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• 1. [Article] Community college leaders : building community connections

  The study established how community college leaders establish connections with other community leaders. Connections that form broad and inclusive networks can be used to develop positive social capital ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Community college leaders : building community connections Author: York, Penny The study established how community college leaders establish connections with other community leaders. Connections that form broad and inclusive networks can be used to develop positive social capital in communities. Results showed that new community college leaders follow a pattern of community engagement including the identification of other leaders, making contacts, and extending relationships through community and personal activities. No particular set of personality characteristics is required for the development of community connections. Methods of developing community connections vary depending upon leader, college, and community characteristics. The development of connections is expedited by frequent attendance at events, membership in organizations, and the assistance of college staff. The development of community connections is based on sets of skills that can be learned. Skills learned in the development of community connections can be adapted and transferred from one setting to another. Community college leaders tend to define the results of their community connections by college outcomes rather than by community impact. Community college leaders tend not to have broad and inclusive networks that include informal and social service community leaders. New community college leaders and their staffs can use the results of this study to better prepare for the establishment and maintenance of leadership networks that build community. Title: Community college leaders : building community connections Author: York, Penny The study established how community college leaders establish connections with other community leaders. Connections that form broad and inclusive networks can be used to develop positive social capital in communities. Results showed that new community college leaders follow a pattern of community engagement including the identification of other leaders, making contacts, and extending relationships through community and personal activities. No particular set of personality characteristics is required for the development of community connections. Methods of developing community connections vary depending upon leader, college, and community characteristics. The development of connections is expedited by frequent attendance at events, membership in organizations, and the assistance of college staff. The development of community connections is based on sets of skills that can be learned. Skills learned in the development of community connections can be adapted and transferred from one setting to another. Community college leaders tend to define the results of their community connections by college outcomes rather than by community impact. Community college leaders tend not to have broad and inclusive networks that include informal and social service community leaders. New community college leaders and their staffs can use the results of this study to better prepare for the establishment and maintenance of leadership networks that build community. Close

• 2. [Article] Community leaders' perspectives of a rural community college's impact on community development

  The purpose of this qualitative research study was to examine the role a rural community college plays in the development of its community, using a holistic, community-based lens that considered college ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Community leaders' perspectives of a rural community college's impact on community development Author: Thomas, Reine M. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to examine the role a rural community college plays in the development of its community, using a holistic, community-based lens that considered college and community context, interactions and results to answer the question: How does the rural community college impact the development of the rural community? While the community college's connection to the local community is largely inherent, a full understanding of community college-community interaction and the impact of those interactions on the community as a whole is often difficult to articulate. Given the context of today's education accountability requirements, it is advantageous to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the community college with regard to community impact and public benefit -- for community college practitioners, the public, and state and local policy-makers. A social constructivist research perspective, a case study research strategy, and a single case design were employed in this study. The case for this study was a rural Northwest community and the community college within it. The community college was classified as a small, rural-serving college by the Carnegie Classification of Colleges and Universities. A logic model design guided the study. Study participants included: elected officials; business and industry executives; and health, education and human services leaders. A combination of document review, participant observation, and interviews was used to answer the research questions: (a) What is the context of this community and this community college? (b) In what ways do the college and the community interact and engage? (c) What are the results of the college-community engagement? Examination of the data revealed several major themes and five significant findings: 1. The community defines itself through a regional, rural lens and is characterized by an interconnectedness of its people to the land and to the history of the region. 2. The college and the community invest in reciprocal relationships and collaborate on mutually beneficial pursuits. 3. An improved regional economy and skilled-up workforce are identified as positive community changes – and the community college’s contributions to those positive changes are cited as a public benefit. 4. A community leadership network with increased confidence in collaboration, understanding of community assets, and efficacy in community development is recognized as a positive community change -- and the community college's contributions to those positive changes are cited as a public benefit. 5. An enhanced community image and an optimistic community outlook are identified as positive community changes -- and the community college’s contributions to those positive changes are cited as a public benefit. When these findings are taken into account with the related literature, this study offers considerations for practice and further research among community college, civic, and policy leaders.   Title: Community leaders' perspectives of a rural community college's impact on community development Author: Thomas, Reine M. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to examine the role a rural community college plays in the development of its community, using a holistic, community-based lens that considered college and community context, interactions and results to answer the question: How does the rural community college impact the development of the rural community? While the community college's connection to the local community is largely inherent, a full understanding of community college-community interaction and the impact of those interactions on the community as a whole is often difficult to articulate. Given the context of today's education accountability requirements, it is advantageous to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the community college with regard to community impact and public benefit -- for community college practitioners, the public, and state and local policy-makers. A social constructivist research perspective, a case study research strategy, and a single case design were employed in this study. The case for this study was a rural Northwest community and the community college within it. The community college was classified as a small, rural-serving college by the Carnegie Classification of Colleges and Universities. A logic model design guided the study. Study participants included: elected officials; business and industry executives; and health, education and human services leaders. A combination of document review, participant observation, and interviews was used to answer the research questions: (a) What is the context of this community and this community college? (b) In what ways do the college and the community interact and engage? (c) What are the results of the college-community engagement? Examination of the data revealed several major themes and five significant findings: 1. The community defines itself through a regional, rural lens and is characterized by an interconnectedness of its people to the land and to the history of the region. 2. The college and the community invest in reciprocal relationships and collaborate on mutually beneficial pursuits. 3. An improved regional economy and skilled-up workforce are identified as positive community changes – and the community college’s contributions to those positive changes are cited as a public benefit. 4. A community leadership network with increased confidence in collaboration, understanding of community assets, and efficacy in community development is recognized as a positive community change -- and the community college's contributions to those positive changes are cited as a public benefit. 5. An enhanced community image and an optimistic community outlook are identified as positive community changes -- and the community college’s contributions to those positive changes are cited as a public benefit. When these findings are taken into account with the related literature, this study offers considerations for practice and further research among community college, civic, and policy leaders.   Close

