The structure and function of jobs are changing. Work tasks increasingly require a highly skilled and educated work force. To remain competitive and productive, work organizations must improve management labor relations and workers involvement in decision making. The Bush and Reagan administrations position on the limited and distorted role of government was particularly damaging to the economic and social strength of communities. State and local communities were expected to assume more financial responsibility for health and human services, given the decrease in national and federal resources.
Federal policies are particularly damaging to local communities with a weak tax base.
Grassroots organizing is needed to pressure the government to implement more realistic and fair policies and budget allocations. With communities undergoing significant economic, social, and environmental changes, community development is imperative for our nation s survival. These conditions can significantly affect the physical, economic, and social health of community residents. Instead of the community fostering social well-being, protection, and an enhanced quality of life, it has fostered or allowed disharmony and destructiveness to prevail. With citizen participation and focused planning and commitment, however, communities can thrive within an increasingly complex and interdependent world.