Includes "The Czech Republic" (Paula Jindrova); "Working with Romanies and Others in Bulgaria" (Victor Djorgov); and "The Picture in Romania" (Florian Nizu). (SK)

Discusses whether the politics of individual practitioners actually influence the causes they adopt and therefore the outcomes; describes research that reinforces the argument that no such congruency exists; and argues that barriers to radical community work are such that its major impact is to strengthen pluralism while making minimal…

The application of adult education principles to community development is only possible under certain conditions relating to power relationships, institutional structures, community dynamics, and the role of the community organizer. (JOW)

Discusses factors affecting attitudes of community leaders and residents toward community change. Leaders' and residents' attitudes are compared. Presents strategies for more effective local action relevant to community development practitioners. (JOW)

A survey of all known Ohio maple syrup producers indicated that economic self-interest is an important factor explaining the levels of participation in the statewide association. Although maple syrup is an important source of income for many Amish, none was involved in the association. (JOW)

The use of felt needs in community development practice involves the process of identifying needs, ranking their importance, and building programs based on the ranking. Felt needs should be replaced by the concept "anticipatory needs," which identifies what needs to be done in order to move toward a specified future. (Author/JOW)

The authors discuss the contributions made by millions of older volunteers in the United States. They focus on the federal senior volunteer programs, (1) the retired senior volunteer program, (2) the foster grandparent program, and (3) the senior companion program. These model programs have been successfully replicated in other countries. (CH)

Beliefs and values evolve within communities through daily experience. Information gained from experience is translated into knowledge through the filter of beliefs and values. Community development facilitators should add their knowledge base to the community's to produce new knowledge and a synthesis of new cultural habits. (SK)

Empowerment for disadvantaged communities is complex; issues involved are defining community, conflicts of interest, equating populism with empowerment, and viewing it as zero-sum. Given these impediments and the nature of disadvantage, community development should conduct rational analyses of need, continue dialog with community interests, and…

From a study of community action in three British multiracial localities emerged several issues: (1) cooperation and competition in acquiring resources; (2) who is to represent the community; and (3) who has power to deliver or withhold support from community groups (gatekeeping). Community development practice implications include containing…

Existing definitions of the relationship between community participation and community development are flawed because they concentrate on the failings of community development without analyzing why successful programs succeed. Community development is actually a form of community participation, and its success is determined by the role of the…

Data from Oregon communities, 1949-1989, show dramatic changes in income between urban centers and rural communities at the periphery. Coping strategies for rural areas include cartels, self-sufficiency, community sustainability, harmonized interests with urban cores, and changing community identity. (Author/SK)

Argues that community development must be built upon the principles of lifelong learning and that Knowles's andragogical model of adult learning is applicable to that process. Suggests communities become self-directed and critically aware of external factors and dynamics. Considers the role of educators in that process. (DMM)

Includes "Understanding Multiculturalism" (Cisneros); "Basketmaking, Politics and Education: A Success Story from the Micmac Community" (McBride); and "Multiculturalism: A Native American Perspective" (St. Pierre). (SK)

Examines the alternative meaning of economic development in an urban context and attempts to link the literature on community development in North America to concepts about economic development in developing countries. Looks at five strategies of community-based economic development, emphasizing internationalization of development policy. (Author)