This dissertation in practice examines the absence of an advocacy framework for Black placemakers in southwest Springfield neighborhoods seeking to transform vacant spaces into vibrant pocket parks, green spaces, and community gardens. This critical community-based participatory research addresses inadequate public policies, resources, and…

The current study aims investigate the relationship between participants' neighbourhood perceptions and social capital and resident well-being using data from the Neighbourhood Renewal Project (NRP; n = 7855). Resident well-being was positively associated with the quality of the physical environment and safety of the neighbourhood, but negatively…

Five years after hurricane Katrina, the City of New Orleans is now implementing a far-reaching plan for the systemic renovation and rebuilding of community programmes and infrastructure. A total of USD 3 billion has now been allocated to public building projects. With the student population down to nearly half of pre-storm totals, a recently…

The student volunteer movement developed in the 60's in response to a growing concern throughout the country for social problems. Since 1963, the movement has grown from a small group of 5,000 students to an estimated 400,000 students working in over 2,000 programs in more than 80% of the colleges in the country. Most projects are concerned with…

Neighborhood service organizations such as Detroit's Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, Franklin Wright Settlements, and Warren/Conner Development Coalition have developed leadership and mobilized resources for collective action. Neighborhoods served by exceptional organizations contrast sharply with surrounding areas in decline. (SK)

A switchover by any government to a more integrated, community-based approach to rural development will inevitably require the recruitment, training, and effective "backstopping" of large numbers of front-line workers. (SSH)

The rediscovery of a role in extending social organization and bringing "order" to distressed neighborhoods has become an educational reform motif in the United States. A full-service school that links education and other support services can contribute to the social capital needed to improve children's learning. While it is a laudable…

This exit report chronicles the last 20 months of the 3-year demonstration phase of the New York City Volunteer Corps (CVC), whose members worked in teams at various sites to either provide human services or do physical work. These final months were characterized by the following factors: (1) a change in Corps leadership; (2) concern about…

Disengagement, the final phase in the community development process, receives little attention in the literature. Many community development practitioners make decisions regarding disengagement intuitively. This exploratory study of disengagement from community units was based on interviews with eleven University of Missouri Extension Community…

Xavier University of Louisiana decided "not to follow the traditional path" and brought about a rich and mutually fulfilling relationship with its community. (Editor)

Discusses a universal 2-year national service plan for all American youth, not unlike Federal revenue sharing. (Editor/IR))

Presented in this book are studies of social projects for economically disadvantaged inner-city youth engaged in neighborhood revitalizations in low-income communities around the country. Children and teens are highlighted as they participate in nonschool initiatives to achieve economic and political self-determination coupled with personal…

This report presents papers presented at a conference designed to provide insight into the specific ways in which community college personnel can collaborate with state and local planners to improve the quality of life in their communities. The introductory addresses presented in Session I discuss educational trends; among the trends discussed is…

The Mutual Aid Project (MAP) has developed a community organizing and planning approach which has focused its attention on the continuing role of older people within their neighborhoods. This approach has sought to strengthen not only the day-to-day arrangements for mutual aid and support, but also those actions which will assist groups in…

Workshop participants and staff members of the President's Committee on Mental Retardation are listed, and contributions of participants are presented for each day of the meeting. Discussions consider the Model Cities Program, the problems of the disadvantaged, mental retardation, environmental influences, community involvement, inclusion of the…