The issues addressed in this paper include: (1) various views of what constitutes a community; (2) the controversy over the quantity, kind, and division of decisionmaking powers allotted to community action groups; (3) arguments against and in favor of community participation; (4) characteristics which prohibit citizen participation among disadvantaged groups; (5) the benefits of community participation; and (6) administrative roadblocks to community participation. Specific programs such as community schools and the Teacher Corps which encourage parent and community involvement in educational planning are also examined. (EB)