The work involved in planning and implementing a community information center in partnership with the community requires professionalism of the highest order and provides the opportunity for many more librarians to work as true professionals. (Author)

Educational shortcomings in the Region show the need for closer cooperation between educational institutions and communities. (Author)

Presents the views of a Nobel Prize winner regarding problems in the relationship between scientific enterprise and society. Examples are given from cancer research relating to cost-benefit misunderstandings and the decision-making machinery that chooses priorities in science. Further examples from recombinant DNA research relate to society's…

Deals with conflicts associated with the management, disposal, and storage of hazardous wastes from the perspective of interests expressed in the local community. Analyzes three case studies to demonstrate the changing roles and relative importance of local and nonlocal interests. Draws conclusions regarding the significance of the analysis for…

An Australian survey (n=1,837) compared volunteers (22% of sample) to nonvolunteers. Volunteers were more likely to be socially active and engaged in activities building elements of social capital such as reciprocity and trust. More rural than metropolitan residents volunteered, but there were more similarities than differences between the groups.…

The designation "full-service community school" encompasses concepts drawn from the diverse fields of youth development, risk-prevention, family welfare, community improvement, and, of course, educational enhancement. This article describes a model community school. (GCP)

Punitive accountability systems rely on eternally induced motives (avoiding sanctions) to improve low-rung educational performance. Community accountability uses information to bring the public and its schools together and improve total school performance. Emphasis is on positive, internal mechanisms to motivate performance and use of market…

Presents a story of the collaboration of two educators who developed communities of learners in their own classroom contexts. Describes the experiences shared as they reflected, revised, and struggled to improve their own practice. Discusses their continual struggle with ways to fully engage all students in the community-building process. (SG)

Explores the theoretical strands being combined in community-based research--charity service learning, social justice service learning, action research, and participatory research. Shows how different models of community-based research, based in different theories of society and different approaches to community work, may combine or conflict. (EV)

Extends the growing literature in the field of environmental communication that focuses upon citizen involvement in environmental decision-making. Suggests that there are substantive challenges that constrain citizens from having effects. Notes the importance of research that explores the nature of subsequent negotiations between citizens and…

Provides a selection of criteria (including needs assessment, shared responsibilities, decision making, constant communication, and continuous participation) which must be part of lasting and long-term outreach efforts with parents. (MG)

If current trends continue, a disproportionate number of America's children will grow up poor, undereducated, and untrained. Skills for Growing, a multifaceted K-5 program designed to develop character, citizenship, and positive social skills, offers a collaborative approach to socialization of children in isolation. (MLH)

Instead of selling the idea of a new middle school building, an Ohio school district engaged people in an 18-month conversation about community financial and educational needs. The plan succeeded, due to unconventional leveraging strategies, full staff participation, elimination of diversions, involvement of community leaders, personalized…