This issue of "Civic Partners" is a call to action on behalf of American's cities. The issue opens with John W. Gardner's discussion of the "responsibles" whose vision and energy sustain communities. He stresses that all of us are "responsibles." Among the many tasks that face those responsible for urban improvement is the teaching of conflict resolution skills and collaborative problem- solving. Such teaching, in school and out-of-school settings, is possible because of the development of systematic teachable techniques for conflict resolution. Retta Kelley interviews nine citizens who work in the service of their communities. Several of the people profiled participate in mentoring programs in U.S. cities, and one is the mentored half of a partnership. Another participated in a tutorial program of great value in the community. One of the profiled leaders is principal of a middle school that participates in the "Lighted Schools" initiative of the McClennan County schools (Texas). The after-school program of this initiative provides enrichment and safe and structured activities for students. Another profiled volunteer has benefited from parent education herself, and is now beginning to help other parents in a school program designed to increase parent participation. Still another volunteer works in an anti-violence campaign directed at school and out-of-school activities. Karen Pittman explores the crucial role young people play in all communities, and describes the guide to community action that has been designed for the middle school student to complement a guide for adults. The Pew Partnership identifies 10 U.S. cities chosen to participate in the Pew Civic Entrepreneur Initiative, which has been established to recruit a diverse array of people to civic involvement and decision making. Specific aspects of community building are examined by Michael Loftin, who discusses an approach to affordable housing in Santa Fe (New Mexico), and Kathryn E. Merchant, who explores the investments of foundations in civic leadership development. The collection closes with the remarks of Samuel D. Proctor about opportunities for civic service. (SLD)