NACDEP Newsletter                                                                                    Spring   Edition

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2025 NACDEP Spring Newsletter

From The Editor

Colleagues: Greetings and welcome to the spring 2025 NACDEP newsletter.  A lot of great things are happening around the organization, and several of them are presented in this edition of the newsletter.  First and foremost, this is the final newsletter before the conference in Charleston, WV.  So of course, we have a lot on that.  It looks like the folks in the mountain state have done a lot to prepare a great conference.

I want to give a special shout-out to our President Michelle Eley.  This is her final newsletter as President of NACDEP.  She has provided outstanding leadership and collegiality and restored the President’s column to the newsletter.  Thanks a lot for your service Michelle.

Be sure occasionallyto consult previous newsletter editions.  They are in the archives.  Just go to the organization’s site at www.nacdep.net. At the bar just above the photos click on “resources” to get the drop-down menu.  You will then see “newsletters” as the third option.  Reading through these past issues will give you a lot of insight into what the organization is all about and may provide you with some ideas for your own programs, projects, teaching initiatives, events and so on. 

And as always, if you would like to talk with me about the newsletter, including ideas for future submissions, feel free to get in touch, either by email at [email protected] or by phone at 330-466-7877.

And now, the spring 2025 NACDEP newsletter!

Thomas W. Blaine, PhD
Associate Professor
Ohio State University Extension
NACDEP Newsletter Editor

President's Column

Submitted by Michelle Eley
Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T State University
NACDEP President

NACDEP Colleagues,

Spring is finally here and time is moving fast. Springtime ushers in longer daylight hours, new life in our places of work, significant rites of passage such as graduation for college students, and a host of events.  That said, it reminds me that we are less than two and a half months away from our annual conference in Charleston, West Virginia.  First, I want to recognize the WVSU Extension team for plans that are underway for us to have a fabulous conference program, including the mobile workshops which showcase the cultural and economic significance of West Virginia and the Appalachian region that their state is a part of. 

Also, I want to recognize our members who submitted a proposal to present at the conference.  Your submissions speak to the breadth of work we do in community and economic development and I look forward to hearing about what is happening in states nationwide.  Don’t delay in registering for this conference early.

I am preparing to attend the Public Issues Leadership Development (PILD) Conference next week in Arlington, VA, which is sponsored by Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP).  This trip will be my first opportunity to travel to Washington, DC, since last September.  This is a crucial time to gather, share information, and network with fellow participants, speakers, and other guests in our nation's capital, and this conference further elevates the importance of communicating and engaging with stakeholders and elected officials in advocating for Extension at the local, state, and national levels.

Please know I am continually encouraged by the educational work that you do – day in and day out – to support communities around our nation, that promotes broad participation of our residents to meet the challenges they face, helping people to organize and meet local needs and expanding research-based information that helps to generate new knowledge and in time results in social, economic and environmental improvements.  Stay encouraged -- knowing that your work matters and our residents continually deserve our best.

I hope you enjoy reading our spring newsletter. Please take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to you.

See you in Charleston in June!

Happy Spring from West Virginia 

Submitted by Adam Hodges
Co-host NACDEP 2025 West Virginia
Former NACDEP President

We are starting to hear the chirping of tree frogs here in the mountains of West Virginia which means that spring is just around the corner. It is now only two months before the NACDEP annual conference and we can’t wait to welcome you to Charleston West Virginia! As conference co-host I have to thank my fellow hosts Jaime Menon and Michael Dougherty for working alongside my local team in planning a truly memorable conference for our attendees.

Our conference philosophy is simple, educate our friends about where we live, let them experience it, give them amazing learning experiences, let them celebrate each other’s work and provide many opportunities to spend time together. I feel lucky that I attended NACDEP Conferences early in my career and made some of my most important professional friendships. I always attend the NACDEP conference to learn and experience but now more than ever I am excited to see old friends and colleagues and find new ways to work together and help one another. Our NACDEP Conference is a small group when viewed beside 4H or FCS, but I believe that is what makes it so much more valuable to participate in. We are so small that you can bet you already know someone who can connect you to everyone else at NACDEP and you will feel like part of the family after just three days.

