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)

Research indicates that the impetus to solve pollution problems may have to come from processes outside the realm of ordinary problem solving institutions. Mass media exposure and involvement in the political process are ineffective in generating antipollution sentiment. "Grass roots" movements based on informal communication may emerge to combat…

The evolution of community organization practice in Montreal, has been in the form of a well-organized political movement composed of neighborhood organizations and labor unions. This movement is discussed in the context of Quebec's political and ideological setting and its impact on the social work profession. (Author)

Based on the principle that drug abuse is no longer a problem restricted to certain economic, social, educational, or intellectual levels or ethnic groups, this pamphlet relates some examples of on-going community action programs and projects. Essentially, these programs are striving to solve some of the drug related problems in their immediate…

Designed to encourage public action in the media, this "action kit" consists of articles and reports dealing with the subjects of peace and the news media. Included are an article by Federal Communications Commissioner Nicholas Jackson which argues that the "law of effective reform" should be applied to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)…

A new county extension agent, having community development responsibilities, will be concerned with identifying projects, organizing for action, identifying key people for the projects, and identifying the resources needed to undertake new initiatives. Three methods of community action planning are discussed step by step. The social action process…

Although increasing numbers of organizations are speaking out on behalf of children, politicians need to hear first-hand from families about their concerns for their children. This book provides parents and others with skills necessary to organize effectively and speak out on issues that affect children at home, at school, and in the broader…

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…

This report is divided into two parts. It is an effort by individuals in Columbus, Ohio to inform and aid citizens interested in knowing more about cable television and how to use it. The first half offers factual information, the experience of other communities using cable, the laws governing cable and comments on issues facing the community. The…

Presented a theoretical framework for understanding how community service affords opportunities for stimulating identity development in adolescents. Found that service experience can stimulate reflection on society's political organization and moral order and reflection on the adolescent's role in making that order change to reflect the student's…

This report presents data on the civic involvement of U.S. adults, including sources of information, community and political participation, and attitudes toward government and democratic principles. The data are from the 1996 National Household Education Survey, Adult Civic Involvement component. A brief summary of the data is included in the…

In order to encourage more citizen action and public awareness in broadcasting, this guide enumerates the step-by-step procedures that citizens must take to deal with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The guide exhaustively reviews the policy areas where current FCC television and radio licenses are vulnerable to public scrutiny. It…

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…

This report of the authors' study and reflections about voluntarism and the present and future of volunteer activity is intended to be useful as a resource, stimulus, and guide for those using volunteers; for organizers of "cause movements"; for professors of graduate students in service professions; and for anyone interested in…

A growing trend in social science research is to reject those modes that treat individuals as objects of research and to accept the role of catalyst in helping the people to do their own research. Also, there is an increasing demand that results of social research must serve in a timely way to improve the situation of those involved. Participatory…