• 3. [Article] Coordination and cooperation between community colleges and community schools in selected community college districts

  The most important purposes of this study were to: (1) determine the extent of cooperation and coordination that currently exists in selected community colleges which have community school programs in ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Coordination and cooperation between community colleges and community schools in selected community college districts Author: Weiss, Marvin Wesley The most important purposes of this study were to: (1) determine the extent of cooperation and coordination that currently exists in selected community colleges which have community school programs in their college districts, and (2) clarify the multi-roles of community schools and of community education in community colleges. Other purposes of the study were to: (1) examine the present educational philosophy regarding community schools and community colleges, (2) determine if duplication of programs exists, and (3) encourage educational administrators to develop a realistic plan for cooperation and coordination between community schools and community colleges. Procedures A. questionnaire with 46 items was developed to obtain opinions from educational administrators regarding organization, administration, finance, instruction and the level of cooperation between community schools and community colleges. The questionnaire was sent to community school directors or coordinators and community college administrators who supervised adult, community or continuing education. Five states were selected for this study--Oregon, Washington, California, Michigan and Florida. Each community college selected had at Least one community school program operating in the college district. Seventy respondents (35 community college and 35 community school administrators) participated in the study by reacting to the 46 items which were assigned values of one to five on a Likerttype scale with one being strong disagreement and five being strong agreement. All items on the returned questionnaire were analyzed by utilizing the analysis of variance technique. Selected Findings Selected findings were: 1. Fifteen items (32. 6%) showed significant differences among mean score responses for community college and community school personnel. 2. Except for three items, no differences existed between mean score responses among states. 3. Except for four items, no interaction effect differences existed in mean responses between college/schooLs and states. 4. The greatest number of rejected items (71. 4%) were found in the section on instruction. 5. The finance section had 66% of its items rejected. 6. There were no significant differences in the responses on all items in the general question section. 7. Of the 35 community schools surveyed, the length of time these schools were in operation varied from one to seven years. Thirteen of the schools were in operation just one year. 8. The greatest number of community schools in one college district was 25. Conclusions and Recommendations The following selected conclusions were based on a review of literature, the questionnaire and results of statistical analysis. They are: 1. There is an urgent need for cooperation and coordination between community colleges and community schools in college districts. 2. State laws do not prevent the community colleges and community schools from cooperating in the five states surveyed in this study. 3. State certification and qualifications of instructors in community colleges and community schools were issues which did not prevent cooperation and coordination between those two institutions. 4. Considerable disagreement exists between community colleges and community schools with regard to whether or not the community college should pay part of the community school director's salary. 5. Competition for tax dollars by community colleges and community schools is not the reason for the lack of cooperation between these institutions in the five states surveyed. 6. Community college and community school personnel must come to an agreement regarding who should be responsible for coordinating community education in a community college district. 7. Much disagreement was found between community schools and community colleges in the areas of instruction and finance. 8. A need exists for a "model" for cooperation and coordination between community schools and community colleges. The following recommendations are made: 1. Have the community college develop a training program for community school para-professionals, directors/ coordinators and other related personnel. 2. Develop formal guidelines for cooperation and coordination between community schools and community colleges. 