Through in-depth interviews and focus groups with alumni from three institutions, the authors of this qualitative study explore the contours and desires of political engagement postgraduation. Giving credit to their respective community engagement programs, alumni illustrate their enduring commitments to civic and political action by participating…

Bob Cornett, a former state budget director for Kentucky, describes himself as a "retired bureaucrat." But as a parent, grandparent, and a person who has been involved in education reform for more than 20 years, he's come to understand that, if public education policies are to be corrected, the impetus has to come from the citizenry. In…

Tim Clydesdale is professor of sociology at the College of New Jersey. This article is adapted from the author's forthcoming book "Calling on Purpose: The Conversation Every Campus Must Have with Students" (University of Chicago Press, 2015). Clydesdale met two students, James and Tracy, during their senior year of college, when his…

With the goal of codifying student learning outcomes of community-based research (CBR), the authors created a conceptually valid and statistically reliable CBR Student Learning Outcomes Survey. The project began with individual interviews and focus groups with 70 undergraduates and faculty at six colleges and universities nationwide discussing…

This article reflects on the school's role in the building of citizenship, especially in socially vulnerable contexts. We argue, and try to show, that effective participation in decision-making processes is a key tool to promote conditions that help in social transformation and the formation of active citizenship. We offer a brief description of…

Differences between old-timers and newcomers and their effects on community social dimensions have been the object of much research. These studies have shown how extensive in-migration of people with different socioeconomic backgrounds, values, and perspectives contribute to heightened social conflict in some communities. Popular media accounts…

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)

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 major concern of this handbook is one method designed to accomplish human as well as physical development in the community--the problem identification survey method. Other methods of community development are described briefly. The problem identification survey is a method used to identify citizens to serve on a community development committee…

Three case studies (senior citizens center, senior citizens housing project, and a housing and employment project) are assessed against an operational definition of community development. Since only one of these fits the definition, the author concludes that projects designated as community development activity by agencies and workers often do not…

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)

A youth community informatics (YCI) research project intersected an inquiry learning model with the making of audiovisual podcasts to foster personal growth and community engagement in a group of Mexican American youth enrolled in an afterschool program. Specifically, the article describes the cycle of inquiry together with the development of a…

Argues that only if revenue sharing is genuinely responsive to citizen needs and in fact, secures self-initiated involvement of citizens in program execution will it be ultimately successful in developing self-supporting individuals and communities. (JF)

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…

Defines "community development" as the creation of an enlightened, involved, learning citizenry. Concludes that its beneficiaries include participants who learn social and political skills; the community which has its problems solved and troubles ameliorated or diverted; and the facilitating institution, which grows through new alliances and…