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Spring 2006 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, we are implementing component one through a distance education program. A series of seven 1.5 hour sessions will be offered two times in Spring 2006 through WisLine, a Web-based conference system, and a phone line. The sessions will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Central Standard Time on:
• Tuesdays, March 14 – April 25
• Wednesdays, March 15 – April 26
| 1. |
Introduction to the Series and Basic Understanding of
Community
Instructors: Janet Ayres (IN) and Stephen Jeanetta (MO)
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.
Introduction by Janet Ayres
Basic Understanding of Community by Stephen Jeanetta
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Community Demographics
Instructor: Andy Lewis (WI)
The ability to understand the demographic profile and trends in a community is essential to identifying issues and sustainable alternatives.
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Community Economics
Instructor: Bill Pinkovitz (WI)
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.
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Community Power Structure
Instructor: Janet Ayres (IN)
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.
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Natural Resources and Sustainability
Instructor: Mary Emery (NCRCRD)
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.
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Community Situational Analysis
Instructor: Phil Alexander (MI)
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.
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Community Development Process and Evaluation of the Series
Instructor: Tim Borich (IA)
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. |
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