3. Further delineate the role and function of the multiplicity of agencies providing community education in a community college district. 4. Develop a "model" for cooperation and coordination between community schools and community colleges. Title: Coordination and cooperation between community colleges and community schools in selected community college districts Author: Weiss, Marvin Wesley The most important purposes of this study were to: (1) determine the extent of cooperation and coordination that currently exists in selected community colleges which have community school programs in their college districts, and (2) clarify the multi-roles of community schools and of community education in community colleges. Other purposes of the study were to: (1) examine the present educational philosophy regarding community schools and community colleges, (2) determine if duplication of programs exists, and (3) encourage educational administrators to develop a realistic plan for cooperation and coordination between community schools and community colleges. Procedures A. questionnaire with 46 items was developed to obtain opinions from educational administrators regarding organization, administration, finance, instruction and the level of cooperation between community schools and community colleges. The questionnaire was sent to community school directors or coordinators and community college administrators who supervised adult, community or continuing education. Five states were selected for this study--Oregon, Washington, California, Michigan and Florida. Each community college selected had at Least one community school program operating in the college district. Seventy respondents (35 community college and 35 community school administrators) participated in the study by reacting to the 46 items which were assigned values of one to five on a Likerttype scale with one being strong disagreement and five being strong agreement. All items on the returned questionnaire were analyzed by utilizing the analysis of variance technique. Selected Findings Selected findings were: 1. Fifteen items (32. 6%) showed significant differences among mean score responses for community college and community school personnel. 2. Except for three items, no differences existed between mean score responses among states. 3. Except for four items, no interaction effect differences existed in mean responses between college/schooLs and states. 4. The greatest number of rejected items (71. 4%) were found in the section on instruction. 5. The finance section had 66% of its items rejected. 6. There were no significant differences in the responses on all items in the general question section. 7. Of the 35 community schools surveyed, the length of time these schools were in operation varied from one to seven years. Thirteen of the schools were in operation just one year. 8. The greatest number of community schools in one college district was 25. Conclusions and Recommendations The following selected conclusions were based on a review of literature, the questionnaire and results of statistical analysis. They are: 1. There is an urgent need for cooperation and coordination between community colleges and community schools in college districts. 2. State laws do not prevent the community colleges and community schools from cooperating in the five states surveyed in this study. 3. State certification and qualifications of instructors in community colleges and community schools were issues which did not prevent cooperation and coordination between those two institutions. 4. Considerable disagreement exists between community colleges and community schools with regard to whether or not the community college should pay part of the community school director's salary. 5. Competition for tax dollars by community colleges and community schools is not the reason for the lack of cooperation between these institutions in the five states surveyed. 6. Community college and community school personnel must come to an agreement regarding who should be responsible for coordinating community education in a community college district. 7. Much disagreement was found between community schools and community colleges in the areas of instruction and finance. 8. A need exists for a "model" for cooperation and coordination between community schools and community colleges. The following recommendations are made: 1. Have the community college develop a training program for community school para-professionals, directors/ coordinators and other related personnel. 2. Develop formal guidelines for cooperation and coordination between community schools and community colleges. 3. Further delineate the role and function of the multiplicity of agencies providing community education in a community college district. 4. Develop a "model" for cooperation and coordination between community schools and community colleges. Close

