|
Click Here to view this email in your browser
2025 NACDEP Summer Newsletter
From The Editor
Colleagues: Greetings and welcome to the summer 2025 edition of the NACDEP newsletter. This is the place where community development Extension professionals share information about ideas, events, projects and more. I have been editor since August 2011, and it is a real pleasure for me to serve the organization in this capacity.
We publish four times a year. The summer issue generally comes out in July, the fall newsletter in October, the winter issue in January, and the spring issue in April. Weeks prior to publication, we send out two calls for submissions about one week apart.
We have a strong newsletter for you here. I encourage you to take time to go through all the articles. As you do so, feel free to contact your colleagues for more information. And as always, you can contact me if you wish to discuss any aspect of the newsletter. My email is [email protected] and my phone is 330-466-7877.
And now, enjoy the summer newsletter.
Sincerely,
Thomas W. Blaine, PhD
Associate Professor
Ohio State University Extension
NACDEP Newsletter Editor
President's Column
Submitted by Jaime Menon
Kansas State University
NACDEP President
Reflections on NACDEP 2025
Post NACDEP 2025 Conference Greetings to all of our amazing Members of NACDEP!
I wanted to share a few reflections from my experience at NACDEP 2025, which was an OUTSTANDING experience. I will say that my experience was a bit limited due to recovery from surgery, so I will be incorporating observations that were related to me through conversations with those of you who were able to attend in person.
- West Virginia State University (WVSU) and West Virginia University (WVU) Collaboration in Charleston. West Virginia State University was our second 1890 host in Charleston, following Prairie View in Houston. West Virginia University metaphorically locked arms with WVSU, and together they couldn’t have created a better follow-up to Houston during this time of rapid change. West Virginia “brought it” in a different way – “reading the room” and creating an experience that could only be described (by me) as “calm, mindful connection”. The venue allowed colleagues to step away and have an in-depth conversation, as well as areas where no-pressure networking/connection could take place (such as breakfast in the large dining area). The tours ranged from inspiring historical site visits to innovative tourism. The artistic vibe and accessibility to cool shops and the river walk made it easy to get excited to get out and about. For this, all I can say is that we are eternally grateful to you, our “West Virginia Crew” (as I lovingly refer to them – Adam Hodges, Michael Dougherty, Kateira Hogan, Daniel Eades, Katherine Eddy, Robert Moore, Kaysha Jackson, Renato Castillio, Zach Labin, and Harini Swarna). Wichita is next up on our conference list – and no pressure to us at Kansas State Extension (jk – lots of pressure!!!!!!) to create an amazing experience for you all in the “Middle of Everywhere”. I’m relying on our teams, which are being intentionally built to include NACDEP Members from all regions by my colleague Jan Steen, and their shared vision for the experiences we’ll bring.
- The Sessions. The NACDEP sessions consistently inspire me with the depth and generosity of our colleagues' shared knowledge. As I have mentioned before, such generosity has directly propelled the growth of Kansas State Extension's Community Vitality Unit. I was delighted to hear three newcomers note that they had learned something at the conference that they will bring back to shape or add to their programming. That made my heart swell, knowing that NACDEP’s spirit of sharing continues, and I can’t wait to hear about their endeavors at next year’s conference (or even through email – you know who you are, don’t be a stranger – [email protected] )!
- Good Trouble. This year has brought many changes, especially to how we express the intent and spirit of our work. If you were able to be a part of the conference, you will remember the business meeting and the main subject of importance – our Vision and Mission. There were strong feelings shared in that meeting. Very few of us want conflict, especially conflict that is the byproduct of a changing landscape. I watched, inspired, as thoughts and emotions were shared, and my heart filled as the conversation continued after the vote took place. In less than 24 hours, the “Good Trouble” Committee was formed to address our need for change and provide opportunities for consideration. I want to thank all of you for being a part of that meeting and subsequent discussions because I honestly feel that it has brought us closer as an organization. Rather than being swept up in negativity, the thread of good intentions and empathy pulled us together, and we continue to work toward a solution that will represent our membership and reflect our consistent values. For those who could not attend in person, please feel free to reach out to someone you trust who attended, to catch up, or watch your inboxes (including the newsletter) for more information. Your voice is just as important as those who were able to attend.
