This paper seeks to develop a case for (re)thinking education and sustainability with specific reference to rural Australia. It proposes a critical view of rural-regional sustainability, taking into account notions of bioregionality and ecosocial change. Two key points are made. One is the assertion that rural education as such is better…

In "Learning to Leave," Michael Corbett argues that: (1) education has served as a tool to disassociate students--both physically and culturally--from the places from which they come, particularly if they are from rural places, in effect creating an ambivalence toward education; (2) the ways in which individuals express this ambivalence…

Presents a philosophical and theoretical critique of community development's transformation into economic development. Introduces a successful rural revitalization process termed "community encouragement" and integrates a community's traditional values with progressive revitalization plans. (JOW)

Rural reflation is a term for a small-scale socioeconomic approach to building livable economics in both depressed rural communities and rapid growth areas. With public participation, informed leadership, and organizational entrepreneurship, leaders can help citizens develop their community's niche in the world economy. (Author)

Addresses the problems associated with deliberation: (1) hyperindividualism; (2) limited public dialog; and (3) increased hegemony of science and technology. Describes the naturalistic evaluation model used in rural Kentucky to critique the application of the National Issues Forum methodology. (JOW)

Explores some of the more important changes that are occurring because of the farm crisis and discusses how they affect rural community development needs. Examines (1) characteristics of those failing in agriculture; (2) changes in farm production practices resulting from the crisis; and (3) problems experienced by farmers and farm families. (JOW)

Considers whether two rural traditions of Irish community development--community councils and community cooperatives--conform to models of radical and pragmatic collective action. Shows that both have features of both models but gravitate more toward pragmatic, populist action rather than radical transformative change. (Contains 24 references.)…

Discusses the value of a state rural policy center and identifies seven policy program areas. Presents the role of community development practitioners in contributing to the development of rural policy initiatives and implications for initiative development. (JOW)

Community development practitioners in rural areas need to develop strategies for coping with rural dependence on core organizations such as multinational corporations and national governments. Rural communities should discuss issues, join forces with other communities, interact with core actors, and find ways to be more self-reliant. (SK)

The Agricultural Women's Leadership Network illustrates the following processes of social change in gendered organizations: (1) change begins as social networks expand to focus on issues; (2) women's organizations gain a foothold during economic crises; (3) new interdependencies bring new organizational alliances; (4) change continues as identity…

This model for promoting rural community development through adult education is particularly valuable for rural areas because these areas often lack adult education opportunities. There is a need for access to information in isolated areas, and changes in the rural economy require diversification. The model shows the necessity of nontraditional…

Learning is a byproduct of encounters with everyday phenomena such as television, and the hidden curriculum of television is of great significance to marginalized groups. The influence of broadcast and narrowcast television on a rural Canadian community's capacity for economic development illustrates how marginality is learned and reinforced…

Proposes an alternative approach to addressing crises in rural communities. By viewing the community as the client, the counselor can bridge the usual gap between individual career counseling and the economic development of the community. Goal-setting, career exploration, and action-planning become the process and the outcome measures. (RJM)

Rural economic development depends on implementation of strategies that capture the competitive edge of the total rural environment. It will not succeed by weak duplication of traditional urban development strategies. The historic dependence on the natural resource base that is the common denominator for rural areas must be regarded not as a…

Debunks common myths about rurality and rural Australia. Calls for a change in perspective, putting person and place at the center of learning. Local involvement is key to the proposed Centre for Rural Communities, which would promote community sustainability through networking and training. Describes the Rural Women's Programme in Victoria and a…