• 4. [Article] The wonderful missions of the community college: a hermeneutic analysis of the first hundred years of the colleges’ community engagement

  The community college, now over 100 years old, began with the singular mission of preparing students for transfer to the university. Throughout the 20th century, the community college has expanded its ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The wonderful missions of the community college: a hermeneutic analysis of the first hundred years of the colleges’ community engagement Author: Nadolny, Raymond A. The community college, now over 100 years old, began with the singular mission of preparing students for transfer to the university. Throughout the 20th century, the community college has expanded its missions to serve increasingly complex and comprehensive community needs. Through a textual analysis of community engagement within seven seminal texts on the community college written at different times during the past century, the study reexamined the evolution of community college mission. The result was an increased appreciation of the community college as a unique social institution that contributed to the development of democracy in America through a history of community engagement, commitment to access, and multiple missions. Title: The wonderful missions of the community college: a hermeneutic analysis of the first hundred years of the colleges’ community engagement Author: Nadolny, Raymond A. The community college, now over 100 years old, began with the singular mission of preparing students for transfer to the university. Throughout the 20th century, the community college has expanded its missions to serve increasingly complex and comprehensive community needs. Through a textual analysis of community engagement within seven seminal texts on the community college written at different times during the past century, the study reexamined the evolution of community college mission. The result was an increased appreciation of the community college as a unique social institution that contributed to the development of democracy in America through a history of community engagement, commitment to access, and multiple missions. Close

• 5. [Article] Community-Based Participatory Research: Defining Community Stakeholders

  Community-based participatory research requires the participation of community stakeholders to inform the process. The West Side Community Asthma Project, a community-based participatory research program ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Community-Based Participatory Research: Defining Community Stakeholders Author: Tumiel-Berhalter, Laurene M., Watkins, Robert, Crespo, Carlos J. Year: 2005 Community-based participatory research requires the participation of community stakeholders to inform the process. The West Side Community Asthma Project, a community-based participatory research program to study the effects of the environment on asthma conducted in Buffalo, N. Y, identified a stakeholders group of community leaders and activists. Creative strategies have been implemented to reach out to other community residents to invite them to participate in the participatory process. Title: Community-Based Participatory Research: Defining Community Stakeholders Author: Tumiel-Berhalter, Laurene M., Watkins, Robert, Crespo, Carlos J. Year: 2005 Community-based participatory research requires the participation of community stakeholders to inform the process. The West Side Community Asthma Project, a community-based participatory research program to study the effects of the environment on asthma conducted in Buffalo, N. Y, identified a stakeholders group of community leaders and activists. Creative strategies have been implemented to reach out to other community residents to invite them to participate in the participatory process. Close

• 6. [Article] The Influence of Sense of Community on the Relationship Between Community Participation and Recovery for Individuals with Serious Mental Illnesses