Thank you to everyone who has already registered and to those for whom it is not possible to attend I am sorry and hope to see you next year in Wichita Kansas! If you are thinking of joining us on June 9-12 in Charleston West Virginia, please register quickly as rooms are filling up fast and we would certainly hate for anyone to miss out! View the Charleston Video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0GWQUWfAJQ

Click here to register  https://www.nacdep.net/2025-nacdep-conference

What do I Take for Granted? Not NACDEP

By Michael Darger, former president and appreciative member


As I write this, the link to NACDEP’s Mission and Vision is broken, (which I assume is probably just a mistake). However, I was pleased to still find this on NACDEP’s  “What is Community Development?” page.

“Definition: Community development is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes participative democracy, sustainable development, rights, equality, economic opportunity and social justice, through the organization, education and empowerment of people within their communities, whether these be of locality, identity or interest, in urban and rural settings.

Statement of Extension professionals role in community development: Community Resources & Economic Development (CRED) Extension Professionals work WITH communities to support activities that encourage broad participation and result in social, environmental, and/or economic improvement as defined by the community.”

I remember the Marketing Committee staging an actual debate at our Vermont conference (2016) about what NACDEP stands for, including what the words should be in our definitions of community development and NACDEP’s role. The room was absolutely packed and overflowing to watch Kenny Sherin and I debate which definition to adopt. I don’t remember who made what points although I’m pretty sure I won. It wasn’t just NACDEPers but also ANREPers who filled the room (it was our first joint conference).

So why was that debate such a draw? Sure, debates are kind of dramatic (and unusual at CD events). But my hunch is most of really care about understanding our collective identity for NACDEP. And how it kind of meshes with the community development discipline at large while we live out (and live up to) the NACDEP identity and role.

When you parse the words in these statements, you find concepts that are being debated in our society right now such as sustainability, social justice, and inclusion. Some of the words might be associated with or kind of lean “blue” while perhaps none of them are considered “red” (see braverangels.org). Maybe some of these words need to change such as when NACDEP’s DEI Committee was renamed as the Belonging Committee. On the other hand, maybe these words need to stand to be retained. “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.” (attributed to Thomas Jefferson).

NACDEP is now 20 years old! Charleston, West Virginia is hosting our 21^st conference. As an active member since the beginning, I do not take our little association for granted. I hope to see you in June!

NACDEP Hosts Regional Rural Development Centers on April 22 Webinar

Submitted by Michael Dougherty
West Virginia University Extension

The NACDEP Land Use Community of Practice (CoP) invites you to a webinar with the four Regional Rural Development Centers!

Learn more about how the Centers are “Advancing the Economic Health of Rural America” on April 22 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. EDT.  The webinar will discuss how Extension Educators working in community development can become involved with the regional centers as well as provide insights into the structure, priorities, and collaborative nature of the centers.

The centers connect to the nationwide network of Land-Grant Universities and the Cooperative Extension System. Each center serves a region and taps its land grant network to form innovative research and Extension partnerships focused on rural development.  Together, they help places make decisions about their community and economic development investments. They serve as a trusted source of development data, decision tools, education, and guidance for rural communities.

To register for the webinar, visit:

https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/5xJtJebPTNWay29JAMdtHg

Images source: ag.purdue.edu/rrdc

Exploring Extension Workforce Development One Step at a Time:
A Peer-to-Peer Conversation

Submitted by: Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, [email protected]

Join us at the NACDEP 2025 Conference for an engaging peer-to-peer conversation exploring the landscape of workforce development within the Extension system. This interactive workshop begins with a presentation on the concept of social contracts in education, the shifting needs of the workforce, and the role of Extension in connecting established training expertise with real-world employer and employee demands. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on how the AgriProspects’s USDA NIFA grant is driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and supporting institutional growth through community-building, content development, and strategic initiatives.

Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences and challenges, contributing to a collective understanding of successful workforce efforts across Land-Grant institutions. Expect to leave with practical examples, enhanced confidence in navigating workforce discussions, and connections to valuable resources. Whether you're looking to expand your programs, bridge institutional gaps, or simply explore new ideas, this conversation will equip you with the tools and perspectives to strengthen your impact in workforce development. Don't miss this chance to be part of a transformative dialogue shaping the future of Extension's role in workforce readiness.

Please also consider joining us in Nashville June 24 and 25 for the inaugural AgriProspects Summit. The Summit will build on the discussion started in Charleston and provide opportunities to engage with industry and Extension peers working in adult agricultural workforce development and the ever-changing credentialing ecosystem. Learn more at: https://agriprospects.extension.org/agriprospects-summit-2025/

Call for Abstracts: NETtra Tourism Conference, Connecting Through Tourism

October 7-10, 2025, Mill Falls at the Lake Resort, Meredith, NH

Submission deadline: April 18^th

Submitted by Ann E. Savage
NC State University

The National Extension Tourism Network (https://extensiontourism.net), the Travel and Tourism Research Association’s Northeast Chapter (www.nettra.org), and the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension (https://extension.unh.edu)in an exciting first-time partnership, are pleased to announce the 2025 NETtra Tourism Conference’s Call for Abstracts.

This 3-day conference on the shores of New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee will bring together academia, industry, and nonprofit partners to work toward a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive tourism landscape. Speaker panels, research and project presentations, and “mobile workshop” field trips will provide ample opportunities for knowledge sharing and network building, with an emphasis on using the rural, resort town setting for exploration and professional development.

The committee welcomes a variety of paper/presentation topics from researchers, DMOs, graduate students, and others engaged with tourism. Particular topics of interest include:

• Visitor demographics, tourism trends, and industry forecasting
• Outdoor recreation development and management
• Agritourism and rural tourism development
• Destination recovery and mitigation from fires, floods, etc. 
• Special events and festivals
• Creating visitor spaces and experiences available to all
• Lake and marine ecology and tourism
• Destination town vitality and heritage/historic preservation

To view the full Call for Abstracts including submission instructions, please visit: https://www.nettra.org/2025-call-for-papers.html. 

AI Use in Extension: Insights from Ohio and Why Human Work Matters

Brian Raison, OSU Extension
Sudarshan Adhikari, OSU PhD student
Thomas W. Blaine, OSU Extension

We conducted a study to investigate the current use of artificial intelligence (AI) at Ohio State University Extension in January 2025. Our objectives included: 1.) Identify/analyze how educators, staff, and administrators currently use AI; 2.) Identify challenges/obstacles to using AI in Extension work; 3.) Learn if users felt AI improved efficiency; 4.) Differentiate Extension’s human work from AI output to respond to funders or partners who may see AI as a means of conducting Extension’s work at no apparent cost.

Our data analysis revealed greatly divided opinions on whether AI should be used. For those adopting AI use in their Extension work, we saw a broad range of diverse applications. Examples included data analysis, resource management, and educational design and outreach. But common challenges were noted. These included inaccuracies, resistance to change, and multiple levels of ethical concerns. These findings highlight the need for targeted training and support to facilitate AI expanded use or adoption in Extension work.

The insights gained from this inquiry can inform future strategies for AI adoption and utilization. This will ultimately contribute to the advancement of Extension services (in Ohio and nationwide) as artificial intelligence continues to expand in use and accuracy. But moving forward today, Extension must:

-      Outline strategies (not regulations) for AI adoption and utilization

• Continue research to expand understanding and usage.
• Identify usage and implementation barriers.
• Establish practices for continuing human oversight.
• Explore AI ethical concerns.
• Ensure AI data are shared transparently. 

-      Train Extension workers on AI use

• Define ethics, bias, risk, and unintended consequences.
• Outline approaches to mitigate the above.
• Explore Extension personnel’s willingness to learn to incorporate AI tools into their work.
• Summarize and share current ways Extension employees are leveraging AI today.

