The most pressing social problems facing humanity in the 21st century are what systems theorist Russell Ackoff referred to as "messes"--complex dynamic systems of problems that interact and reinforce each other over time. In this article, the authors argue that the lack of progress in managing messes is in part due to the predominance of…

This document aims at providing a framework for describing the community development educator's role, functions, and environment. The text includes discussion of some human factors which are found in all communities and which influence decision making. Attention is directed also to the educator's performance and practices, as well as to techniques…

This document presents a set of ten steps that can be used by a wide range of concerned people to mobilize a community to solve problems connected with the growing population of underachieving minority youth. Step I, "The Initiation," outlines how to develop a coalition to assure a strong foundation for mobilization efforts. Step II,…

A THREE DAY CONFERENCE TRAINED NEW NONPROFESSIONAL STAFF OF THE SHAWNEE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, AN ANTIPOVERTY AGENCY IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. TRAINING GOALS WERE TO DEVELOP (1) GREATER AWARENESS OF SELF AND EFFECT ON OTHERS, (2) TEAMWORK SKILLS IN WORKING IN GROUPS, (3) AWARENESS OF SKILLS IN THE HELPING PROCESS, AND (4) PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS.…

Documenting the impact of 1978-79 Community Resource Development (CRD) projects, this national study presents data in response to a congressional mandate calling for assessment of the consequences and effectiveness of Community Resource Development projects. The report presents findings derived from questionnaires sent to 47 state CRD leaders, 120…

A 1979-1980 nation-wide study of 113 Community Resource Development (CRD) projects evaluated socio-economic impacts, as seen by CRD staff, state leaders, and knowledgeable citizens. Questionnaires were sent to the three groups to determine consequences of the programs in the categories of family income, community facilities and services, public…

This manual is designed primarily to assist Education Peace Corps Volunteers undertake community projects in addition to their primary job assignment. Chapter 1 discusses the factors that determine the measure of success of the project. The process, not the product, is emphasized. Chapter 2 on situational analysis outlines areas of investigation…

The Rural Intervention Project was intended to reduce status offenses and delinquent behavior by youths and to increase the opportunities for positive youth involvement by providing problem solving services to the youth and families of rural Pima County, Arizona. Begun by Portable Practical Educational Preparation, Inc. in 1978 and operating on a…

The 2.5-day workshop described in this manual was designed to meet the growing concern that small projects administered by the Peace Corps were not truly community projects or priorities. To foster more community involvement in the design, implementation, and evaluation of projects, this workshop is geared to the training of Peace Corps volunteers…

This document presents practical advice to help managers of adult learning projects in communities across the United Kingdom manage their community projects for change. The following topics are discussed in sections 1-12: (1) the benefits of adult learning projects; (2) characteristics of adult learning projects and quality assurance mechanisms;…