The systematic, practical ideas presented for improving the quality of life in a community are based on the belief that people, working together, sometimes with and through local government and sometimes through the vigorous efforts of voluntary organizations and associations, can help their communities increasingly become the kinds of places that approach the ideals they set for communities. The recommended process of community development begins with a community needs assessment, proceeds to an examination of potential local and nonlocal sources of support, plans for carrying the actions to completion, and, finally, considers when, why, and how to evaluate the entire activity. The needs assessment phase involves getting ready, conducting a survey, examining and reporting the results, and deciding what action to take among the alternatives discovered. Inventorying and recruiting resources should begin locally, use the expertise of consultants as necessary, and explore applicable state, regional, national, and international sources. Implementation requires avoiding people and communication problems, keeping the activity going, maximizing the action plan, and "fighting fires." Successful evaluation (whether formative or summative) depends more upon clear, accurate, common-sense thinking than upon highly sophisticated techniques, although there is a place for advanced evaluative research methods and analysis. (NEC)