  The Community Mental Health Act of 1963 launched the deinstitutionalization movement, whereby individuals with serious mental illnesses were released from psychiatric hospitals and began living and receiving ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Influence of Sense of Community on the Relationship Between Community Participation and Recovery for Individuals with Serious Mental Illnesses Author: Terry, Rachel Elizabeth Year: 2017 The Community Mental Health Act of 1963 launched the deinstitutionalization movement, whereby individuals with serious mental illnesses were released from psychiatric hospitals and began living and receiving mental health care in the community (Carling, 1995). However, these actions have not necessarily integrated those individuals into all aspects of community life (Dewees, Pulice, & McCormick, 1996). This is unfortunate because people with serious mental illnesses frequently report that community integration is not only important to them, but that it also aids in reducing symptoms and promoting recovery (Townley, 2015). Although past research suggests that receiving mental health care in the community has a positive impact on symptom management, the influence of other community factors (e.g., sense of community, community participation) has yet to be fully explored (Segal, Silverman, & Temkin, 2010). Furthermore, there is lack of understanding as to how these community factors influence other aspects of recovery, such as mental and physical health. As such, the goal of the current study is to better understand the association between community participation and recovery by investigating sense of community as a potential mediating factor between community participation, psychological distress, mental health, and physical health. Data were collected from 300 adults with serious mental illnesses utilizing community mental health services in the United States. Results indicated that sense of community partially mediated the association between community participation and mental health, as well as psychological distress, and fully mediated the association between community participation and physical health. Implications include contributing to the current knowledge base about the role of community factors in recovery and informing future interventions aimed at promoting community integration of adults with serious mental illnesses. Title: The Influence of Sense of Community on the Relationship Between Community Participation and Recovery for Individuals with Serious Mental Illnesses Author: Terry, Rachel Elizabeth Year: 2017 The Community Mental Health Act of 1963 launched the deinstitutionalization movement, whereby individuals with serious mental illnesses were released from psychiatric hospitals and began living and receiving mental health care in the community (Carling, 1995). However, these actions have not necessarily integrated those individuals into all aspects of community life (Dewees, Pulice, & McCormick, 1996). This is unfortunate because people with serious mental illnesses frequently report that community integration is not only important to them, but that it also aids in reducing symptoms and promoting recovery (Townley, 2015). Although past research suggests that receiving mental health care in the community has a positive impact on symptom management, the influence of other community factors (e.g., sense of community, community participation) has yet to be fully explored (Segal, Silverman, & Temkin, 2010). Furthermore, there is lack of understanding as to how these community factors influence other aspects of recovery, such as mental and physical health. As such, the goal of the current study is to better understand the association between community participation and recovery by investigating sense of community as a potential mediating factor between community participation, psychological distress, mental health, and physical health. Data were collected from 300 adults with serious mental illnesses utilizing community mental health services in the United States. Results indicated that sense of community partially mediated the association between community participation and mental health, as well as psychological distress, and fully mediated the association between community participation and physical health. Implications include contributing to the current knowledge base about the role of community factors in recovery and informing future interventions aimed at promoting community integration of adults with serious mental illnesses. Close

• 7. [Article] Exploring Community Resources and Readiness in Relation to Childhood Obesity Prevention in Rural Western America

  Childhood obesity is a nationwide concern of which rural, urban, and suburban communities must be aware in order to take action. The goal for the research project, GROW Healthy Kids and Communities (GROW ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Exploring Community Resources and Readiness in Relation to Childhood Obesity Prevention in Rural Western America Author: John, Deborah, Kunkle, Deanna Childhood obesity is a nationwide concern of which rural, urban, and suburban communities must be aware in order to take action. The goal for the research project, GROW Healthy Kids and Communities (GROW HKC), is to prevent childhood obesity in rural communities through the use of participatory action research and the HEAL MAPPS™ tool. The HEAL MAPPS™ tool allows community members to examine experiences they’ve had in terms of supports and barriers to eating healthy and being physically active within their own communities. This provides a resident-informed profile for their specific rural environment. The result is a community report that evaluates and scores each community based on six dimensions of community readiness to approach the issue of weight healthy environments for childhood obesity prevention: Available Resources, Community Efforts, Knowledge of the Efforts, Knowledge of the Issue, Community Climate, and Leadership. GROW HKC focuses on rural communities due to the likelihood of those communities being under-resourced. Rural communities face unique challenges that more urban communities do not face. Preston, a rural community in Idaho, is no exception and is lacking basic resources that would make physical activity and healthy eating more accessible to community members, such as sidewalks and healthy food retailers. Preston, ID community members do recognize where efforts have been made to provide resources for eating healthy or being physically active in their community but see a need for improvement. Once community readiness is determined evidence-based strategies are used to promote healthy eating and increased physical activities resulting in lower body mass indexes for rural children. Title: Exploring Community Resources and Readiness in Relation to Childhood Obesity Prevention in Rural Western America Author: John, Deborah, Kunkle, Deanna Childhood obesity is a nationwide concern of which rural, urban, and suburban communities must be aware in order to take action. The goal for the research project, GROW Healthy Kids and Communities (GROW HKC), is to prevent childhood obesity in rural communities through the use of participatory action research and the HEAL MAPPS™ tool. The HEAL MAPPS™ tool allows community members to examine experiences they’ve had in terms of supports and barriers to eating healthy and being physically active within their own communities. This provides a resident-informed profile for their specific rural environment. The result is a community report that evaluates and scores each community based on six dimensions of community readiness to approach the issue of weight healthy environments for childhood obesity prevention: Available Resources, Community Efforts, Knowledge of the Efforts, Knowledge of the Issue, Community Climate, and Leadership. GROW HKC focuses on rural communities due to the likelihood of those communities being under-resourced. Rural communities face unique challenges that more urban communities do not face. Preston, a rural community in Idaho, is no exception and is lacking basic resources that would make physical activity and healthy eating more accessible to community members, such as sidewalks and healthy food retailers. Preston, ID community members do recognize where efforts have been made to provide resources for eating healthy or being physically active in their community but see a need for improvement. Once community readiness is determined evidence-based strategies are used to promote healthy eating and increased physical activities resulting in lower body mass indexes for rural children. Close