-      Educate the public and partners on AI use and limitations

• Outline Extension’s aim of cautiously leveraging AI as a tool.
• Emphasize the continuing need for human oversight to verify and interpret AI output (accuracy, application of information, copyright, misinformation, etc.).
• Reinforce the critical nature of context and local connection (vs. random application of AI outputs).

Please watch for the full manuscript forthcoming in the Journal of Extension.

Excellence in Extension Engagement

Submitted by Rebekka Dudensing
Texas A&M
Former NACDEP President

NACDEP members truly embody excellence in Extension engagement. We work alongside communities to help them solve problems and create new opportunities. Then we share impactful, evidence-based programs that others can adopt and adapt.

That’s why the JCEP Excellence in Extension Engagement Award is worth your attention. I left “award” out of the title intentionally—too often, we skip over award opportunities while focused on doing the work. But recognition matters. It amplifies your program’s reach and showcases your expertise to those looking for solutions.

NACDEP members have won the past two years’ JCEP awards. Paul Hill from Utah State University won the 2024 award with The Remote Online Initiative. The 2025 prize was awarded to a team including Jennifer Aranda and Ellen Wolter with The Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Program at the University of Minnesota. I encourage you to read their applications at https://www.jcep.org/awards.

Could your program be next? Maybe your NACDEP award or presentation submission is ready to be adapted for this JCEP recognition.

Applications are open now through May 31, 2025. First place receives a $750 award. The winner will be an invited speaker at the Extension Leadership Conference in Savannah, Georgia, February 4-5, 2026.

Next Belonging in CD Drop-In Conversations April - 2025

Lisa Hinz, Belonging committee co-lead with Amber Twitty and Jose Valtierra

Fostering a sense of welcome and belonging are core elements of community development work. If you’re looking for some good conversation about this with colleagues from across the country, mark Friday, April 25th on your calendar. We meet at 1 p.m. EDT, 12 pm CDT, 11 am MDT, and 10 am PDT.

Come as you are for this 45-minute conversation with colleagues in a safe space where we focus on navigating current events and continuing to implement programming and engage communities that we serve in impactful ways through our Extension work. They are hosted by Lisa Hinz and Amber Twitty.

All members are welcome. Watch for the email with the weblink to the Zoom room the week of April 21^st.

CD Extension Library Connects NACDEP Members and Community Development Programs

Submitted by Mary Breidenbach
Communication Specialist

North Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD)

Back in 2019, community development professionals from the midwestern "I" states (Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa) started talking a searchable online repository website for Community Development Extension to provide Extension professionals with access to best practices and resources that enhance their ability to successfully develop, deploy and evaluate community development work throughout the United States. Colloquially known at the time as "The File Cabinet," this dream became a reality when the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD) funded "The I Team" to create the Community Development Extension Library (CDExt Library, cdextlibrary.org ).

Now, only after its third year, the CDExt Library is undoubtedly delivering on the original vision!

Not surprisingly, this is a story of supply and demand. One key to the library's success has been the updated "Submit a Resource" process, which allows community development Extension professionals to add their contributions easily to the library. Another key is the commitment of community development Extension professionals, from all over the country, to helping their colleagues access high-quality materials that are peer-reviewed and field-tested.

The result? A twenty-five percent increase in visits and an astounding eighty-one percent increase in downloads, between 2023 and 2024!

Community Development Extension Library Visits and Downloads for 2023 and 2024

Now a joint venture between the NCRCRD and NACDEP, the CDExt Library is seeking to increase the number of available items and further expand the library's reach across the entire land-grant system. But, it is up to YOU! Please support the CDExt Library by submitting your materials and promoting its use to your land-grant colleagues.

In support of this effort, we plan to publish an annual Top Ten download list. Nothing like a little competition amongst friends!

For our inaugural list, here is the list of the Top Five downloads of 2024:

Click Here to see the top 5 downloads of 2024

We look forward to you visiting the CDExt Library site to submit and download resources. Also, please visit our NCRCRD table at NACDEP 2025 in West Virginia!