Preface There is little need to describe here the widespread concern within

most organizations about the apathetic responses of their members to various action programs. The present issue traces through some of the causes of inadequate member participation and proposes a number of concrete suggestions for improvement. This vital topic is dealt with by the Citizens’ Social Science Research Council, a team of young sociologists, psychologists, economists, and writers whose major goal is to improve and aid democratic action groups in America. (See the more detailed description of this group a t the end of the issue.) The analysis and sugges- tions presented here stem from their many experiences in action groups- experiences that have been interpreted and integrated within a broad framework of sociological and personality theory. The result is a number of stimulating and testable hypotheses about the roots of inadequate par- ticipation and some practical techniques for participation therapy.

The second number of Volume V, being prepared by the staff of the Commission on Community Interrelations, will summarize the use of com- munity self-surveys of discriminatory practices. I t will compare several types of self-surveys, describe the use of a specific one, and discuss the problems and theories involved in this technique. The third number, edited by Dr. Max Hutt and Dr. Dan Miller, will integrate psychoanalytic and sociological theories of the process whereby social norms and values are taken over by individuals. It will also point up the applications of these theories in a number of problem areas. The final number is being prepared by a sub-committee of the S.P.S.S.I. Committee on Intergroup Relations. I t will present specific examples of apparent inconsistencies in behavior and attitudes, and analyze these from different theoretical points of view. The purpose will be to increase our understanding of such incon- sistencies and suggest hypotheses for research in this area.

I want to invite all of you to send in ideas for topics on which you think a number of the Journal is needed. The Executive Editorial Com- mittee and myself would also appreciate your re-reading the Statement of Purpose in our masthead and commenting upon the effectiveness of these numbers in meeting the goals given there.

HAROLD KELLEY, Acting General Editor

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