• 8. [Article] Involvement in the Online Autistic Community, Identity, Community, and Well-Being

  The values of the disability rights movement and community psychology promote research that focuses on improving the lives of individuals with disabilities (Dowrick & Keys, 2001). Using the Internet for ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Involvement in the Online Autistic Community, Identity, Community, and Well-Being Author: Kidney, Colleen Anne Year: 2012 The values of the disability rights movement and community psychology promote research that focuses on improving the lives of individuals with disabilities (Dowrick & Keys, 2001). Using the Internet for social interactions has been shown to contribute to an individual's identity development, sense of community, and well-being (Obst, Zinkiewicz, & Smith, 2002a; Turkle, 1995). While challenges in typical social interactions have traditionally been considered a defining feature of autism spectrum disorder, autistic individuals have taken advantage of the Internet to develop social interactions (Blume, 1997a). The present study focused on the online Autistic community and how the importance and value of involvement in it is related to Autistic identity, sense of community, and psychological well-being. The Academic Autistic Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education (AASPIRE) partnered with the Gernsbacher Lab to form the Gateway Project. Using the Gateway Project, AASPIRE conducted the Internet Use, Community, and Well-Being Study and collected data from 72 autistic adults online. It was hypothesized that the importance and value of involvement in the online Autistic community would be positively related to Autistic identity and sense of community, Autistic identity and sense of community would be positively related, and Autistic identity and sense of community would be positively related to psychological well-being. It was also hypothesized that the positive relationship between the importance and value of involvement in the online Autistic community and psychological well-being would be mediated by Autistic identity and sense of community. Correlations were examined among the hypothesized relationships, and a mediated regression model (Baron & Kenny, 1986) was used to explore the relationship between the importance and value of involvement in the online Autistic community and psychological well-being with Autistic identity and sense of community as mediators. Significant relationships were found between the importance and value of involvement in the online Autistic community and Autistic identity, between the importance and value of involvement in the online Autistic community and sense of community, and between autistic identity and sense of community. As a first step to test the mediated regression models, psychological well-being was regressed on the importance and value of involvement in the online Autistic community. The regression was not significant; therefore the hypothesized model was not significant. Despite non-significant mediated regression model results, significant relationships among the importance and value of involvement in the online Autistic community and Autistic identity and sense of community offer important results. These finding illuminate the potential positive impact of the importance and value of involvement in the online Autistic community, including evidence counter to the myth that autistic individuals lack skills necessary for social relationships. These findings support the positive utility of involvement in the online Autistic community for autistic adults. Further research with a larger sample size is recommended, due to low power coefficients in the analyses. Additional research may also further illuminate the findings of the current study. Possible topics may include sense of community and Autistic identity in individuals that do not use the Internet, differences in the way the Internet is used in autistic individuals, and different measures of involvement in the online Autistic community and well-being. Title: Involvement in the Online Autistic Community, Identity, Community, and Well-Being Author: Kidney, Colleen Anne Year: 2012 The values of the disability rights movement and community psychology promote research that focuses on improving the lives of individuals with disabilities (Dowrick & Keys, 2001). Using the Internet for social interactions has been shown to contribute to an individual's identity development, sense of community, and well-being (Obst, Zinkiewicz, & Smith, 2002a; Turkle, 1995). While challenges in typical social interactions have traditionally been considered a defining feature of autism spectrum disorder, autistic individuals have taken advantage of the Internet to develop social interactions (Blume, 1997a). The present study focused on the online Autistic community and how the importance and value of involvement in it is related to Autistic identity, sense of community, and psychological well-being. The Academic Autistic Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education (AASPIRE) partnered with the Gernsbacher Lab to form the Gateway Project. Using the Gateway Project, AASPIRE conducted the Internet Use, Community, and Well-Being Study and collected data from 72 autistic adults online. It was hypothesized that the importance and value of involvement in the online Autistic community would be positively related to Autistic identity and sense of community, Autistic identity and sense of community would be positively related, and Autistic identity and sense of community would be positively related to psychological well-being. It was also hypothesized that the positive relationship between the importance and value of involvement in the online Autistic community and psychological well-being would be mediated by Autistic identity and sense of community. Correlations were examined among the hypothesized relationships, and a mediated regression model (Baron & Kenny, 1986) was used to explore the relationship between the importance and value of involvement in the online Autistic community and psychological well-being with Autistic identity and sense of community as mediators. Significant relationships were found between the importance and value of involvement in the online Autistic community and Autistic identity, between the importance and value of involvement in the online Autistic community and sense of community, and between autistic identity and sense of community. As a first step to test the mediated regression models, psychological well-being was regressed on the importance and value of involvement in the online Autistic community. The regression was not significant; therefore the hypothesized model was not significant. Despite non-significant mediated regression model results, significant relationships among the importance and value of involvement in the online Autistic community and Autistic identity and sense of community offer important results. These finding illuminate the potential positive impact of the importance and value of involvement in the online Autistic community, including evidence counter to the myth that autistic individuals lack skills necessary for social relationships. These findings support the positive utility of involvement in the online Autistic community for autistic adults. Further research with a larger sample size is recommended, due to low power coefficients in the analyses. Additional research may also further illuminate the findings of the current study. Possible topics may include sense of community and Autistic identity in individuals that do not use the Internet, differences in the way the Internet is used in autistic individuals, and different measures of involvement in the online Autistic community and well-being. Close

