School and community partnerships form the very core of the Mott Foundation, as seen in its founding principles and its varied Civil Society, Flint, and Poverty programs. Although community education has evolved over the years to address increasingly serious problems, the work of today's community organizers is deeply rooted in past theories: school buildings belong to the people, can be utilized 7 days a week to serve community needs, and can be at the forefront of partnership development; local leaders are responsible for developing an agenda to meet all citizens' needs; the entire community must be held accountable for this agenda; and people must be part of an educative society to become self-reliant. The new emphasis is on equal community/school involvement. Schools and communities are working together to solve tough problems, as demonstrated by Louisville, Kentucky's Cradle School program addressing parenting skills, child development, and school readiness. Experiences of the Rheedlen Centers for Children and Families and the Children's Aid Society in New York City schools illustrate inherent difficulties in initiating community-school partnerships. The two agencies have arrayed a host of activities and services in neighborhood schools to meet the needs of nearby residents. (MLH)