This issue of the Goldfinch focuses on communities. Ethnic groups, religious groups, schools, families, even the Internet, are used as examples of communities in Iowa. Forced communities are exemplified by migration, law, natural disasters, and sometimes education. Photographs from Iowa's past show the changing nature of communities and encourage students to examine issues related to the time periods. Students are encouraged to research their own community's past and explore implications for the future. Other activities feature a comic and a short story. (EH)