• 9. [Article] The Slavic Community in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile

  This report details the experiences of the Slavic community in Multnomah County. The Slavic community is defined as those from the former Soviet Union. It is the largest refugee-based community in Oregon, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Slavic Community in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile Author: Curry-Stevens, Ann, Coalition of Communities of Color Year: 2014 This report details the experiences of the Slavic community in Multnomah County. The Slavic community is defined as those from the former Soviet Union. It is the largest refugee-based community in Oregon, with most arriving in the decade from 1990 to 2000. Conventional definitions of the Slavic community are to define them as White. In the vast majority of datasets, it is not possible to extract the Slavic community as ancestry or language data have not been collected. To address the shortage of data on the community, we included a qualitative research study to extend our understanding of the community’s experience. The data presented in this report begin to help us understand the challenges facing the Slavic community. While the results are indeed unsettling, there is opportunity to create a new policy environment that supports communities of color. Our main priority is to advocate for policy decisions that improve the individual and collective outcomes of the Slavic community and, in so doing, improve outcomes for all Oregonians. We hold an empowered racial equity coalition as central to addressing racial inequities. This report builds an important knowledge base from which to advocate and to educate. Educating our community and the community at large about the Slavic community is crucial to achieving racial equity. One of the biggest threats to the Slavic community is its invisibility and marginalization that flows from the lack of data on their experiences in many walks of life: the school system, child welfare, criminal and juvenile justice, health and social services. The fact that no data are collected on this community in mainstream institutions is deeply troubling and needs to be remedied immediately. This community is the largest of our refugee groups. We must serve the community better – the journey begins with documenting and rendering visible their experiences. Title: The Slavic Community in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile Author: Curry-Stevens, Ann, Coalition of Communities of Color Year: 2014 This report details the experiences of the Slavic community in Multnomah County. The Slavic community is defined as those from the former Soviet Union. It is the largest refugee-based community in Oregon, with most arriving in the decade from 1990 to 2000. Conventional definitions of the Slavic community are to define them as White. In the vast majority of datasets, it is not possible to extract the Slavic community as ancestry or language data have not been collected. To address the shortage of data on the community, we included a qualitative research study to extend our understanding of the community’s experience. The data presented in this report begin to help us understand the challenges facing the Slavic community. While the results are indeed unsettling, there is opportunity to create a new policy environment that supports communities of color. Our main priority is to advocate for policy decisions that improve the individual and collective outcomes of the Slavic community and, in so doing, improve outcomes for all Oregonians. We hold an empowered racial equity coalition as central to addressing racial inequities. This report builds an important knowledge base from which to advocate and to educate. Educating our community and the community at large about the Slavic community is crucial to achieving racial equity. One of the biggest threats to the Slavic community is its invisibility and marginalization that flows from the lack of data on their experiences in many walks of life: the school system, child welfare, criminal and juvenile justice, health and social services. The fact that no data are collected on this community in mainstream institutions is deeply troubling and needs to be remedied immediately. This community is the largest of our refugee groups. We must serve the community better – the journey begins with documenting and rendering visible their experiences. Close