During my speech at the conference, I noted that I have a hard time feeling like I could be enough for you right now – as in an effective leader, after witnessing what the grace and vigilance of Dr. Michelle Eley (now Past President) and the laser focus and generous empathy of Dr. Crystal Tyler-Mackey (past Past President)…but all that I can do is try my very best. To do that, I can’t be alone in this – I need you. I need your thoughts, feelings, and observations. I need you to stay connected, and I need you to take time for yourself – and I mean that. Take time to take care of you. I know it’s hard, but you need to take some time to relax and recharge. I know, “it’s easier said than done,” I can hear you right now…but take it from me, remember the aforementioned surgery I wrote about at the beginning of this article? You don’t want to learn the hard way what stress can do to you. If I can give you any piece of wisdom that might help you to consider making a change, that piece of wisdom would be: whatever is stressing you so intensely is not worth your health, and don’t wait for it to almost be too late to address any issues you may have, because tomorrow is promised to no one. Conserve your energy for what really matters, please.
In closing, if you were not able to attend, we truly TRULY missed you. If you were able to attend, I hope you had an excellent experience and safe and seamless travels home. Until 2026, when we’re together again in person, find ways to connect virtually (maybe by volunteering to be on a Conference Committee – it’s a great way to stay in touch!), take care of yourselves, and we can’t wait to see you in Wichita!
Thank you for ALL that you do! – Jaime Menon, [email protected]
I really wish I could have been able to dance with you
We CED people always dig a good mural
Find these and other conference photos now available from a Google Drive link and a DropBox link on the Conference / Past Conferences web page at: https://www.nacdep.net/past-nacdep-conferences.
Connecting Digital Futures to Extension's Roots: Reflections from NACDEP 2025 in Charleston, WV.
Submitted by Rebecca Jinette
NC State Cooperative Extension
The 2025 NACDEP Conference in Charleston, West Virginia, was an energizing and inspiring experience—filled with professional growth, fresh ideas, and meaningful connections. Four of us from NCSU Cooperative Extension’s NC Digital Futures Program carpooled up from Mt. Airy, NC, inadvertently taking the scenic route through the mountains on our quest to avoid tolls. Somewhere along the way, we sang, “Country tolls, far from home - and the conference, where we beloooong” as the winding roads and beautiful views gave us plenty of time to reflect, connect, and laugh. It was the perfect start to a week grounded in community and camaraderie, just as much as strategy and skill-building.
As part of the conference programming, I had the chance to take part in two presentations focused on digital inclusion and community capacity building. During the first session, my NC Digital Futures team shared insights from our work in North Carolina, where we help residents adopt essential digital tools and navigate today’s increasingly connected world. Our work builds on Extension’s long legacy of helping communities adopt transformative technologies that improve daily life. In the past, that meant supporting the move from chamber pots to outhouses to eliminate disease vectors or guiding farmers from mule-and-plow to tractors to boost agricultural productivity. Today, my team continues that tradition by ensuring rural and underserved communities can access high-speed internet, use computers confidently, and participate fully in the digital economy.
On Thursday, we joined fellow digital equity practitioners from the National Digital Education Extension Team (NDEET) for a broader session led by Dr. Roseanne Scammahorn of the Southern Rural Development Center. The session underscored how much is happening nationwide in the digital equity space, and how important it is to exchange ideas, challenges, and approaches across state lines.
The absolute best part of my first NACDEP conference was simply seeing colleagues from across the country in person. Many of us work together regularly over Zoom, so seeing those familiar faces face-to-face—sharing stories, meals, and ideas—was a real highlight. As a first timer, I was especially struck by the deep friendships and professional partnerships that many attendees have built over decades. It was a great example of the strength and momentum of Extension’s CRD program area.
What also became clear as I experienced the conference was that our work in Extension is about much more than delivering information or teaching specific skills. At its core, it’s about building long-term community capacity, promoting economic mobility, and creating opportunities for people to thrive. Whether we’re helping someone access healthcare, find a job, start a small business, or become more engaged in their community, we’re investing in stronger, more resilient local economies and healthier, more connected places to live.
Charleston proved to be a charming and welcoming host city. The hotel was clean, comfortable, and conveniently located within walking distance of great restaurants and the scenic downtown area. The awards banquet was a standout moment, filled with genuine celebration and well-earned recognition of outstanding programs and leadership across our national team.
I came away from NACDEP 2025 full of fresh ideas, deeper connections, and a renewed sense of purpose. I’m grateful to be part of this vibrant community—and excited to continue building a future that honors Extension’s rich legacy of service, innovation, and impact.
