Extension Professionals Access
Community Development Training
Program at their Work Location

Extension professionals from 11 states in the North Central region received training on understanding communities and their dynamics through a distance education program that was launched by the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development on October 4, 2005. This program represents component one of a larger effort titled Foundations of Practice: Community Development Core Competencies for Extension Professionals.

The Foundations of Practice effort started more than two years ago when the North Central Community Development program leaders recognized the increasing need for all Extension professionals to have basic knowledge and skills in the processes, tools and techniques of community development work. Janet Ayres, professor and extension specialist at Purdue University, was hired by the NCRCRD as a Senior Fellow to inventory the community development assets in the region and to identify community development core competencies.

Shortly after Janet joined the staff at the Center, Rod Howe, Cornell University, was hired by the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service-USDA to work on a similar effort for the newly-formed National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals. Working in collaboration with other community development colleagues, the Foundations of Practice1 concept was developed. The intent was to develop a framework to provide a common language and understanding of community development work, while recognizing that states and regions offer a wide breadth of educational programs in this area.

The Foundations of Practice is composed of three major components:

1. Understanding Communities and their Dynamics
2. Developing Successful Community Initiatives
3. Areas of Specialization and Emphasis

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, we are implementing component one through a distance education program. A series of seven 1.5 hour sessions were offered as a pilot program in the fall of 2005. Thirty-seven people participated from 11 states in the North Central region. Members of the team who have helped develop the series and are teaching the sessions are: Janet Ayres (NCRCRD), Stephen Jeanetta (MO), Andy Lewis (WI), Bill Pinkovitz (WI), Mary Emery (NCRCRD), Phil Alexander (MI), and Tim Borich (IA). The topics include:

• Basic Understanding of Community
• Community Demographics
• Community Economics
• Community Power Structure
• Natural Resources and Sustainability
• Community Situational Analysis
• Community Development Process

The series is being offered four times in 2006 through WisLine, a Web-based conference system, and a phone line. There is a registration fee to participate. A certificate of completion will be given to those who participate in at least six of the seven sessions. For more information or to register for one of the following sessions, go to http://www.ncrcrd.iastate.edu/projects/corecomp/index.html.

• Tuesdays, March 14-April 25, 2006
• Wednesdays, March 15-April 26, 2006
• Tuesdays, September 19-October 31, 2006
• Wednesdays, September 20-November 8, 2006 (No session on 11/1)

Developing Successful Community Initiatives, component two of the Foundations of Practice: Community Development Core Competencies program, focuses on the ability to carry out community development processes to achieve measurable impacts. These process skills may be of value to all Extension professionals, especially those new to community development work. These skills include:

• Principles of Community Development Practice
• Broad-based Participation and Bringing People to the Table
• Participatory Planning
• Implementation and Project Management
• Facilitation of Group Meetings
• Community Collaborations
• Evaluation

In the North Central region, these will be taught in a regional workshop November 1-3, 2006. The purpose of the workshop is to build the competencies of Extension staff. It also enables Extension professionals within the region to network with each other and learn about their programs. Members of the planning team include: Janet Ayres (NCRCRD), Dan Kahl (KS), Ken Martin (OH), Dan Oedekoven (SD), Donna Rae Scheffert (MN), Phyllis Schoenholz (NE) and Kathy Tweeten (ND).

Areas of Specialization and Emphasis, component three of the Foundations of Practice: Community Development Core Competencies program, focuses on the specific content areas of community development. As Extension professionals become proficient in the first two components, many will likely expand their effectiveness as community development professionals by specializing in one or more areas. The general specialization categories include: economic development, local government, natural resources, group process and facilitation, organizational development, leadership and civic engagement, community services and workforce development.

For more information on the Foundations of Practice: Community Development Core Competencies program, contact Janet Ayres, North Central Regional Center for Rural Development, at (765) 494-4215, ayres@purdue.edu, or visit the program Web site at http://www.ncrcrd.iastate.edu/projects/corecomp/index.html.

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North Central Regional Center for Rural Development
Iowa State University
107 Curtiss Hall
Ames, IA 50011-1050
(515) 294-8321, (515) 294-3180 fax

For questions, comments or concerns about the NCRCRD website, contact .

Last updated May 12, 2006 .