Inauthentic participation may be limited to providing inputs, giving the community no power. However, even weak participation in the form of utilization, contributions, enlistment, cooperation, and consultation can have benefits. (Author/SK)

The author argues that the appropriate type of citizen participation in an extension community development program depends on the goal for the program: creating community improvements or public policy education at the local level. He discusses the conflicting community-planning requirements between the two and stresses the need for extension…

Mobilization of citizen participation in grassroots organizations can be adversely affected when grassroots leaders perceive a lack of support. Periodic organizational diagnosis can lead to more equitable division of responsibilities and recruitment of more leaders and skilled participants. (SK)

A study of participatory evaluation by learning teams at 10 rural sites of the Empowerment Zones/Enterprise Communities program showed the importance of separating indicators of participation from project impacts. Evaluation of three categories was recommended: citizen participation (process indicators), impact of participation on individuals and…

Neighborhood service organizations such as Detroit's Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, Franklin Wright Settlements, and Warren/Conner Development Coalition have developed leadership and mobilized resources for collective action. Neighborhoods served by exceptional organizations contrast sharply with surrounding areas in decline. (SK)

Concept mapping of case studies resulted in nine organizational domains for community empowerment: participation, leadership, organizational structures, problem assessment, resource mobilization, critical awareness, linkages, outside agents, and program management. The domains provide a way to define and measure empowerment. (Contains 45…

The Sheffield (England) City Council used an advisory group approach to solicit citizen participation in community planning. Two important lessons were: ensuring that all target groups are represented and providing training and information to prepare citizen representatives for their consulting role. (SK)

The Australian state of Victoria has adopted a privatization approach to human services that is destroying the infrastructure of community services. Without a dynamic community services core, it is difficult for social citizenship to flourish. (SK)

Research was conducted on a British housing estate where children had opportunities to comment on their neighborhood and develop a voice in local government. Results suggested that barriers to adult participation might be avoided if they are encouraged to participate when young. (SK)

Despite contrasts between capitalist Hong Kong and socialist Guangzhou, the two cities' community work is similar in terms of superficial emphasis on citizen participation, maintenance of status quo, and consensus orientation. The imminent changeover in Hong Kong's sovereignty will change social welfare services in both cities. (SK)

The community development program, initiated in 1952, failed, in the author's opinion, because no sustained attempt was made to involve the people in the development process. Discussed are: program objectives, implementation, administrative structure, an evaluation of 15 program aspects, a community development strategy, and the failure of the…

In generalizations based upon seven studies dealing with citizen participation in urban recreation decision-making, the authors conclude that the type of participation varies according to the social and economic composition of the areas, but is generally superficial. Problems involved in decentralization and their implications are considered. (AG)

This discussion of the participation of employees, voluntary and community groups, and consumers and parents in community social services planning traces recent origins of British thinking on the subject, analyzes what social services planners can learn from physical planners, and discusses methods of participation for each type of group. (JT)

Reviews discourses of citizenship in community development work: inactive citizens, the stucturalist critique of the welfare state, marketization (citizen as consumer), and democratic renewal through active citizenship. Suggests that community workers can serve as key agents in revitalizing the connections among community work, citizenship, and…

The social inclusion emphasis of recent British policy has renewed community development efforts for capacity building and civic participation. Funding remains precarious and the independence of the community development sector be continuously asserted. (Contains 26 references.) (SK)