Describes benefits of the Austin Free-Net, part of the nationwide movement "community networks" to provide public access to computers to low-income communities. Presents examples of users and discusses Internet instruction and location of terminals. A sidebar highlights 10 community networks, with areas served and Web site addresses.…

Over the past four decades, Selena Robinson led struggles to integrate Brevard (North Carolina) High School, bring mail service and housing to Brevard's Black community, and retain the city's successful job training program. While raising 14 children, she worked as an outreach worker and organizer for Western Carolina Community Action, which…

Creating Lasting Connections is an alcohol/drug abuse prevention program that defines communities in terms of the social support systems connected with the church. Community mobilization emphasizes development and training of community volunteer teams to act as advocates for the program. (SK)

Argues that communities can employ numerous measures to prevent gangs from controlling their neighborhoods. Causes and theoretical explanations of gang formation are discussed, as well as the impact of black gangs in African American communities, and public policy considerations. It is concluded that, with an entire community effort, gangs can be…

Interviews with 36 members of 4 rural community betterment groups found that citizens typically learn through direct experience, vicarious experience, and guided experience. They also change their feelings and ways of thinking about groups and develop new awareness of themselves and others. (Author/SK)

Describes a Colorado school district's efforts to design and construct a compact, efficient, space-saving elementary school adapted to a wooded, aesthetically pleasing site. The project's complete cost, including interior furnishings and equipment, came to $52.60 per gross square foot, or $4,189 per student. The community is inordinately proud of…

Describes three popular environmental campaigns against deforestation in India. Discusses the folk dimension, mass mobilization, and geographic extent of the Chipko Movement; the movement against a government program to plant eucalyptus trees; and the movement to save villages in government-labeled "wastelands." (MDH)

Discusses the elements of success for a youth television program, "Eco-Vision," that inspires young people to take environmental action. (LZ)

Girls Incorporated suggests behavior changes that demonstrate how anyone can be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of girls and young women. Behaviors are suggested for the environments of family, school, community, workplace, and nation. (LZ)

Traces the struggle of southern Mexican communities to resist established outside exploitation and gain control of local rainforest resources. Discusses the role of local politics in resolving the conflict between economic development and conservation adherents and pursuing the goal of sustainable production. (SV)

Service learning provides early adolescents with a unique opportunity to integrate curriculum and school activities. Because integration emerges from various needs or commonalities, service learning can become a team or single-class project, a one-shot or ongoing effort, a schoolwide or community activity. Initiators should develop a vision,…

Suggests that geographers can serve their communities as Boy Scout merit badge counselors. Identifies several merit badge projects that are closely related to geography topics. Discusses projects involving (1) environmental science; (2) geology; (3) oceanography; (4) orienteering; (5) weather; (6) U.S. cultures; (7) community citizenship; and (8)…

Describes a personal experience in the effort to avoid widespread herbicide spraying. Provides insights for building a successful campaign: involvement, finding support, acceptance of differences of opinion, autonomy from political factions, and not assuming people are closed to healthier alternatives. (MCO)

The health problems caused by damp housing in Glasgow, Scotland, led to a grass-roots community action campaign that improved living conditions. A second step was preventive health measures and research into other causes of ill health in disadvantaged areas. (SK)

Explores the community involvement process through a telephone survey of 400 adult Iowans. Indicates that keeping up with local news and getting together with other people are necessary to the process. Concludes that some people become involved because of their specific ideas for change, whereas others hope good ideas will result from involvement.…