The author argues that the appropriate type of citizen participation in an extension community development program depends on the goal for the program: creating community improvements or public policy education at the local level. He discusses the conflicting community-planning requirements between the two and stresses the need for extension…

A survey of 26 human service agencies in an empowerment zone found the following: 73% used interns, few from social work; 57% used empowerment in mission statements (more economic than social agencies); 69% of these wanted community practice interns; and higher-budget agencies were better able to negotiate the empowerment zone system. (Contains 20…

Relationship between neighborhood characteristics and community development corporations (CDCs) was examined in Jackson, Mississippi. CDCs were more likely to be in neighborhoods with significant numbers of disenfranchised groups and disinvestment in the built environment. They act as subcontractors, which limits their power and mirrors structural…

Cluster communities, voluntary alliances between communities to address common problems, can be facilitated by government financial support; state policies, laws, and regulations permitting collaboration; and educational programs. Education should focus on reconceptualizing "community" and fostering regional belonging. (SK)

An action learning project for neighborhood regeneration in Coventry, England, showed that differences of power and viewpoint were inevitable and essential. More open networks enabling communication among community groups were needed. Funding for community networking needed to go beyond short-term projects supported by the current policy agenda.…

In the last decade, community development in Ireland has emphasized social and economic inclusion, regeneration, and civic participation. Continuing challenges include designation of diverse community representatives, demand for increased administrative efficiency, and management of mandates and accountability. There are more community development…

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

The Belgian government funds one central community development institute and eight regional institutes. Challenges include an increasingly multicultural society, emphasis on the integration of ethnic-cultural minorities, and decentralized decision making. A broader social role for community development is being recognized. (SK)

Asserts that recent riots in British cities are indicators of the failure of Western community development to engage ethnic minority communities. Questions the effectiveness of efforts based on inadequate understanding of communities and cultures. Suggests that rioting may be a means of seeking decision-making voice among disempowered communities.…

Some of the clinical, social, and administrative issues raised by the Department of Health and Social Security's (DHSS) policy for developing a community psychiatric service are discussed. Questions and answers about policy implementation are also covered, as well as evaluative research findings that bear upon relevant aspects of community…

The Single European Market will have serious effects on employment, production, and consumption in the United Kingdom. Of particular concern to voluntary and community organizations are the skills, gender, and racial gaps in the labor force. Organizations must develop the capacity to think and work within a European framework. (SK)

The social inclusion emphasis of recent British policy has renewed community development efforts for capacity building and civic participation. Funding remains precarious and the independence of the community development sector be continuously asserted. (Contains 26 references.) (SK)

Interviews with 55 British and 40 Australian community development practitioners identified common phases experienced under New Right governments: retreat/isolation, adaptation/defense, and rebuilding. Britain's experiences suggest that community development practice is resilient, but reliance on government funding may restrain activism. (Contains…

Questions the optimistic view of community participation in low income housing policy and projects. Claims that participation is often absent or present in such a fashion that it is useless. Provides case studies of projects in Karachi, Madras, and Tunis. (JOW)

A case study of the evaluation of urban policy in Northern Ireland showed how two forms of policy evaluation--instrumental, which is concerned with performance measures and efficiency, and interpretive, which is concerned with power relationships--can be reconciled using community audits and participatory action research. (SK)