Award Date

1-1-1998

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Sociology

First Committee Member

Donald E. Carns

Number of Pages

121

Abstract

Following times of social upheavals, especially when social tensions exist in ethnically diverse and lower class neighborhoods, the U.S. government has provided increased aid to the poor, and new community-based initiatives have emerged. This dissertation focuses on Nevada's neighborhood-based, community-driven, collaborative approach to providing services in low-income areas: Family Resource Centers. The purpose of this exploratory study is to develop strategies which will increase community participation in Nevada's Family Resource Centers' neighborhood councils; After two years of participant observation and the use of focus groups in four neighborhood councils, seven dimensions emerged concerning strategies to increase voluntary participation in neighborhood councils: (1) establishing a foundation, (2) role of the case manager, (3) recruiting, (4) training, (5) facilitating a committed council, (6) providing recognition, and (7) providing benefits for neighborhood council members. This study records the recommendations offered by those who utilize the services provided by the Family Resource Centers with the purpose of implementing such strategies to ensure truly neighborhood-based, community-driven initiatives.

Keywords

Approach; Change; Community; Community Change; Driven; Family; Family-driven; Neighborhood; Neighborhood Councils; Volunteerism

Controlled Subject

Public policy; Social psychology; Social structure

File Format

pdf

File Size

3696.64 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

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Rights

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