The learning outcome, "Students will learn to engage with and impact society," is common in curricular frameworks addressing undergraduate sociology education; however, it does not receive adequate coverage compared to other competencies. The lack of attention to this outcome coupled with the tendency to focus heavily on social problems…

This paper will argue for routine, reciprocal and meaningful partnerships between the University and the local community. Participation in both policymaking and the generation of knowledge has traditionally been dominated by over-represented groups, drawing on the limited expertise of professionals and practitioners. However, an increasing body of…

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…

In 1945, the Conrad (Montana) Study Group began a commitment to long-term community action that illustrates the principles of transformative research: awareness, active involvement, and social reconstruction. (SK)

This paper examines the development of the concept of the "public" and the "people" in U.S. society. Community problem-solving is an art, and like the art of dance or the game of soccer, the dispositions and skills of communal life are learned by doing and reflecting on what has been done. This essay discusses the "arts" of democracy, including:…

Twelve urban community action programs (CAP) were examined in depth to determine how each of them operationally defined community action and to evaluate their performance. The criteria used were: (1) a clear statement of purpose and programs consistent with that purpose; (2) strong independent leadership and a built-in evaluation and…

This pamphlet on taking action in the community is the third of 16 in a series to provide leaders in adult activities with sound introductory material to give practical help in using a method of adult education or working in a particular area. Its objective is to help leaders plan and carry out a constructive program of social change. Eleven…

Discusses the characteristics, origins, and evolution of Latin American "popular education," a nonformal approach that incorporates consciousness raising and activist organization in the education of economically and politically subjugated adults. Describes community participatory-investigation activities as the typical first step beyond…

This guide is written for teenagers who may be considering becoming active in their communities. It explains ways teens can increase their power and effectiveness in community life and some of the things they will encounter along the way. It begins by emphasizing the importance of community service, illustrating the ways that teens already may be…

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have a central role to play in mobilizing the political will of governments to change the present imbalance in the distribution, consumption, and control of the world's resources. In a time of world economic crisis, millions die unnecessarily every year for lack of food, shelter, and medical care. Thirty…

This Canadian annotated bibliography provides 41 items on community planning, community action, community services, and participation, followed by eight related publications on aspects of communities and of social change. Manpower development, human services, dimensions of poverty, and strategies for change are emphasized. Also included are a…

This paper advocates environmental education as a solution to environmental problems. It defines environmental education in terms of its goals; 1) the survival of man and the improvement of his life; 2) its relationship with academic disciplines and informal education; and, 3) its values and principles in relation to democracy. The main focus of…

This paper develops a conceptual framework as a guide for research analysis and the designing of experimental interventions aimed at the improvement of the socialization process of the community. Socialization agents are the parents, older and like-age peers, formal education agencies, churches, leisure time child and youth serving agencies, legal…

Participatory research began as a reaction to traditional social science research methodology, which tended to make persons into objects of study. It had its beginnings in Tanzania around 1970, when a group of farmers participated in research to assess and solve the problem of losses of grain harvests. The process grew out of the philosophy of…