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)

This paper investigates the process of how actions of community groups are initiated and carried out. It also identifies key characteristics of participation in community action projects. Social actions in two communities in North Carolina are studied from a 10-year period. (Author/CT)

Whole-community organizing is a new approach to community change that is supported by theories of social relations and interaction. It uses an asset-based approach to community development. Empirical studies have identified ways to mobilize community assets and build community from inside out. (Contains 58 references.) (SK)

A literature review identified three perspectives on empowerment: self-efficacy derived from individual action and psychology; mutual empowerment through interpersonal relationships; and social empowerment, the removal of social, economic, and legal obstacles to individual influence. However, many community leadership education programs fall short…

Applies optimistic and pessimistic models of government/community partnerships to the situation of Muintir na Tire, the Irish community movement. Recommends an activist model that focuses on the ability of community interests to assert collective agency and negotiate more advantageous partnerships. (Contains 28 references.) (SK)

This case study of one city's efforts to cope with homelessness centers around a conceptual model of consensus as a continuous process the nature of which is determined by the methods used to achieve consensus; the importance of maintaining consensus to the participants; the baseline consensus as interaction begins; and the political and public…

Community development practitioners in rural areas need to develop strategies for coping with rural dependence on core organizations such as multinational corporations and national governments. Rural communities should discuss issues, join forces with other communities, interact with core actors, and find ways to be more self-reliant. (SK)

A top-down approach to British community development is rooted in Victorian paternalism, a bottom-up approach in radical action. The case of ACHIEVE (Academic Centre for Health Improvement and Evidence of Effectiveness) shows how the current government's top-down approach is inadequate and potentially exploitive. It emphasizes development and…

Uses an interactionist perspective to show community's influence in the well-being of people. Develops thesis that sustenance adequacy and community are social conditions encouraging emergence of the self-actualization motive. Presents hypotheses concerning contributions of various community types to social well-being and suggests community…

Presents a case study of participatory evaluation which suggests an evaluation method which not only provides meaningful data for decision makers but also provides important feedback to the community. Shows the steps leading to self-evaluation workshops and reviews the evaluation methods that were utilized. (Author/CT)