This paper describes a comprehensive, constituent-based evaluation approach that can yield useful information for policymakers, program planners, and administrators. The four stages are specification of constituent network; exploration of significant incentives; design of an incentive system; and assessment of the system. (JOW)

The author analyzes the challenges facing community development, contrasting the use of its rhetoric with actual practice. He considers the concept and methodology of community development, traces its roots, and explores its potential, particularly in this current period of social and economic crisis. (Author/SK)

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)

Draws on a wide range of theoretical and empirical literature and community-development experiences to investigate soulful practices within the field. Suggests that it is time to talk openly about soul in community development. (Author)

Presents a model developed from seven interrelated social factors to help diagnose various kinds of community conflicts. To verify the model and illustrate its utility, the standoff over the Berm Highway routing in Alton, Illinois, is analyzed. Findings suggest the importance of broadening the participants' definition of the situation through more…

Locally conceived and initiated development projects are more successful than those imposed externally, but outside intervention is sometimes necessary. The implementation of the Little Sioux watershed project illustrates strategies used to overcome potential negative effects on externally initiated programs. (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)

The use of felt needs in community development practice involves the process of identifying needs, ranking their importance, and building programs based on the ranking. Felt needs should be replaced by the concept "anticipatory needs," which identifies what needs to be done in order to move toward a specified future. (Author/JOW)

Defines community development and shows how community development as an educational process embodies an ethical principle which, when applied to the analysis of community practices, promotes justice. (JOW)

Evaluation of public service programs uses language and techniques inimical to community development. Key elements of a better approach are as follows: (1) community participation; (2) emphasis on qualitative measures of success that complement the quantitative; (3) strong awareness of the importance of process goals; (4) concern with sustainable…

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)

Sustainable development requires changing perceptions about community resources, markets, rules, and decision making. The concept must be broadened beyond the traditional physical-biological to include the dimensions of time, space, marginalized groups, and dynamic economies. (SK)

A sociological model of African-American community development, the Black Organizational Autonomy model argues that workable African-American communities have economic autonomy, internally developed and controlled data sources, a focus on African-American history and culture, females in leadership roles, and socially inclusive leadership. (56…

This paper proposes bargaining as a useful conflict resolution skill for community developers. Key bargaining concepts and practice principles from the fields of international conflict resolution, the social action model of community organization, and political science are discussed. (Author/CT)