Tim Borich, President NACDEP:
Now More than Ever.
I confess. I’m not the best conventioneer. The type of person you are more likely find talking to someone in the hotel lobby rather than attending sessions. And, yes its true, between running around back stage along with Harry Crissy and trying to keep the conference running, I didn’t attend as much of the NACDEP conference as I had hoped. Still, I did have a number of “take aways” from the national NACDEP conference in Charleston, South Carolina…My first take away… we need each other. More often than not, CRED or CED is represents the smallest program within each state Extension system. CRED professionals have learned to draw upon one another to maximize our resources across state lines to the greatest benefits of our respective states’ citizens. It also means that frequently our programming can take a more holistic approach to community development rather than focus upon a single sector or direction. Perhaps because of our small size, and the four regional rural development centers, we have a shared tradition of working together that dates back to the Rural Development Act of 1972. NACDEP represents another venue to allow this sharing to continue. As Extension budgets have come under stress across the nation, the networking that NACDEP provides even more vital.
My second take away, what we do will become of greater importance within the land-grant system. I learned from the conference that local decision-making and community itself will likely increase in importance with changes in our country’s demography, economy and politics. Dr. Woteki’s address also helped convinced me that community development and rural development are important topics on the broader agenda of USDA. In an era of smart phones and 4G, I think our work in community development will become more important. We still all live and co-exist in some “place”. While I can learn a great deal of information from my I-Phone, personal interaction is still needed to lead a community, create a collective vision for a future, or build economic vitality in any given location.
The third take away was better understandings of the commitment so many of you have to both Extension Community, Resource and Economic Development but for NACDEP as well. Dozens have volunteered for committee work, assisting on next year’s conference, and volunteering for Galaxy, PILD and other NACDEP related activities. It’s great to work with people who believe in what they do. As President, I would like to continue to thank all our NACDEP volunteers; you truly are community development professionals.
Finally, as we look to the year ahead, NACDEP will continue to evolve with a more dynamic and informational web site, the introduction of student memberships, a second board retreat this summer, establishing a quarterly electronic newsletter, and planning for an exciting annual conference in Park City, Utah.
