Urban-Rural Interface Conference

The Urban Affairs and New Nontraditional Programs unit of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) has as one of its seven state goals, "to increase the capacity of urban communities to respond to urban-rural interface issues through engaged partnerships, community building and diversity councils." As the outreach component of the land-grant universities, it is proper that ACES recognizes the interconnection between urban and rural areas to better serve all people. State Extension educators realize a healthy Extension System needs a strong rural component and a viable urban presence.

The Urban-Rural Interface Conference was developed to focus on the importance of building a working relationship with communities, organizations and agencies to serve diverse audiences through more balanced programming efforts. Conference activities are designed to educate participants on how to collaborate, build partnerships, and establish coalitions that enhance programs and services.

The objectives of the conference are to:

• convene agencies, organizations and individuals that are addressing the needs of an urban-rural community,
• identify common understanding of issues and needs, and opportunities and resources that are available to address them,
• develop understandings of reciprocal strengths and potential contributions of conference participants, and
• provide training models, information and educational resources that will prepare participants to build partnerships and plan successful programs to enhance their community.

Participants of this conference include Extension personnel, community lay leaders, officers and members of community organizations, university/college faculty, staff, students, other educators, service providers, the business community, and consumers.