Exclusion from mainstream American culture and perceptions of marginality drive some youth to create their own subgroups. As cultural elements of the subgroups reach further from what most Americans deem "acceptable," the alienation of these youth is intensified. Community agencies can use an ecological perspective to work for changes that will improve the outlook for alienated youth at risk of social abandonment. The perspective encourages the view that since young people are influenced by so many institutions, these institutions are in the best position to mobilize the community in ways that will benefit the diverse emotional, social, and physical needs of these youth. These mobilization efforts include the following: (1) organizing citizens to take a stand for their rights; (2) encouraging community members to take leadership roles; (3) establishing a community vision of changes that should take place; (4) declaring publicly what can be done by individuals and what needs a collaborative effort; (5) encouraging and recognizing those who have contributed to the community; (6) spreading a feeling of ownership; (7) developing positive human relationships; and (8) making sure the efforts for change are sustained. Four examples of successful school community collaborations are given. A list of three references and profiles of the authors are included. (VM)