Reviving a Sense of Community. A Report of the Citywide Urban Crisis Committee

摘要

Employment opportunities, urban family policies and support for effective family functioning, and restrictions imposed by racial discrimination are covered in this report on unity in urban communities. The most urgent problem faced by cities is unemployment, and this problem is directly related to community stability and to the mental health of individuals and communities. A multifaceted approach to increasing job opportunities for youth and their parents and effective on - the - job training programs that provide basic skills are needed. Motivation and attitude are as important as training in the retention of jobs. Social supports, incentives to develop potential, and opportunities to participate in communal activities are necessary for apathetic persons who are unemployed. The employment thrust also needs to focus on efforts that will improve the educational process in schools so youth can develop interpersonal skills required to live in a complex urban society. The urban family, regardless of differences in structure, class, geography, and ethnic identity, is the primary and potentially the most efficient support system in communities. Social and economic problems should be addressed simultaneously in order for the family to survive and contribute to constructive social interaction and stability. There is an important connection between employment and family stability, and employment and public assistance programs should be coordinated with family support programs. If communities are divided by income and class, more racial discrimination will occur. Ethnic or minority groups are politically weak and often fail to utilize the advantage of community coalitions that can serve to unite them. Recommendations on community stability, specifically for New York City, are offered. Persons who contributed to the report's preparation are listed.