Dependence of communities on external planning

The residents of many communities which have long been dependent on single industries, such as coal-mining communities, become accustomed to depending upon outside institutions to decide their future. The lack of central planning structures within the community leads to a general unclarity concerning channels of communication with outside authorities and government structures; and to an absence of community consensus which inhibits action in many ways. A failure to work out plans for clarifying channels of communication, for utilizing the wisdom of all local residents and for meeting the needs of all age groups threatens the future of such communities.