Presents historical trends toward rural development policy. Describes the agrarian perspective and the industrial and urbanization perspective as current visions which guide policy. Recommends a new vision focusing on "livability for people" and "viability of community systems." (KS)

Describes an effective process for strategic planning of telecommunications in rural areas that includes a needs assessment and an action plan as well as input from businesses, public agencies, and households. Lists elements of a telecommunications needs assessment. Describes the planning processes used in Northeast Wyoming Economic Development…

This study lists 451 master's and 106 doctoral adult education theses completed in Canada, up to and including 1980. Section 1 overviews the purpose and procedures for data collection. Section 2 shows 326 master's theses completed at seven universities from 1960-1977. Names of the authors/researchers are listed alphabetically and followed by the…

Asserts that the Individual Psychology of Alfred Adler should be used as a foundational theory for student affairs work. The success of community building programs is explained and the concepts of Individual Psychology are summarized. Also asserts that the current drive to develop programs to develop community on college campuses is firmly rooted…

This article describes one institution's efforts to improve the sense of campus community. Two years ago, the institution determined that this was a key to achieving the campus's goal of improving retention. The article details the planning process, examples of projects, and assessments. The report discusses how goals were achieved or not…

Indian poverty is a result of the enforced social stagnation. Economic development in Indian country is intertwined with an Indian movement toward tribal sovereignty and political power. Economic success is not impeded by traditionalism in tribal culture and government, but it does require fair play by tribes and their leaders, an independent…

Recent government reports and court cases document the disproportionate siting of landfills in communities with high populations of African Americans, Chicanos, and Native Americans. More research at the community level is necessary to explain the complex nature of this pattern of land use decision making. (Author/SK)

The rural communities of the North American Great Plains are experiencing fundamental economic and social changes that threaten their very existence. While local projects offer hope for survival, many communities lack the knowledge needed to envision and evaluate their possible futures. As a consequence, communities may pursue survival strategies…

Two types of programs are currently targeted specifically toward adult Aboriginal people in Australia: (1) compensatory programs that are designed to compensate for lapses and defects in the education they have received in the regular educational system; and (2) support programs based on provision of academic support, personal support, and an…

Although this paper identifies the various reasons for project failure, it also highlights the principles and practices related to project success. The paper attempts to strike a positive note concerning steps to take to increase the probability of successful project implementation and to suggest more realistic attitudes and expectations toward…

Intended for rural development practitioners and extension educators, this publication examines trends and issues in the revitalization of rural America. Chapter 1 defines community economic vitality as the capacity to ensure a flow of jobs and income over time; focuses attention on the realities of competition between communities and the…

Economic growth and development have many implications that need to be considered so that informed decisions regarding the community can be made. Although expansion of an existing establishment or a newly located plant or business are the primary means by which communities seek economic growth, growth can also occur when the new industry is…

Assessments of learning needs of community development practitioners were conducted at a university, two government agencies, and two associations in Canada. Assessments were conducted from the top down, limiting practitioners' ability to define their needs. Recommendations were oriented toward institutions rather than staff members. (SK)

Examines theoretical and conceptual issues around promoting the growth of virtual learning communities and considers issues around using communication technologies in formal and informal learning environments. Highlights include: the theoretical context of community; categories for examining virtual learning communities; emphases of virtual…

Describes the efforts of a broad-based, nonprofit community development organization to engage local youth as resources in revitalizing a mill town's main street. Model and approaches to strengths-based practice with youth are discussed. The roles of local schools as well as education and social services professionals are explored. (Author/MKA)