A sampling of definitions indicates a certain amount of ambiguity and confusion about development and how it differs from other concepts such as growth and change. Any attempt to clarify this concept should begin initially with identification of the essential meaning of the term and then consideration of its characteristics and how it differs from…

A review of evaluations of community-based arts projects illustrates the methodological challenges of evaluating the arts and the issue of whether and how quantitative methods should be used. Eight studies revealed self-reports of personal, social, economic, and educational change, with few negative consequences. (Contains 52 references.) (SK)

A literature review identified three perspectives on empowerment: self-efficacy derived from individual action and psychology; mutual empowerment through interpersonal relationships; and social empowerment, the removal of social, economic, and legal obstacles to individual influence. However, many community leadership education programs fall short…

Higher education professionals continue to seek ways to improve campus community. It is imperative that individuals know their responsibilities as student affairs professionals and their roles within this process. This article provides examples of best practices in community development, ideas for practice, and a glimpse into the future of…

Contrasts activities and organizational structures of two Canadian community development initiatives: the Antigonish Movement and the Family of Cape Breton community development corporations. Finds ideological differences in the view of property and profit, governance and accountability, and role of education. Concludes that Antigonish is more…

The rhetorical nature of the challenge to convert people to the cause of community development is illustrated in the discussion of three of the leadership portraits that students created for Urban Matters. The way these leaders persuade the residents to transform the negativity of a housing project into the positivity is analyzed.

Alabama has serious economic and social problems, and the situation is worse in rural areas and small towns than in urban areas. The solutions to the problems of small communities must be found within the communities themselves. Sustainable communities are those that aggressively manage their destiny, based on a realistic and well planned vision.…

Focusing on issues of access to and participation in community media, this report reviews progress so far and analyzes the difficulties that underlie the transfer and adaptation of community communications media in developing countries. The first chapter contains introductory material on the subject of community media and development and describes…

This article provides an introduction to the concept of community. The article begins with a definition of Student Affairs' Community, outcomes of community development, and provides a supporting framework upon which to establish and maintain community. It also includes essential commitments that campuses must make to create campus community.…

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…

Discusses historiographic issues involved in researching learning in community and gives a brief history. Describes three types: autonomous learning groups, community development groups, and community action groups. Poses critical questions for understanding the relationship between learning and community. (Contains 54 references.) (SK)

Campus environments easily impact the ability of higher education professionals to establish campus community. Campus buildings, settings, and environment are important aspects of the development and maintenance of community. This article provides an introduction to environmental impact and one institution's approach in redesigning their Greek…

With the technology revolution, the importance of creating a sense of community in the learning environment is as significant as ever. This article shares the lessons learned in developing and teaching a multicultural counseling course via distance and distributed education. The authors discuss strategies for integrating and fostering a sense of…

Community mapping is defined as follows: efforts to (1) understand the world as a landscape of many aspects and values; (2) identify areas that appear to have a degree of unity; (3) explain why things are the way they are; and (4) identify opportunities for positive social action and policy development. (113 references) (JOW)

Within the past decade, attention in the Commonwealth Caribbean has focused on the implications of broadcasting for development policies. The relationship between Caribbean governments and the broadcast industry has generally been close and cordial as a result of the small size of the countries and the reality of government ownership of a large…