but empowered her to fully participate in the learning process, and allowed her discover and develop talents and skills that may lead to career opportunities not previously imagined. (SR)

Montana Improving Schools Through Accreditation (MISTA) is a pilot program that empowers schools to attain accreditation through their own visions of improved student learning. Termed "performance-based accreditation," this process is voluntary and represents a consensus among the regional accrediting agency, the state education agency,…

A practicing school superintendent examines effective leadership and examines ways to be a more inviting school superintendent in a more inviting school setting. A practical look at some of the issues which draw upon the author's and others' experiences. (Author)

Shares examples of explicit teacher talk to demonstrate its influence on learners: encouraging positive reading behaviors, thinking metacognitively, and using meaning as well as sounding out words. Describes teacher talk that (1) promotes struggling readers' understandings and control in reading; and (2) that empowers novice teachers and thus…

In a community experiencing racial tensions between African American and Hispanic residents, a community organization was created to empower residents to achieve overarching community goals. Low participation, differences in levels and views of empowerment, and lack of efficacy were encountered, illustrating the difficulty of applying theory to…

Reports on surveys of attendees (N=77) at Mental Health Promotion Conference in Yorkshire, England. There was agreement among respondents that a sense of self-worth is the most important attribute of being mentally healthy. Concludes there is a need to educate about enablement strategies to help develop concepts of positive mental health.…

Examines the effects of client participation on empowerment, with special emphasis on gender, among a group of community activists in central Israel. Findings suggest different relationships between types of participation and empowerment by gender. Gender did not have a significant main effect on empowerment, and its effects only became evident…

Describes how the State University of New York took advantage of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education's accreditation process that provided an organizational structure, demanded a research base, supported a national perspective, and offered assistance for program improvement.(JOW)

A case study of a health promotion coalition to reduce deaths from AIDS and substance abuse illustrates how empowerment planning can take place, as well as how political and ethical issues influence planning decisions. (SK)

Describes activities of various youth councils of the United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) network. The activities include developing projects in the areas of alcohol abuse education, community service, Native American heritage, and the environment. (HTH)

New government-funded training initiatives in Britain emphasize urban community capacity building and empowerment. However, lack of opportunities, especially for ethnic minorities, and the politics involved in applying for these funds pose challenges. (SK)

Defines empowerment based on self-determination, collaboration, and democratic participation, and distributive justice. Identifies possibilities and limitations for applying these principles in child protection practice. Discusses necessary and sufficient conditions for the use of empowerment guidelines, and the dilemma associated with their…

Describes the author's experiences during two years as a Peace Corps volunteer serving in South Africa. Describes his difficulties, doubts, and successes working to support literacy in poor rural village schools. Notes the impact of painting educational murals in one school and discusses how literacy emerged for the author and for villagers over…