This manual is designed to help community mental health workers to intervene effectively in community crises, particularly school desegregation. The rationale for involving mental health personnel in community crises is explained. The need for expertise among such workers is emphasized, and strategies for gaining this expertise are outlined. Also discussed are ways in which crisis intervenors can work effectively with community members and with individuals in positions of power. Exercises for increasing self awareness in the areas of racial stereotyping are outlined for use among community and school groups. Means for establishing liaisons with law enforcement officials, school administrators and the mass media are suggested. The second part of the manual consists of the following readings: (1) remarks on community mental health center involvement in school desegregation, by Robert Okin, Massachusetts Commissioner of Mental Health; (2) a statement by Andrew Young; (3) "Mental Health Intervention in Community Crises," by Ruth M. Batson and Lyda S. Peters; (4) "Racism, School Integration, and Mental Health," by Sanford I. Cohen; (5) remarks by Senator George McGovern: (6) a chapter on racism from Floyd Barbour's book, "The Black Seventies"; and (7) chapters on historical and legal aspects of school desegregation from Meyer Weinberg's book, "Minority Students: A Research Appraisal." (GC)