Opportunities for Economic Development

Intensive Economic Development Training Course for Alabama, jointly sponsored by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA). Special appreciation is expressed to Alabama Electric Cooperative, Alabama Gas Corporation, Alabama Power Company, and BELLSOUTH for continued sponsorship and support. Contact Sylvia Beard at (334) 844-3685 or Dr. Evelyn Crayton at (334) 844-2224 or Dr. Willie Larkin at (334) 844-3618.
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July 24 - 28, 2006 Session I
September 11 - 15, 2006 Session II

For a full-size photo of the 2005 Intensive Economic Development Training Class, click on small thumbnail picture to left.

Opportunities for Leadership Development

Alabama Community Leadership Network (ACLN)
P.O. Box 631
Montgomery, AL 36101
Phone: (334) 271-2442     Fax: (224) 277-3246

The Alabama community leadership network is a network of organizations and individuals committed to nourishing, supporting and creating leaders. It is a network through which existing leadership organizations in Alabama can share information with each other and also with emerging programs. Each ACLN meeting is convened by volunteers who attended the previous meeting. The agendas reflect the unifying theme of this network: the goals and uses of community leadership. The network is made up of established community leadership programs, rural community leadership programs, youth leadership programs, chambers of commerce, and extension programs.

Publications: Handouts from presenters.

Meetings: Two per year, spring and fall TBA.

National Association for Community Leadership
200 South Meridian St.
Suite 40, Suite 340
Indianapolis, IN 46225
Phone: (317) 637-7408     Fax: (317) 637-7413
E-mail: commlead@indy.net
Home Page: www.communityleadership.org

Approximately 450 local community leadership programs and 2300 individuals in the U.S., Australia, Canada, and England share ideas to strengthen and transform communities through leadership development. At the network headquarters in Indianapolis, information is gathered and distributed. They also provide training. The toll-free hotline (1-800-5-leader) connects members to a clearinghouse for advice and materials from successful programs. Awards are given yearly in recognition of excellence in community leadership: The Distinguished Leadership Award to the program graduate and the Preceptor Award to a program director. Initiated in 1995, LEADERSHIP USA is a year-long program for 75 individuals. Participants who represent diversity in gender, ethnicity, geographic locality, and volunteer involvement identify and design solutions for social problems that transcend local interests.

Publications: Leadership News quarterly newsletter; Taking Leadership in Hand: The Program Development Guide; Taking Leadership to Heart: The Community Trusteeship Curriculum; A Colorful Quilt: The Community Leadership Story; Community Trusteeship Trainer Video; Annual Report.

Meetings: Annual conference; seminars.

Association of Leadership Educators (ALE)
c/o Martha A. Nall, President
Program and Staff Development
20 Scovell Hall
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40546-0064
Phone: (606) 257-7193     Fax: (606) 257-7565
E-mail: mnall@ca.uky.edu
Home Page: www.aces.uinuc.edu/~ALE

ALE is a national organization of 250 professionals in teaching, research, and extension programs in public and private institutions of higher education and the corporate sector. Its goals are to strengthen the leadership skills and competencies of professional educators and to strengthen and broaden the knowledge base that supports research, teaching, and extension programs in leadership. Two awards each year recognize excellence in teaching leadership and leadership contributions to the organization.

Publications: ALE Newsletter quarterly; Conference Proceedings, Membership Directory.

Meetings: Annual Conference

Community Development Society International (CDS)
1123 North Water St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: (414) 276-7106     Fax: (414) 276-7704
E-mail: 5547.2561@compuserve.com
Home Page: www.comm-dev.org
Conference Page: www.kcmarketplace.com/cds/index1.htm

CDS is a professional association offering a global perspective on community development. The Community Development Society believes community is a base building block of society. Community is complex and multidimensional and the human dimension, which is capable of growth and development, is the most critical aspect of community. Communities can thrive through improvement of individual, organizational, and problem-solving skills. CDS integrates knowledge from many disciplines with community-development theory, research, teaching, and practice in both the public and private sectors. Networking opportunities are available through local chapters and special-interest groups. A certificate program rewards experience, education, and achievement.

Publications: Journal of Community Development Society semi-annual journal; Vanguard, quarterly profile of member activities; Community Development Practice, quarterly tips on practical techniques: Membership Directory/Handbook.

Meetings: Annual Conference