This paper is part of a series designed to help community groups engage in discussion on the possibility of individual and community transformation. The text is intended to be read aloud by the group facilitator with frequent pauses for discussion. It is accompanied by a reading list, activities, and discussion questions to review what has been…

Part of a series designed to help community groups engage in discussion on the possibility of individual and community transformation, this discussion paper explores fundamental principles of existence which have implications for a healthy and wholistic approach to the elimination of prejudice that will contribute to individual and societal…

Part of the Small Town Strategy series, this publication is designed to help communities decide whether further local economic growth is possible and desirable. The publication provides a discussion outline to be used to study the costs and benefits of growing or not growing. Questions are listed which should be raised by the community when…

Findings from current literature form the basis for this examination of five critical elements of change and development within the local community setting which impact on agriculture: population, employment, land, water, and environment. Renewed rural population growth during the 1970's has reversed small farm trends but placed strains on local…

This monograph provides an interpretation of the work and ideas of Paulo Freire and describes an attempt to use his methods in a preliminary trial of a small scale nutrition program in four villages in Maranhao State, Northeast Brazil. The introductory chapter indicates the seriousness of the nutritional problems of the rural poor as well as the…

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…

Metropolitan land use change, with a specific focus on the processes of participation and conflict over neighborhood development, is discussed. The resource paper is part of a series designed to supplement existing texts and to fill a gap between research and accessible materials in geography. Part I deals very generally with the implications of…

Decision Makers is designed to simulate the problems faced by groups trying to produce peaceful social change in their communities. This version illustrates the problems faced when a community group attempts to introduce a course on the issues of war and peace in the local high school. All participants assume roles as residents of a typical…

With present advances in communication technology, profound and qualitative changes in our civilization are taking place--in business and politics, in education, in entertainment, interpersonal relations, and the organization of society itself. In honor of the significance of such developments, an entire issue of "Scientific American" magazine…

This report of the Family Resource Coalition of America examines the interrelationship of sustainable community economic strategies and sustainable family units. The introductory section of the report consists of one article, "Integrating Community Development and Family Support." The second section, "Community Building: A Movement…

Many communities are trying to build sustainable societies, melding the wisdom of nature with culture, by undertaking various projects and initiatives. Although many projects may contribute to community sustainability, it is difficult to know which are most urgent or will be most effective. The purpose of this document is to introduce the concept…

Discusses implications of population turnaround, reverse migration for societal polarization, human resources based economy, and rural/urban segmentation on the new socioeconomic role of rural areas. Identifies an interrelated public policy model composed of local community, human resources, technical inputs, and integrating institutions to…

Examines 3 stabilizing principles of small town organization that are intertwined with the survival of local schools: (1) centripetalism (inwardly focused community involvement); (2) inclusiveness of local associations and activities; and (3) distinctive identity. Discusses the effects of state pro-consolidation policies on rural economic…

Portrays the controversy surrounding schools and education in a rural community experiencing both an influx of urban and suburban newcomers and the effects of urban sprawl. Reports on surveys of student educational attitudes, household information, and outside activities, and on interviews with teachers, school administrators, and residents.…