For citizens who want to participate in practical action to make their communities better places for living, this guide considers numerous approaches for community involvement. It stresses not only comprehensive planning but also the importance of getting action started. A rough order of business is suggested. First, considered are the various government and private agencies - what their programs are and the ways they can help the community; next, the major techniques and tools for action programs of protecting open space, improving the townscape and the landscape, cleaning up the air and water, and enlisting and training the youth of the community to continue environmental quality programs. The final section on follow-through indicates the tasks required to sustain action. Contained in the appendix are a directory of federal, state, and private agencies and organizations and a list of useful publications. (BL)