Evaluation research is currently facing a crisis. At the same time that federal and other funding sources are placing increasing emphasis on evaluating on-going programs, action personnel are becoming more and more skeptical about the value of such research. Evidence of this skepticism can be found at any gathering of evaluators. Certainly,…

The document reports on the activities of the home economics component of the community action program of McDowell County as falling within socialization and training emphasis and consisting of services to promote an eventual attainment of independence. The stated basis is assistance in the integration of the members of the target population into…

Examines the basic principles of economic development and provides a case study of the Communitywide Work Force Development Project, which was designed to involve the community in solving the economic development and work force problems of Terre Haute, Indiana. (DMM)

Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, causing more than 400,000 deaths each year and resulting in an annual cost of more than $50 billion in direct medical costs. This paper provides tips and resources to help communities undertake the necessary steps to reduce tobacco use. It includes a list of national…

Attempts to clarify empowerment as used in black communities in the United Kingdom, using Liverpool as a case study. Illustrates the ambiguity of the concept and the incomplete success of empowerment initiatives for community development and improvement. (SK)

Comparison of community business development in two neighborhoods in Liverpool, England, resulted in the following implications for economic development strategy: (1) social entrepreneurs do not access the same infrastructure as business entrepreneurs; (2) community businesses differ from private enterprise; (3) displacement effects must be…

A framework for community action leadership development has four components: (1) holistic philosophy of community, vision, learning, and action; (2) action-based values (visioning, leading, learning, building community, developing energy, acting, communicating); (3) the role of leaders in promoting community action; and (4) method and content. (SK)

Suggests that Americans often overlook the importance of historic preservation because of prevailing ideas of progress that devalue the past and a nouveau riche mentality embarrassed by the past. Points out the irreplaceable value of local landmarks that tie a community to its past. Describes instances where ordinary people pooled their resources…

Analysis of data on 112 MADD chapters suggests that failure of small activist organizations is related to inability of chapter leaders to adapt programs to their community and engage in cooperative community actions. Failure was related positively to county population and negatively to percent college educated. Contains 44 references. (SV)

Greater transparency improves the understanding and interpretation of qualifications and competences. This article asks whether transparency of qualifications has become a reality in Europe. It begins by outlining the three main strategies that were adopted at Community level between 1957 and 1999 to address the problem of transferring…