Results of a survey of 1,230 workers in intercultural programs conducted by Christian agencies showed that those with an assistentialist approach believe individual failures cause poverty and define development as external intervention. Those with a facilitory approach view development as a transformative process through which people can solve…

In Jamaica, people most likely to be affected by environmental degradation are less likely to be involved in environmental nongovernmental organizations and community-based conservation projects. Funders, practitioners, and policy makers should work to remove barriers to participation and ensure equitable allocation of funding. (SK)

A case study of health reform in British Columbia followed four health-planning groups' efforts to foster community participation by developing local community health plans. Findings from the case study can inform the theory and practice of community development. (JOW)

Presents an exclusive interview with Karl Dennis, one of the pioneers of the wraparound approach to providing youth and family services, who shares his insights on how this system of unconditional care can help build resilient families and communities. (Author/GCP)

Political changes in Scotland offer opportunities to integrate community development practice and environmental concerns. Community development practitioners who lack expertise in sustainable development could collaborate with environmental experts in the Community Learning Strategies initiative. (SK)

Describes experiences of a South African rural women's organization focused on preventive health care, exchange of knowledge and skills, and empowerment. (SK)

Reviews policy approaches to, and legislation for, community revitalization. Discusses how early federal policies contributed to the segregation and isolation of poor neighborhoods and describes how new community-based programs counter the urban disinvestment practices that fostered segregation. Outlines policies that recognize the need for…

Develops a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of urban, low-income, multicultural communities. Outlines a neighborhood network that focuses on the developmental needs of youth, engages residents, and promotes interdisciplinary services. Examines one school of social work's efforts to help a neighborhood develop such a network. (RJM)

Despite the newly decentralized local government system in Ghana, communities have been slow to develop broad-based participatory consultative processes for community development. Inflexible bureaucracy also hinders involvement of stakeholders. (SK)

Reviews eight books: "Autonomous Development" (R. Carmen); "Community Power and Grassroots Democracy" (M. Kaufman, H. Alfonso); "Questioning Empowerment" (J. Rowlands); "Seeking a Balance" (A. Fowler); "Funding Community Initiatives" (S. Arrossi et al.); "Whose Voice?" (J. Holland, J.…

Relationship between neighborhood characteristics and community development corporations (CDCs) was examined in Jackson, Mississippi. CDCs were more likely to be in neighborhoods with significant numbers of disenfranchised groups and disinvestment in the built environment. They act as subcontractors, which limits their power and mirrors structural…

Interviews with 120 rural Nigerian women found that 96% participate in self-help community development projects and 68% were engaged in farming. Constrains on participation included domestic responsibilities, lack of funding and resources, male domination, and politics. There was a significant relationship between their sociocultural beliefs and…

The Community Land Use and Economics Simulation was tested in a U.S. and a Slovak university. Cultural differences in players' approaches appeared: the competitive aspects came more naturally to U.S. players; resource inequities, planning, and visioning were addressed differently. Materials developed for use in cross-cultural contexts should have…

Examines links between community development and educational initiatives in improving the quality of life in America's most disadvantaged communities. Reviews community development and the education-restructuring movement, defines community development, discusses two theories undergirding the movement toward increased collaboration between…

Partnerships work best when they are local, community based, understand adult learning, and are not dominated by external agendas. They require political understanding to translate national initiatives into local opportunities. (SK)