Bridging Community and Youth Development: Exploring Theory, Research, and Application

Abstract

Internationally there is a growing recognition of the need for theory, research, and applied programming that contributes to our understanding of both community and youth development (Brennan, 2008; McGrath, Brennan, Dolan, & Barnett, 2009). The merger of these two fields of study is important as both can be seen as interdependent and directly shaping each other. Current program and policy debates concerning the bridging youth and community development have pointed to the need to explore the process by which both emerge more systematically. In response, this special issue of Community Development: Journal of the Community Development Society brings together a wide range of theoretical, empirical, and applied research articles that expand our understanding of the interrelation between youth and community development. While exhibiting great diversity in their methodology, theoretical viewpoints, and models for application, the authors of this special issue are united in their focus on the importance of bringing together youth and community development, as well as promoting the symbiotic relationships of each.