Side By Side Podcast Second Season launched June 11
Submitted by Ellen Wolter
University of Minnesota
Season two of the Side by Side podcast series was released on June 11. Season two of Side by Side continues to explore the vital interdependence between rural and urban communities, highlighting how the connections across these spaces can bring added value to our regions and shared future.
This season Side by Side will explore rural-urban connections related to forestry, agritourism, cultural exchange programs, regional community development, news ecosystems, industry clusters, and artist solidarity across geographic differences.
Episodes released to date include:
Episode 1 (June 11, 2025): David McCullough III, co-founder and CEO of the American Exchange Project, discussed how the program connects rural, urban, and suburban students to deepen understanding across communities.
Episode 2 (June 18, 2025): Camden Blatchly, from the Center on Rural Innovation, explained the complexities of defining rural and urban places and why those distinctions matter for data and policy.
Episode 3 (June 25, 2025): Tim Marema, editor of The Daily Yonder, reflected on the impact of declining local news and how it shapes perceptions between rural and urban areas.
Episode 4 (July 2, 2025): Journalist Nora Hertel, founder of Project Optimist, explored how regional solutions-focused journalism can rebuild trust and connection between rural and urban.
You can find all episodes wherever you get your podcasts. If you want to stay updated on the Side by Side podcast, sign up for email updates.
Registration Open for Community Coaching Learning Circle
Submitted by Tamara Ogle
Purdue Extension
Do you find yourself guiding or coaching community groups? If so, consider registering for the Community Coaching Learning Circle. Purdue Extension Community Development is offering a professional development opportunity for individuals interested in honing their community coaching skills.
Through participating in this learning community, you will:
- Increase your knowledge of the principles and practices of community coaching
- Reflect on and increase your self-awareness of your role in different groups
- Identify your community coaching style and personal philosophy
- Deepen your capacity to coach community groups in a variety of situations
- Build a network of colleagues to support continued learning and practice
Once registered, access to the learning community non-credit course will open on August 25 and have live Zoom meetings every other Monday, 1:30-3:30 pm ET, from September 8-November 3, 2025. The meetings will include small group discussions. To be fair to fellow group members, participants must be available to attend all meetings. Participants will have approximately 2 hours of online coursework between meetings, consisting of reading, videos, and self-reflection exercises. Space is limited.
A prerequisite for the Community Coaching Learning Circle is your valuable experience working with community groups/teams, particularly in guiding these groups/teams towards achieving their goals. This requirement acknowledges and values your existing skills and expertise.
The course costs $450. There is a discount for group registrations of four or more participants from the same organization. Registration is available at bit.ly/CCLC2025 and ends on August 20, 2025.
If you have questions, please reach out to Tanya Hall at [email protected].
Why the NACDEP Communications Committee Matters: Join Us Today!
By Gwynn Stewart, Communications Committee Chair
Ohio State University Extension
The work of the NACDEP communications committee is the heartbeat of the national association’s outreach to its members and others. Com Com, as the committee is more affectionately known, works to amplify the visibility of NACDEP through webinars, annual conference, and quarterly newsletters featuring the work of members.
We work to ensure consistent messaging across platforms and hope to build engagement with members, partners, and the public in our efforts. Committee members strengthen the NACDEP brand in partnership with the Marketing Committee across social media (you’ll find NACDEP on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and YouTube) as well as the website.
Many of the members and leaders who have been involved in Com Com are now moving into NACDEP Board leadership and/or semi-retirement. That means we are actively recruiting new members! If you are in need of national-level service in your professional faculty role, NACDEP is a great fit. If you are looking to create relationships and opportunities for collaboration with other NACDEP members, again, it’s a great tool for networking.
We are looking for NACDEP professionals with digital marketing expertise (email campaigns); social media fluency (LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube); content creation skills (graphic design on tools like Canva, video editing, and copywriting) and event promotion experience (webinars, conferences). NACDEP Com Com meets once monthly (as needed) and works to assign members to focused areas with defined responsibilities.
Above all, we have fun as we tap into the depth and breadth of the work our members are doing to share and learn from one another!
Are you looking to grow your leadership skills, expand your professional network, and make a meaningful impact in community development and Extension? Join us as a volunteer or take on a leadership role within NACDEP Com Com.
If you are interested and want to learn more, please contact Com Com Chair, Gwynn Stewart at [email protected] or 740-305-3177.
#Leadership #VolunteerOpportunity #ProfessionalGrowth #GetInvolved #MakeADifference
Shape the Success of the 2026 NACDEP National Conference in Wichita!
