This book assesses the nature, advantages, and limitations of the nondirective or community development approach to social betterment. Two advantages are claimed for this approach: people are more likely to act on what they have freely decided to do than on what others have tried to persuade them to do; through participation in the process of thinking, deciding, and planning, they will acquire more confidence and competence as persons. Part One of this work examines the directive and nondirective approaches, with the conclusion that each is more useful and suitable in some situations than in others. Part Two discusses the role of nondirective workers in autonomous groups, discussion groups, youth work, and other areas. The last two parts consider effective means of training nondirective workers to perform effectively, and the preparation of trainers through case discussion and other methods and techniques. Also included are appendixes and illustrations on discussion processes, course planning, and youth service cases. (ly)