Community and Youth Development in Rural America and Ireland

The role of citizen participation in the rural and community development process needs to be better understood and better integrated into local development efforts. Such collective action is vital to protecting, retaining, and maintaining communities in the face of a wide range of threats. Beginning in 2003 a wide range of international comparative research was designed to explore the role of community action in contributing to local well-being in Ireland and America. Exploration of the conditions shaping civic engagement and action provided a basis for programming for community development practitioners to use in their efforts to enhance citizen participation. To date 12 communities in both nations have utilized the research and related program curriculum to improve local life.