Community-based participatory research has a long-term commitment to principles of equity and justice with decades of research showcasing the added value of power-sharing and participatory involvement of community members for achieving health, community capacity, policy, and social justice outcomes. Missing, however, has been a clear articulation…

For people living in rural communities, opportunities to meet STEM professionals and visit the science centers, museums, zoos, and aquariums usually found in urban areas are often limited because of geographical isolation, socioeconomic disadvantage, and in many cases, language barriers. To address this issue, two University of Washington (UW)…

Lack of adequate access to capital is a major barrier for rural entrepreneurs. Washington State University Extension and the Association of Washington Cities partnered to explore and test an innovative local investment approach that provides access to capital and engages the community in the success of individual businesses. The approach offers…

This report examines the perceptions of rural Washington community leaders concerning community information needs and the role of communication technology. In-depth interviews were conducted with 34 leaders in 5 selected rural eastern Washington communities that had access to telecommunications education and information systems, and with 15…

A guide for community leaders, extension staff, and community or rural development practitioners outlines the evolution of a regional training model for community-based problem solving in rural areas experiencing economic decline. The paper discusses the model's underlying concepts and implementation process and includes descriptions of four…

The characteristics and interactions of Bushler Bay (rural Washington) locals and public employees are examined in terms of the concepts of universalism and particularism. Models of social organization held by these populations are also examined, and the role of scientific analysis in the conflicts characterizing their interaction is discussed.…

Describes rural revitalization efforts for small towns in central Washington. Planning analysis by Eastern Washington University faculty and students emphasizes community participation. Details revitalization of the town of Wilbur from planning stages to final outcomes. Describes overall project results. (KS)

The Hartsville, Tennessee nuclear reactor site, the coal plant at Wheatland, Wyoming, and the nuclear plant at Skagit, Washington have mitigation plans developed in response to a federal, state, and local regulatory agency, respectively; the three mitigation plans aim at internalizing community-level social costs and benefits during the…

Designed to help local government officials, agency personnel, and members of citizen groups involved in the planning process for a rapidly growing community, this introduction to community needs assessment provides background information on the reasons for conducting community needs assessment, guidelines for determining which techniques are most…

Covering 1978-1979, the third annual report of the Partnership for Rural Improvement (PRI) highlights the progress made toward major program objectives and points out certain weaknesses in the model. Section I discusses program rationale, program design, and evaluation research design. Section II summarizes a selection of the major achievements…

Public officials in all towns and cities--especially those in smaller communities that participate less frequently in the bond market-- need information to assist them in answering questions concerning bond financing. One in a series developed by the Western Rural Development Center, this booklet introduces three general approaches to financing…

A case study of residents in a small rural Washington community identified basic differences between long-term residents and new migrants: (1) perception of community leader characteristics; (2) support of growth versus maintenance of status quo; and (3) educational attainment. Demographically, the groups were more similar than different; the…

Discusses the problems and impact of national trends on small towns and how small towns in eastern Washington have adapted to social and economic change. Illustrates how small towns try to address contemporary concerns such as computerization, the environment, and the expanding needs of their communities while continuing to hold on to their…

To describe how Partnership for Rural Improvement (PRI) field program associates perceive themselves performing their role functions, three associates and two assistants responded to questions about: their tasks, responsibilities, and roles; how they got started; what skills they needed; and what materials or technical assistance could benefit…

Describes how a small rural town in Washington complied with state legislation mandating community planning to address population growth and environmental degradation. The city planner, with the help of graduate students, involved citizens in deciding land use issues by holding open forums, developing a focus group, educating high school students…