From the Editor's Desk
People Do Make a Difference
Credible leaders are needed to establish a vision for finding ways to support and sustain
families and the communities where they live. This issue of Family Futures examines
how to develop the natural leaders who live in every community.
By Gary B. Melton |
4 |
Family Life Today
Developing Leadership through Mutual Support
Mutual assistance groups are committed to equality, participation, and mutuality. These
values help to foster leadership skills among group members as they jointly seek to find
solutions to common problems.
By Catherine Ward and James McDonell |
7 |
Innovations on the Frontline
Introduction
Two programs, one located in rural New York and the other in an urban area of
Massachusetts, offer examples of how to develop community leadership. |
10 |
Master Teachers: Using Natural Leaders to Solve Neighborhood Problems
Communities can build a sustainable local support network for embattled families by
identifying and nurturing their “ leaders.”
By Margaret Slinski |
Cultivating a Family Friendly Environment in a Rural Community
Community Lifelines, a child abuse prevention program in New York, used community
development techniques to attack the systemic factors that contributed to the high rate of
child abuse in one rural county.
By Frank Barry |
Making it Happen
Professional or Paraprofessional Home Visitors? It Depends
Home visitation program directors must understand the difference between using
professionals or community workers as home visitors and how that decision may affect their
program’ goals and objectives.
By Barbara Wasik |
16 |
Lessons From Abroad
Youth Participation in the Mangaung Community
Youth in South Africa played a major role in the successfol anti-apartheid movement, but
at a great cost. Many young people sacrificed pursuing their own education and careers to
win independence for their people. One South African community is working to help its
youth reach their fullest potential and to develop their leadership skills.
By Sebastian J. Wessels, Felix Morobe, and Barbara J. Morrison-Rodriguez |
19 |
View from the Other Side
Introduction
This issue of Family Futures looks at two people who have become community leaders
after overcoming adverse experiences in their lives.
|
24 |
Parents Helping Other Parents: One Father’ Story
Through his 13-year association with Parents Anonymous, Freddie Gardner has learned how to
have control over his life, and has helped other parents to do the same. In the process,
he has developed leadership skills that have served him well in his role as national board
chairman of Parents Anonymous, Inc.
By Maureen Lee |
Parents Anonymous: A National Network to Support Families
Parents Anonymous brings help, support, strength, and hope to millions of families who
have experienced difficulties. By Teresa Rafael |
Organizing Communities: An Interview with Lois Gibbs
Lois Gibbs, a prominent environmental activist, explains how people can become empowered
politically by getting involved in the issues that affect their community.
By Vicky Newman |
