Participant/observation is useful as a tool for gathering evidence about processes, circumstances, or other observable conditions. A participant/observer is an investigator gathering evidence. Observations are carefully recorded, prejudgment is scorned, and judgments flow from the evidence. In approaching a situation to be investigated, the…

This citizen's guide is designed to provide suggestions to those individuals or groups concerned with the removal of children from adult jails. The guide presents an overview of the problem, a list of actions which can be taken by an informed and active citizenry, including: (1) monitoring and publicizing admissions practices and living conditions…

The first rule for setting up and working with an advisory is to know that their advice is needed and should be valued. An advisory ensures that advice is received from segments of the community that usually have no voice in policy making. The purpose of the advisory should be established immediately. Familiarization with holidays, vacations,…

This planning guide is designed to assist those individuals or groups concerned with the removal of children from adult jails, and is intended to provide a methodology for needs assessment and implementation of a flexible network of alternatives at the local community level. The guide includes an overview of the problem and a narrative description…

Developed to provide an introduction to the issues surrounding the use of chemical pesticides, this booklet encourages individuals and communities to become active in determining the safe use and regulation of pesticides. The major components of the guide include: (1) an explanation of the issue; (2) pesticides and their effect on human health;…

This model, developed and tested in Vermont, involved a two-day assembly using a technique concentrating on small-group dynamics to encourage productive community assessment and decision-making. Included are exhaustive documentation of an example assembly to consider options for integrating human and environmental requirements in Vermont as a…

Explores the relationship between the central goals of education and youth participation in community and social service activities. Focuses on ways that youth participation can be integrated into the regular school curriculum. (Author/GC)

This training model and accompanying a handbook (see related note) are based on the University of Georgia Rural Women Project, a two-year leadership training project which tested the model in Morgan County, Georgia, and had some success in developing effective community problem solving with the rural black community in that county. The following…

Developed to increase public awareness of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, this guide provides information and suggestions for improving the quality of life in the Bay area. Contents include background information and a "what can you do" section on separate topics related to: (1) resources of the Chesapeake Bay watershed; (2) streambank…

Designed to be a guide for community action, this booklet examines issues and trends related to groundwater contamination. Basic concepts about groundwater and information about problems affecting it are covered under the categories of (1) what is groundwater? (2) availability and depletion; (3) quality and contamination; (4) public health…

This guide for the public provides information on ways to address homelessness within the context of community development. The following articles issued by the Homelessness Information Exchange are included as Sections 1, 2, and 3: (1) "The Problem of Homelessness Nationwide"; (2) "Ways You Can Help the Homeless"; and (3) "Building a Coalition in…

Guidelines to help ERIC clearinghouses reach lay persons and inform them of the resources available through the ERIC information network are provided. The guidelines were developed following on-site interviews with persons who have expertise in information dissemination and/or who are actively involved in providing information to citizens involved…

Guidelines to help ERIC microfiche collection holders acquaint lay persons in their community with the resources available through the ERIC information network are provided. The guidelines were developed following on-site interviews with persons who have expertise in information dissemination and/or who are actively involved in providing…

While much of the drinking water in the United States is safe for consumption, protecting its quality and assuring its availability are becoming increasingly difficult. This booklet is written for individuals and groups who are concerned about the drinking water in their communities. It provides a general introduction to the complex issues of…

This booklet is about what people say and do with regard to citizen participation. Explanations and key resources are provided for eleven techniques to obtain citizen participation: Alinsky Organizations, charrettes, citizen advisory committees, community audio and video access, community development corporations, community resource/information…