Analysis of data on 112 MADD chapters suggests that failure of small activist organizations is related to inability of chapter leaders to adapt programs to their community and engage in cooperative community actions. Failure was related positively to county population and negatively to percent college educated. Contains 44 references. (SV)

Many rural communities are experiencing a diversity of issues, but what part does leadership play in these communities? This qualitative study describes the environment within two communities in the southeast focusing on community variables of psychological sense of community, community leadership, and social capital. Leaders were identified and a…

A staff member of the Kanawha County Public Library, Charleston, West Virginia evaluates the West Virginia textbook controversy. (PF)

Notes that community youth development is a challenging approach to youth work that focuses on the incorporation of new values at the practice, management, and community levels. Explores the implementation of a community youth development approach within the context of learning organization theory, and describes experiences of three youth-focused…

Presented is the master plan for environmental education developed by the state of Michigan. The plan provides the framework, guidelines, and processes for coordinating and evaluating all environmental communication, education, and information activities in Michigan. It is both comprehensive and long-range, covering all geographic areas and social…

This paper investigates the process of how actions of community groups are initiated and carried out. It also identifies key characteristics of participation in community action projects. Social actions in two communities in North Carolina are studied from a 10-year period. (Author/CT)

This is the third in a series of articles based upon the program of the Social Responsibilities Round Table at the ALA Conference in Atlantic City, June 24. (MF)

Outlines six steps for building local coalitions aimed at stopping community dioxin exposure. Discusses the dangers of dioxin exposure and the advantages of coalition-building. (LZ)

On April 15, 1964, two black Mississippi civil rights leaders filed a petition with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) to deny the license renewal of the Lamar Life Broadcasting station, WLBT-TV, in Jackson (Mississippi). The petition was based on a monitoring study which had revealed that the programing on WLBT-TV provided moderate to…

Environmental concern and involvement in solving environmental problems are the themes emphasized in this handbook. It offers suggestions for citizen groups who wish to contribute more effectively to a better environment. They are encouraged to start at the local level, where pollution and environmental degradation begin. If they want others to…

Provides a list of the national and regional Lau Centers which provide assistance to school districts in resolving desegregation problems related to English language ability of non-English speaking students. (NQ)

Whole-community organizing is a new approach to community change that is supported by theories of social relations and interaction. It uses an asset-based approach to community development. Empirical studies have identified ways to mobilize community assets and build community from inside out. (Contains 58 references.) (SK)

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)