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.

The North Central Regional Center for Rural Development and the North Central Program leaders implemented Component One using distance education technology in Fall 2005. Starting in Fall 2009, the program will be offered jointly by all four Regional Rural Development Centers as a national professional development opportunity for Extension professionals who work in a community context. Registration materials for Fall 2009 can be found on the SRDC Web site or by following the links below.

• Fall 2009 Training
• Spring 2009 Training—Cancelled
• Fall 2008 Training
• Spring 2008 Training
• Fall 2007 Training
• Spring 2007 Training
• Fall 2006 Training
• Spring 2006 Training
• Fall 2005 Training