Drawing from successful community education practices around the United States and focusing on the unique characteristics of Wisconsin's communities, people, and institutions, this booklet offers ideas and resources for the development of community education programs. An introductory section examines the components of community education, such as the coordination and sharing of resources, citizen participation, lifelong learning, and community/school partnerships; offers definitions of key terms; and identifies state and local bodies concerned with the field. The next section offers a national perspective on community education, providing excerpts from statements by national leaders about community education; an overview of its growth; and a list of agencies operating at the national level. Then, information is presented on the development of Wisconsin's community service programs, activities at the state level, and the need for a broad-based community education approach statewide. The final section presents a procedure for the development of community education programs, which involves four steps: (1) the formation of a community education steering committee; (2) the establishment of communications with key community groups; (3) the recruitment of personnel to direct community education efforts; and (4) the establishment of a permanent advisory council. Also included are a list of films and resources, a self-assessment instrument for local school districts, and a discussion of the community education coordinator's role. (HB)