Over 100 community leaders from Arkansas and surrounding states will meet at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) July 29 through August 2 to participate in the annual Community Development Institute (CDI). Taking place in the Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center, the event promises to be a unique educational experience for participants.
Amy Whitehead, CDI Director, said, “CDI empowers community leaders with the tools and strategies they need to sustain and transform their communities. The institute is keeping pace with the changing demands of community and economic development by adding new sessions on regional scenario planning, partnering with philanthropy, and rural sustainability. The institute has become an important way for UCA to support the economic success of Arkansas communities.”
One of the highlights of this year’s institute is a key note address by Milan Wall, Co-Director of the Heartland Center for Leadership Development. Wall is co-author of Clues to Rural Community Survival, and he will focus his remarks on how rural communities can thrive despite economic challenges.
Aside from classroom instruction, participants will travel to North Little Rock’s thriving Argenta District for an interactive discussion on downtown development. Additionally, Heifer International is providing a special tour of its energy efficient headquarters. While at Heifer, participants will hear a presentation on how elements of Heifer’s community and economic development work can be applied in local communities. For more information about CDI, visit uca.edu/cdi, or contact Amy Whitehead at 501-852-2930 or cdi@uca.edu.
CDI was established in 1987 at UCA and trains community and economic development professionals in Arkansas and surrounding states. The complete CDI experience is a three year training program, with one week of training per year. Participants move through the program curriculum in cohorts, and are exposed to a comprehensive, applied approach to the field of community and economic development.
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Josh Markham at 501-450-3460 or by e-mail at joshm@uca.edu