• 10. [Article] Characterization of community capacity in a forest-dependent community : the case of the Haut-St.-Maurice

  In recent years, economic, social, technological, and environmental changes have all imposed challenges on forest-based communities. This has revived interest in studying these communities to understand ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Characterization of community capacity in a forest-dependent community : the case of the Haut-St.-Maurice Author: Nadeau, Solange, 1967- In recent years, economic, social, technological, and environmental changes have all imposed challenges on forest-based communities. This has revived interest in studying these communities to understand their ability to tackle these challenges. This study is built around a case study of an industrial forest-based community and aims at characterizing the community's ability to deal with change. A review of the literature documented the evolution of the frameworks used to examine forest communities and guided the choice of a framework. This case study analysis focuses on community capacity and the research follows two avenues: documenting the evolution of community capacity over time, and assessing residents' opinions on major issues challenging their community's capacity. A mix of qualitative and quantitative research methods was used to address these questions. Interviews were used to document the evolution of community capacity. They reveal how community capacity was built through community empowerment with regard to social capital and infrastructure development. They also shed light on the constraining effects that stagnant human capital and institutional management arrangements for public lands had on this capacity. The interviews identified issues challenging the current capacity of the community. A series of questions about these issues was then presented to local residents by means of a mail survey. The survey assessed residents' attitudes and provided information about the degree of agreement within the community on issues associated with community capacity. It reveals the responsiveness of groups within the community, and highlights concerns expressed by specific groups regarding the hurdles faced either by the community or by themselves in building community capacity. Title: Characterization of community capacity in a forest-dependent community : the case of the Haut-St.-Maurice Author: Nadeau, Solange, 1967- In recent years, economic, social, technological, and environmental changes have all imposed challenges on forest-based communities. This has revived interest in studying these communities to understand their ability to tackle these challenges. This study is built around a case study of an industrial forest-based community and aims at characterizing the community's ability to deal with change. A review of the literature documented the evolution of the frameworks used to examine forest communities and guided the choice of a framework. This case study analysis focuses on community capacity and the research follows two avenues: documenting the evolution of community capacity over time, and assessing residents' opinions on major issues challenging their community's capacity. A mix of qualitative and quantitative research methods was used to address these questions. Interviews were used to document the evolution of community capacity. They reveal how community capacity was built through community empowerment with regard to social capital and infrastructure development. They also shed light on the constraining effects that stagnant human capital and institutional management arrangements for public lands had on this capacity. The interviews identified issues challenging the current capacity of the community. A series of questions about these issues was then presented to local residents by means of a mail survey. The survey assessed residents' attitudes and provided information about the degree of agreement within the community on issues associated with community capacity. It reveals the responsiveness of groups within the community, and highlights concerns expressed by specific groups regarding the hurdles faced either by the community or by themselves in building community capacity. Close