Community Development


Community is more than a place. It is the people and relationships that exist within the place. For communities to develop and grow they must have the active interest, commitment, and involvement of citizens from all walks of life. However, the skills necessary to empower local people and groups need to be cultivated and learned. Our communities need guidance, information, support, and expertise if they are to meet their needs and achieve their goals. The FYCS Community Development program provides current and future leaders with the special skills needed to educate, assist, and contribute to local community well-being.

The need for community development training and expertise is increasingly a necessary skill for professionals in a variety of fields. Such skills facilitate local participation in planning and decision making, promotes more sustainable uses of our natural resources, helps to enhance social and economic well-being, and enhances local adoption and adherence to development programs. These are only a few of the many areas where community development training is needed and can be utilized.

Through the FYCS Community Development program, exposure to a wide variety of topics is provided. Included are:

  • Defining and Understanding Community and its Development
  • Community Development Theory
  • Civic Engagement, Community Action, and Mobilizing Residents
  • Community Studies Research Methods
  • Understanding Local Decision Making
  • Leadership Development
  • Understanding the Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
  • International Development
  • Community Planning and Visioning
  • Achieving Sustainable Development

Extension agents, professionals, local government officials, and graduate students from a variety of backgrounds and interests are encouraged and welcome to take part in this important and timely program. Through these, participants will be provided with the background and skills necessary to contribute to local community development and programs.