At the UCA Community Development Institute.
By Shelby Fiegel
Since 1987, hundreds of community leaders from across the Mid-South have attended the Community Development Institute (CDI) at the University of Central Arkansas to get practical tools and training to make a positive impact in their communities. CDI uses peer-to-peer learning, networking opportunities, experts in community and economic development and hands-on, engaging sessions to provide participants with a solid foundation in community and economic development.
The flagship Community Development Institute was established at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. In addition to the flagship program in Arkansas, CDIs have been established nationally in Alabama, Illinois, Idaho and Texas.
The CDI experience is a three-year training program, with five days of training each year. Participants progress through the program with a diverse cohort of their peers. At the end of the three-year program, participants have the opportunity to become a certified Professional Community and Economic Developer.
CDI is structured to engage any community leader who is passionate about making their community or region stronger. Participants at CDI include community developers, economic developers, elected officials, chamber of commerce officials, city planners, bankers, nonprofit and faith-based leaders and other community leaders. Leaders who graduate from CDI understand that their cities or towns can reach their full potential through developing a shared vision, creating an environment of trust and cooperation, establishing a strong quality of life, and telling their stories effectively. They also create a network of connections that follow them throughout their careers.
The Community Development Institute offers a variety of sessions covering trending topics in community and economic development. CDI speakers are a diverse group of seasoned professionals from across the country. Each year also provides participants with scenario-planning opportunities and interactive simulations. Some of the topics you can expect to experience at CDI include principles of community and economic development, diversity and communication, ethics, strategic planning and strategic doing, leadership, community finance, entrepreneurship, arts-based community development, tourism, measuring impact, workforce development and many more.
CDI is founded on the concept that community development facilitates economic development. Every community, whether big or small, has important assets to be uncovered and utilized. While most programs focus on the buzzwords of economic development, CDI focuses on a comprehensive picture of what constitutes developing a community and the stakeholders in that development process.
In many communities we tend to ask, “Why don’t THEY do something?” in reference to our streets, sidewalks, education systems, art or cultural amenities, or a variety of other community and economic development issues. CDI empowers leaders to turn “they” into “we” because we all need to take ownership of the communities we live in and we must all be a part of the community development process to create positive change and growth.
We invite you to join us at CDI Aug. 2-6, 2021! CDI will help you build your network, grow as a professional and equip you with the tools you need to develop a clear vision for your community.
Learn more and register at uca.edu/cdi and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/CDI.UCA.
Shelby Fiegel is director of the Community Development Institute.