Describes data derived from a 1979 national evaluation of the Community Resource Development programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Extension Service. A reanalysis of the data results in a general model of community development. (NRJ)

Content analysis of journal articles revealed that most authors agree that community decisions should be informed, democratic, and just. Authors disagree, however, about whether community development practitioners should act as advocates. The author provides a guide for making ethical choices concerning advocacy. (Author/CH)

The centrality of the definition of need as the major determinant of both substance and strategy in the conduct of needs assessment in a community is highlighted. A definition of need is proposed as a working definition for needs assessment undertakings, and consequently as a foundation for social practice. (Author)

This paper describes a comprehensive, constituent-based evaluation approach that can yield useful information for policymakers, program planners, and administrators. The four stages are specification of constituent network; exploration of significant incentives; design of an incentive system; and assessment of the system. (JOW)

Describes a project that studied seven successful community development projects in order to find basic patterns in leadership, community organization, and action processes. Process patterns were found in several areas, and an awareness of these will be useful to community leaders and developers. (NRJ)

The author analyzes the challenges facing community development, contrasting the use of its rhetoric with actual practice. He considers the concept and methodology of community development, traces its roots, and explores its potential, particularly in this current period of social and economic crisis. (Author/SK)

Presents a philosophical and theoretical critique of community development's transformation into economic development. Introduces a successful rural revitalization process termed "community encouragement" and integrates a community's traditional values with progressive revitalization plans. (JOW)

Focuses on the issue of selecting the unit of analysis when employing secondary data in rural community studies and provides an empirical demonstration of the influence of selecting one unit of analysis over another. (JOW)

Draws on a wide range of theoretical and empirical literature and community-development experiences to investigate soulful practices within the field. Suggests that it is time to talk openly about soul in community development. (Author)

Groupware was used to survey rural development practitioners and policymakers about professional relationships, skills, and expertise. The software created an inventory of the social and knowledge capital of this community of interest but was not enough to sustain ongoing, active participation. (Contains 42 references.) (SK)

The authors discuss a consumer opinion survey that analyzes local service and retail business activity. The survey identifies where consumers shop and why. Findings provide community development practitioners with information to develop educational programs involving local business management. (Author/CH)

Presents a model developed from seven interrelated social factors to help diagnose various kinds of community conflicts. To verify the model and illustrate its utility, the standoff over the Berm Highway routing in Alton, Illinois, is analyzed. Findings suggest the importance of broadening the participants' definition of the situation through more…

Locally conceived and initiated development projects are more successful than those imposed externally, but outside intervention is sometimes necessary. The implementation of the Little Sioux watershed project illustrates strategies used to overcome potential negative effects on externally initiated programs. (JOW)

Relates three classical theories (structural functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism) to fundamental concerns of community development (structure, power, and shared meaning). Links these theories to Giddens' structuration theory, which connects macro and micro structures and community influence on change through cultural norms.…

Rural reflation is a term for a small-scale socioeconomic approach to building livable economics in both depressed rural communities and rapid growth areas. With public participation, informed leadership, and organizational entrepreneurship, leaders can help citizens develop their community's niche in the world economy. (Author)