Foundations of Practice
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Fall 2009 Training

Understanding Communities and Their Dynamics—A Distance Education Program

Level One, Understanding Communities and Their Dynamics, is a distance education program consisting of a series of seven, one and one-half hour sessions. The focus is on understanding community, the dynamic components of community, Principles of Practice, community demographics, community economics, power structures, situational analyses and roles of Extension, community sustainability, and community development processes.

In Fall 2009, using Adobe Connect technology, Level One will be offered. The seven sessions will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Central Standard Time, unless otherwise noted, on:

  • Tuesdays, September 29 - November 10, 2009
  • Wednesdays, September 30 - November 11, 2009

Sessions will be archived and can be retrieved if a session is missed.

Sessions

Introduction to the Series and Basic Introduction to Community

Instructor: Stephen Jeanetta (MO)
September 29 or 30, 2009

Want to know more about the principles of doing good community development work?  Here’s the starting line. Covering the dynamics of community life, this introduction helps you discover some of the key characteristics of the community that can facilitate (or impede) the development of effective community-improvement programs.

Community Demographics

Instructor: Don Albrecht, Utah State University
October 6 or 7, 2009

Doing quality community development work is pretty difficult if you lack a sound understanding of the current and emerging features of your community and its population.  What are the population, economic, and social conditions and trends in your community?  This session will provide you with valuable guidelines on ways to create useful data-based profiles of your community.

Community Economics

Instructors: Stephan Goetz and Walt Whitmer, The Pennsylvania State University
October 13 or 14, 2009

Money comes and goes, but knowing who’s bringing it in, how it’s being invested, and how it’s leaving the community is important to supporting a vibrant economy. Learn about the many facets of a community’s economic complexion in this session.

Community Power Structure

Instructor: Dan Kahl, Kansas State University
October 20 or 21, 2009

Knowing the visible and “behind the scenes” leaders in a community is crucial to any effort by a group to promote and advance key community development activities. Find out about the important layers of leadership in your community and the straightforward manner for identifying the various leadership roles that individuals play.

Community Situational Analysis

Instructor: Lori Garkovich, University of Kentucky
October 27 or 28, 2009

Every community has challenges that impede its ability to become stronger and more vibrant. But, taking the time to truly understand the mix of issues impacting the well-being of a community is crucial. Learn about a valuable process for engaging local people and groups in a systematic, step by step process for uncovering high priority issues and taking action on these concerns.

Community Sustainability

Instructor:Jerry Hembd, University of Wisconsin
November 3 or 4, 2009

Environmental decisions made now will continue to impact the community for years to come. Learn about the critical elements of sustainability and how these components can be an integral part of all community development initiatives.

Community Development Process

Instructor: Deborah Tootle, University of Arkansas
November 10 or 11, 2009

Several approaches can facilitate the ability of communities to get things done. Learn about some valuable tools and procedures – both past and present – that can offer a valuable roadmap on how to pursue good community development work.