Develops a framework for examining how social capital contributes to the well-being of rural communities. Reviews the educational and social science literature on social capital, contrasting rational choice and embeddedness perspectives. Introduces the concept of entrepreneurial social infrastructure, which adds equality, inclusion, and agency to…

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…

Effective rural education depends on active community involvement. This ethnographic case study examines three models of community organization as an explanation of how community action occurs. The three models are: (1) individuals interacting in formal and informal groups; (2) networks of "weak ties" effective for diffusing information and…

This booklet was created to help communities (especially in Minnesota) to build community partnerships through community education. Such partnerships are needed in order to identify and meet community needs that are no longer being addressed by the Federal Government. The booklet is organized in three sections. The first section outlines the need…

This annotated bibliography was compiled by Project NEXUS as a resource for local community groups or agencies wishing to improve services to disabled or chronically ill children, from birth to 3 years of age, and to their families. The bibliography lists English-language books, journal articles, guides, and manuals that provide either background…

This manual represents an educational program designed for public officials, interested citizens, and professionals interested in improving the economic climate of the municipality or region. Its purpose is to teach economic development skills, thus enabling participants to develop community economic growth plans. Focus is on four essential…

A two-pronged proposal for a project to develop the New York City Puerto Rican community is presented. In the research phase a comprehensive social profile of the community will be prepared to indicate Puerto Rican attitudes toward social institutions, services, organizations, and facilities. The community's social structure, socioeconomic status,…

Discusses remedial education's relationship to inherent inequalities in American economic and social stratification, arguing that remedial programs often delay or hinder the entrance of educationally disadvantaged students into postsecondary curricula. Advocates community control of basic skills remediation and curriculum development as a means of…

This book offers 20 contemporary biographies of young women across the United States who are making a difference in their schools and communities through community service. Examples of community action include feeding the hungry, recycling, saving the bluebirds, and promoting literacy. The girls and young women emerge as leaders in an area of…

Analyzes role of "familiar outsider," the "transplant" reformer who rejects personal power while aiding community. Focuses on four outsiders assisting Virginia town's developing commission. Details relationship and leadership problems among commission, technical assistant, and community leaders during development of sewing…

Amid the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Brazil was the Global Forum, a gathering of representatives of more than 9,000 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Brazil's array of NGOs and grass-roots support organizations began developing in the early 1960s. The "pedagogy of the oppressed" developed by Paulo…

Nearly half of Quebec's municipalities have fewer than 800 inhabitants and are struggling with conditions of economic decline, outmigration of youth, and political marginalization. In 1991, a regional coalition called Coalition Urgence Rurale was formed in the Lower Saint Lawrence area to support initiatives that promote community empowerment,…

This book shows how young and unemployed people can be taught the enterprise skills to survive in an uncertain world. Chapter 1 addresses education and employment security. Chapter 2 explores current theory and practice to prepare for employment. Chapter 3 surveys public education programs designed to bridge the gap between school and employment.…

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…

The document considers several unfortunate cycles: (1) belligerent students cause desperate teachers, who cause more belligerent students; (2) ineffective parents cause bewildered youth who never take advantage of existing opportunities and who create, in turn, more bewildered children; (3) browbeaten tenants cause callous landlords to neglect…