An historical perspective of community health education is presented, beginning with the 1921 Sheppard Towner Act, discussing some of the important figures in the area of community development, and ending with a discussion of tasks and directions for the future. (MB)

The Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission, a local development district based in Venango County, focuses on nourishing small business development and entrepreneurship in business incubators owned by local governments. One of the region's resources is the nation's first "teaching factory," which provides job…

Community development practitioners (n=33) in Australia, Botswana, Canada, Malaysia, and the United States held strong beliefs about community involvement in change. They developed theories-in-action that guided practice and derived ideas and information form colleagues and the literature. A conceptual framework about reflective practice was…

Social capital should be analyzed using an ecological framework that includes individual psychological and behavioral elements and institutional/community elements. Overemphasizing social cohesion dilutes necessary community conflict. Instead, network-bridging to increase power, access, and learning at various levels should be stressed. (Contains…

Evaluation of public service programs uses language and techniques inimical to community development. Key elements of a better approach are as follows: (1) community participation; (2) emphasis on qualitative measures of success that complement the quantitative; (3) strong awareness of the importance of process goals; (4) concern with sustainable…

The Mill City/Gates Youth Development Project operated as a youth-at-risk program in a timber-dependent community during the timber crisis of the early 1990s. Evaluations indicate the youth activities were effective. Community support structures created by the project continue to operate 5 years after the end of funding, indicating a successful…

Oxfam is using a sustainable livelihoods framework in its antipoverty programs. Identifying assets and asset gaps illuminated gender difference in asset bases and survival strategies as well as the huge impact of the state on livelihood choices. (SK)

A renewable energy project in South Wales was enriched by elements of the sustainable livelihood approach: people centered, holistic, and dynamic. The approach shifted the focus from technology to people and from product to process; it combined micro and macro issues. (SK)

An approach to integrating casework and community development includes the practices of empowerment, community building, and social action. The aim is to give disadvantaged people more choice and control over their lives. (Contains 14 references.) (SK)

Community education has two objectives: the development of individuals to the limit of their capacity and the development of the community to improve the quality of life. The Community Education Developmental Objective model illustrates the interrelatedness of the process and program objectives of the community education movement. (Author/JOW)

Examines the disruptive effects of a public-private effort to introduce an innovative venture intended to spur economic development in a small, southern, rural community. Suggests that entrepreneurial activity is most likely to occur under the conditions described in the conflict model of community power. (JOW)

A reputational leadership survey conducted in a large metropolitan area identified 6 black leaders among 28 general leaders. Findings indicate that minority population leadership represents more of a subcommunity than part of the overall, integrated leadership structure. (JOW)

A study developed and tested a set of behavioral propositions through responses from 56 economic development planners (51 percent). The findings suggest that educational training has a relevant influence on the marketing management style of community economic development planners in California. (JOW)

Explores some of the more important changes that are occurring because of the farm crisis and discusses how they affect rural community development needs. Examines (1) characteristics of those failing in agriculture; (2) changes in farm production practices resulting from the crisis; and (3) problems experienced by farmers and farm families. (JOW)

The author describes a community-based program to assist new business ventures with such tasks as developing a business plan, obtaining funding, and marketing the product. Examples of various small businesses the program has helped are included. (CH)