Asserts that, although research can be a powerful resource in guiding and fueling grass-roots social change, the community-based research enterprise often is contentious. Recommends collaborative research studies in which the researchers and practitioners work together from the project's inception. (CFR)

A non-government program trains local action-researchers from villages of Java, Indonesia, to work for grass-roots social change within their communities. Begun in 1977, the program trains local men and women to work with their neighbors to revitalize existing institutions and to gain control over the development programs and social services…

Examines a community psychology course that stresses community empowerment, the myth of neutrality and objectivity in community psychology, and democratic accountability to the community. The course includes a brief history of race, class, and gender oppression in South Africa and concludes with a unit on converting social theory into practice.…

Looks at the implications of various socioeconomic changes for community service practitioners, focusing on demographics and programming, fiscal restraint, public scrutiny and accountability, political activity, competition with the private sector, meeting tailor-made needs, leadership, and the skills needed by community service professionals.…

Suggests that public school education in the last 50 years has been altered most dramatically by the interstate highway system and no-fault divorce. Blames the highway system for destroying the sense of community and capacity for delayed gratification and challenge. Argues that no-fault divorce has resulted in loss of family values and…

Presents a concise overview of the summer youth recreation programs and facilities in Russia. Lack of funding represents a problem as does the decline of trade union support. Some private entrepreneurial camps have turned their facilities over to the government. Includes brief descriptions of types of programs and the number of youth served. (MJP)

This book is directed at the following audiences: adult educators and others who are either involved in or desire to become involved in community-based work; students of education, the social sciences, or related disciplines who desire information on community involvement as a career or means of fulfilling civic responsibilities, and persons in…

Presents a case study showing how Seattle, Washington, has transformed a freeway into an attractive addition to the city. Students are directed to study roadways in their communities and suggest ways of beautifying the less desirable ones. (Author/DB)

Asserts that social and economic changes have weakened the essential ideals of kibbutz education. Previously these ideals facilitated a prosocial orientation, emotional moderation, and a strong sense of belonging. Although modern changes may be incompatible with traditional kibbutz education, they serve the current generation's emotional needs.…

Explains how the ideals of the Jewish tradition, Socialist Zionism, and progressive education made education for work central in the kibbutz. Clarifies the role of education for work in the self-realization process of the kibbutz. Concludes with an examination of current attitudes towards this process and its effectiveness. (MJP)

This paper focuses on the pedagogical responsibilities of parents and schools, as well as the care provided by socializing agencies and local communities. A review of the literature has been carried out on the tasks of schools and parents and the relations between education, parenting and care in a changing society in eight countries: the…

This document, which is based on information gathered during a 1998 study of how study circle programs contribute to community problem solving, presents best practices for producing community-wide study circles. The best practices are illustrated through stories that are grouped into five sections on the following themes: (1) creating a…

Analyzes kibbutz adolescents' behavior at four biographical stages: voluntary community service, military service, leave of absence from the kibbutz, and higher education. Determines a distinct association between the socializing agents in the kibbutz and the development of democratic values. (MJP)

These lesson plans are designed to help fifth- through eighth-grade students learn about recycling, and to help them understand that recycling is one important environmental action citizens can take. The lesson plans are composed of objectives, homework assignments, main activities, and enrichment activities. (DB)

Designed for inclusion in an eighth grade course on U.S. history or civics, this unit introduces local students to the history of Alexandria (Virginia) through a study of its buildings and urban growth. By examining factors which have changed the community (technology, transportation, economic influences) as well as the relationship between…