Fall 2005 Training

Understanding Communities and Their Dynamics—A Distance Education Program

Understanding Communities and Their Dynamics, component one of the Foundations of Practice: Community Development Core Competencies program, is a series of seven core competencies that focuses on the ability to understand community of place, the nature of public issues, the dynamics and interdependencies of the various segments of the community, and the basics of community development work. All Extension professionals who work in a community context may find these competencies useful, regardless of their program responsibilities.

In the North Central region, the NCRCRD implemented component one through a distance education program. A series of seven 1.5 hour sessions was offered through WisLine, a Web-based conference system, and a phone line. The Fall 2005 sessions were as follows:

Introduction to the Series and Basic Understanding of Community

October 4

The ability to more fully understand the complexity and dynamics of issues and situations in a community context is important to be able to develop effective programs. (A two-hour session).

Introduction to Foundations of Practice, by Janet Ayres (PDF format, 0.22 MB)

Basic Understanding of Community, by Steve Jeanetta (PDF format, 0.16 MB)

Community Demographics

October 11

The ability to understand the demographic profile and trends in a community is essential to identifying issues and sustainable alternatives

Community Demographics, by Andy Lewis (PDF format, 1.01 MB)

Community Economics

October 18

The ability to understand the economic base of a community and the dynamics between the various economic sectors, including the ways in which money turns over in the community, leaves the community, or is invested are important in providing a vibrant economy.

Community Economics, by Bill Pinkovitz (PDF format, 0.88 MB)

Community Power Structure

October 25

The ability to identify who the decision makers are in the community, the resources they affect, and the power structure is crucial in gaining access to a community, gaining trust and credibility, and being effective in educational programs.

Community Power Structure, by Janet Ayres (PDF format, 0.26 MB)

Natural Resources and Sustainability

November 1

The ability to understand the impact of decisions on the quality of natural resources and the long-term sustainability of the environment is an important component of community development.

Natural Resources and Sustainability, by Mary Emery (PDF format, 0.27 MB)

Community Situational Analysis

November 8

The ability to analyze a particular issue or situation in a community from a historical, political, cultural and community context and determine Extension's role in the issue is an important competency of community development.

Community Situational Analysis, by Phil Alexander (PDF format, 0.24 MB)

Community Development Process and Evaluation of the Series

November 15

The ability to know how to organize and mobilize resources for action, as well as possible barriers, is necessary in developing programs that are meaningful and effective. (A two-hour session).

Community Development Process, by Tim Borich (PDF format, 0.74 MB)