On the basis of extensive research on university-community collaborative education projects in southern California and southern Sweden, this article proposes two roles and a research strategy and approach as elements essential to sustained collaboration. Recognition and fulfillment of the roles of "spider" and "firesoul," while "leading with the little finger," contribute to educational anthropology by linking qualitative and ethnographic research with university and community learning, practice, and service in a process of involvement. (Contains 1 note.)