The new concept of community must focus on the contributions of each group to the national culture and the uniqueness of each culture. It must define and affirm shared values. Common ground may best be found in civic culture. (SK)

Community is widely acknowledged as a fundamental aspect of social work practice, and this formulation distinguishes social work from other professions. Because of this long-standing tradition, social work needs to make a greater investment in producing scientific knowledge to enable community change and to incorporate community context into…

Communities are telling inspiring stories about what happens when they use public dialogue and action to involve large numbers of citizens--with the greatest diversity possible--in a search for common ground to resolve tough issues like race, community police relations, and education reform. These efforts, often called "study circles," are…

Complex human interactions involve more than just performance toward pre-determined goals. For this reason, systems that measure and seek to improve performance must adapt to a wide range of ever-changing patterns of individual and group behavior. Historically, HPT professionals have recognized these complexities and responded in a variety of…

Used 1934-1978 Missouri county-level data to analyze hypotheses related to Goldschmidt thesis. Confirmed hypothesis that scale of farm operation is negatively related to rural community quality of life. Received limited support for hypothesis that quality of life indices are negatively related to amount of increase in farm size over time.(NEC)

Four nonmetropolitan communities were selected for an experimental program designed to train local citizens in general procedures of economic impact research. A handbook easily used by lay persons was developed, but a broad base of citizen involvement in research could not be developed. (Author/SK)

Briefly reports observations made of Washington, D. C. neighborhoods, describing how these areas are functional or dysfunctional for children and families. Suggests ways the urban environment can be improved to support community life. (RH)

Explains the context for equity, diversity, and interdependence (EDI), followed by a case study of a Northern Ireland service organization using the EDI process to help articulate the voice of rural community groups. Illustrates the value of concerted dialogue to facilitate systemic relational change in organizations and with their constituents.…

Examines trends, 1960-87, in population, retail and service activity, and manufacturing activity for a random sample of 202 nonmetro villages. Finds slowest growth or absolute decline in the 1980s. Suggests a stronger position for the small town as a residential center, rather than a retail or production center. (SV)

Rural rejuvenation projects in 1930s West Virginia and Kentucky and the 1970s Parkway Project in Philadelphia provide lessons for community education about using rich community resources. Community participation develops ownership, school learning reinforces real-world experiences, and community involvement can create catalysts for change. (SK)

In 1989, gambling was legalized in Deadwood. The resulting boom produced unexpectedly high revenues, allowing the town to meet historic restoration and preservation goals within 10 years. However, in the absence of community planning, the boom also changed the community's social fabric and increased noise, traffic, and congestion. (SV)

Women participating in grassroots community development in Chile received financial aid, training, and technical assistance in housing, repair and community organization. Relationships and gender played a powerful role in community change. However, their experiences illustrated the constraints on local action. (Contains 31 references.) (SK)

The conventional leader-follower concept implies that some are leaders and others are not. Leadership involves anyone and everyone who takes steps to move a community. Too many problems cannot be solved without an engaged community. (SK)

The arts can play a role in regeneration of areas of economic, social, cultural, and environmental disadvantage. Field study of four arts projects in Scotland identified (1) the need for community consultation and involvement; (2) uses of hard and soft data; (3) strategic use of the arts within overall community regeneration policy; and (4) the…