A survey of 181 neighborhood social service organizations in Chicago finds that, under conditions of demographic and socioeconomic change, leaders of these agencies establish cooperative relations on the basis of common organizational memberships and common racial or educational status. (Author/RW)

The success of the annual fund-raising campaign is seen to depend in large part on a careful search for and cultivation of a select group of generous donors. Leadership giving is defined, and creating gift clubs, solicitation, competition and challenges, pitfalls, and renewal are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Presents a synopsis of moral development stages and the rationale for considering the significance of moral stages in group member selection. Moral growth should be facilitated during the productive phase of group process in which members deal with their differences, rather than ignore them. (Author/BEF)

Understanding the relationship between interest groups and legislators is one resource for effective use of influence. As major social welfare decisions are made in the political arena, social work must commit itself to understanding and influencing the political process. The article states generalizations based on political science literature.…

Describes the procedures for election to memberships in the National Academy of Sciences. Included are the names of the 60 new members elected to the academy this year. (SL)

Study assessed the influence of group membership on the use of multiple substances among adolescents. Organized group activity included clubs and organizations, as well as athletic participation. Multiple substance included current use of any combination of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. Group participation had a buffering effect on multiple…

Problems in the process of selecting new administrators are discussed, including confidentiality, resumes and letters of recommendation, the interview, committee membership, and inside candidates. (MSE)

College students (N=64), divided into 10 groups, completed the Personal Anticipations Questionnaire prior to group experience, Group Attitude Scale several times during group experience, and Group Satisfaction Scale following group experience. Results showed that group member expectations were related to group cohesion or attraction to group.…

Advice is offered on promoting diversity within the college alumni association, based on the University of Kansas Alumni Association's experience. Suggestions include providing offerings that appeal to everyone; challenging alumni to participate in reaching out to others; and inviting alumni involvement when dissatisfied. (MSE)

This article explores the impact of peer support groups on individuals who are elderly and blind. Peer groups are believed to provide members with an important link to others having a similar disability, a link that offers validation, affiliation, and insight. (JDD)

Penn, Gaines, and Phillips in their article "On the Desirability of Own-Group Preference" (1993) should be applauded for their efforts toward more universal level of acceptance and accord. Their goal is not challenged, but their vision is lacking. True respect for and acceptance of others can never be achieved in the absence of respect…

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, a new nonprofit organization hoping to oversee key management functions of the Internet, earned the blessing of academic network groups but was scorned by critics during its first public meeting. The U.S. government is eager to turn Internet operations over to an international organization,…

Presents results of a study of eight leaderless groups. Findings included a serendipitous forming process, minimal norming, a support system extending beyond the group, a spontaneous and flexible group process, and unresolved issues. Focus and purpose of the groups were found to be the factors that have changed over time. Discusses results in…

Describes how teachers can help children feel included, connected, and valued, explaining that the family is the child's first and most important group, and children learn the rules of social interaction from primary relationships with adults. As children play, they learn and formulate their own social rules. Teachers can provide structured,…

This study compared adolescents on a continuum of risk of school dropout: adolescents in the mainstream program (low risk); in an at-risk program (medium risk); and in an alternative evening program for dropouts (high risk). The researcher wanted to determine what factors predict school dropout, with particular attention given to family and social…