The Urban Strategies Council set out to distill the principles, practices and challenges of integrating youth and community efforts aimed at neighborhood transformation and family development. To do so, we sought advice from four community building efforts. The Integration of Youth Development and Community Building, Reporting from the Field. To Make a Difference , January 1999 . As is often the case, however, opportunity brings its own challenge.
Many people have been involved in creating plans tha still await action.
Disappointments have created skepticism. But the legacy of plans tells an important story of aspirations, energy and a community spirit. That spirit is an asset to build on. So too are the doubts of the skeptics. An Oakland Blueprint for Youth Development , June 1996 .