House or effective strategies around being a transformative partner? Applied scholars affiliated with the Boulevard House actively engage with these questions and others as they move forward with programming and project development. Applied Theories, Frameworks and Models Settlement houses are an approach to social work defined by praxis: praxis can be thought of as applied scholarship, where theories and frameworks are integrated into action. In turn, the action informs and refines the theories and approaches. Paulo Freire defines praxis in Pedagogy of the Oppressed as "reflection and action directed at the structures to be transformed." Through praxis, people can acquire a critical awareness of their own condition and, with their allies, work for social transformation. The Boulevard House embodies all general settlement house principles and is intended to provide a praxis space for theories, models, frameworks and approaches within community organizing. The underlying theory to be applied depends largely on the project and practitioner or engaged group. Several examples are discussed below. Empowerment Theory Empowerment theory asserts that goals are achieved by building on individual and community strengths and resources. Practitioners and activists identify personal and political barriers that maintain oppression and discrimination; increase personal and community power through education, advocacy and direct action; and acknowledge that power is contextual when applying tactics. A settlement house supports this approach by providing space, support and programs aimed at these goals; in particular, the Boulevard House applies this model by providing free space and technical support to any community group which is organizing a project. Ecological Theory Ecological theory is a systems theory which states that environmental systems impact individuals and individuals also have the power to impact their environments. The theory identifies and analyzes five dynamic environmental systems: Micro system: Roles and relationships that a person has in their immediate environment Mezzo system: Interactions among two or more micro system environments. Exosystem: All of the external social settings that affect an individual's micro system Macrosystem: Cultural and social factors Chronosystem: Patterns of change over time A settlement house provides systems consciousness-raising opportunities and provides space, support and programs through which interventions can be created and implemented, thus changing system dynamics for positive effect within the community. The Boulevard House exemplifies this theory through the Kaffe Politik event, during which community members are encouraged to think critically and systemically about local politics and social policy. Strengths Perspective Similar to empowerment theory, the