Child labor, especially in developing countries, has been an increasing target for social reformers. Although there are many suggested solutions for the eradication of child labor, many are simplistic and create more problems than they cure. Suggested reforms are explored and analyzed. Additional recommendations, especially from a human resource development perspective, are explored.

The Problem. Traditionally, the core of human resource development (HRD) has focused on corporate settings and emerged primarily in the United States. The Solution. As the concept has evolved and moved around the world in response to factors supporting globalization, and as academics and practitioners have argued about its definition, HRD has begun to be applied much more broadly, including with geographically dispersed communities and nations. This article presents case studies in which HRD principles and theories have been used for societal developmentthe general improvement of the welfare of people usually outside of the workplace, primarily in communities. At least one of the coauthors, and usually two or more, have been either involved in or reported on all of the cases included.

The Problem. Human Resource Development (HRD) scholars and practitioners need to address the problem of conceptualizing HRD in various community settings. The Solution. To address this need, the authors conducted a case study research to explore the role of HRD in developing the Ismaili community in Minnesota. Data analysis revealed four themes: (a) conceptualization of HRD in the Ismaili community of Minnesota, (b) history and examples of HRD efforts in this community, (c) the role of women in the community's HRD efforts, and (d) the future of HRD in the Ismaili community of Minnesota. The use of HRD within this community was heavily focused on societal development of the community. The Stakeholders. Recommendations for HRD practice (practitioners) and research (researchers) suggest that HRD, especially within religious communities (members and leaders of such communities), be explored with an open mind for the purpose of creating a pluralistic and civil society (all citizens).

The Problem There is a growing need to explore the role of the centuries-old tradition of Sufism and its teachings which, through social movements, have contributed to, and continue to influence, human resource development (HRD) at various levels—individual, group, organization, community, nation, and international. The Solution To address this need, we present cases of social movements inspired by Sufi teachings in selected parts of the world. We discuss, using literature and personal experiences, links among Sufi teachings, social movements, and HRD, and provide a framework for understanding Sufi teachings within the context of the social movement phenomenon. We end with recommendations for practice and research. The Stakeholders We target broadening the horizons of HRD researchers, practitioners, civil society members, and social movement activists, encouraging them to address long-term changes and collective learning through the quest for unconditional love and liberation, which represent the core of Sufi teachings.

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