Submitted by Jaime Menon, NACDEP President, and Jan Steen
Kansas State University
Kansas has the honor of hosting the 2026 NACDEP National Conference in Wichita from June 15-18, 2026. This is more than just a conference; it's a significant event in our professional development – sharing our work, growing collaborative opportunities, strengthening our network, and community connection.
In the coming months, a call for proposals will be announced, offering you a platform to share your impactful work. However, our vision for this conference extends beyond presentations. We want the entire NACDEP community to be actively involved, helping us shape an event that truly resonates and provides value for everyone.
Your expertise, regardless of your specific program area, directly contributes to creating thriving communities. There's a meaningful role for everyone—whether your talents lie in logistics, program development, hospitality, or promotion. This is your chance to make a difference and help shape a memorable national event, in the Middle of Everywhere – Wichita, Kansas!
If this opportunity strikes a chord with you, don’t hesitate to check out our conference planning committees via this Google Form:
NACDEP 2026 Conference – Wichita Committee Interest form:
Jaime Menon Kansas Extension Community Vitality Specialist, President – National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals
A special note from Jan Steen, NACDEP 2026 Conference Co-Chair – for those who might have a specific interest, or would like to lend your talents, we have plenty of spots open on the Publicity and Sponsorship Committees. If you have skills in those areas, we would love for you to consider lending your time and ideas! Just fill out the form above or email me at [email protected].
I would love it if the collaborative spirit that we have gained from NACDEP’s past conferences and our most recent experiences in Charleston would ensure that NACDEP 2026 is a resounding success. I look forward to collaborating with you!
Registration is Open for the Fall 2025 Cohort of the Rural Grocery Transition Specialist Program
Submitted by Clara Misenhelter
Kansas State University
Supporting rural grocers in business transition planning is essential to keeping the benefits of hometown grocery stores in rural communities. This online course is designed to train resource providers to better support rural grocery business transitions. Students who successfully complete the course will join a national network of professionals dedicated to supporting rural communities and earn a microcredential through Kansas State University. Registration is $685. The course starts September 1, 2025 and ends November 30, 2025. Registration closes August 25, 2025. Register today!
Mark Your Calendar and Save These Key Dates for the National Rural Grocery Summit
Submitted by Clara Misenhelter
Kansas State University
The 2026 National Rural Grocery Summit will be held in Fargo, North Dakota on May 5-7, 2026. The Rural Grocery Initiative is excited to co-host the 2026 National Rural Grocery Summit with two organizations that have a long history of supporting rural grocers in their states: the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships and the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives.
Key Dates:
- Call for proposals opens August 2025, due October 1
- Registration opens early 2025
To stay up-to-date, sign up here to receive National Rural Grocery Summit email updates.
New Online Course from USU Helps Rural Tourism Communities Better Understand & Approach Short-Term Rentals
Submitted by Elizabeth Sodja, [email protected]
Utah State University
Program Coordinator, GNAR Initiative
When our program, the Gateway & Natural Amenity Region (GNAR) Initiative launched back in 2020, one topic surfaced over and over as a source of challenges and disagreement in small, rural, gateway and amenity communities across the West – short-term rentals (STRs).
STRs are a thorny topic for communities for several reasons. They directly impact multiple–and at times, competing–personal values that community members hold: personal property rights, neighborhood character, ability to live in your community, ability to make a living, etc. No matter which way community leaders decide to go with the use, someone is likely to be upset. Add to this the fact that STRs are an almost entirely online industry, with rapidly-developing technology that’s linked to the global tourism economy, and it can feel almost impossible for communities to manage – especially small rural communities with limited capacity.
To try and help add capacity around STRs at the local level, we recently launched an online course: “Understanding & Managing Short-Term Rentals: Maximize benefits, minimize impacts.”
The course consists of seven lessons, and each lesson highlights a critical part of understanding and managing STRs in Western gateway communities.
Lessons include:
- Lesson 1: Introduction to Short-Term Rentals
- Lesson 2: Start with Data: Finding, Understanding & Utilizing Local STR Data
- Lesson 3: Community-Driven Policy Development: The Groundwork for Success
- Lesson 4: Developing & Implementing Effective Policies & Regulations
- Lesson 5: Easing Compliance & Enforcement
- Lesson 6: Enhancing Benefits: STR Tax base, Economic Development, and Tourism And,
- Lesson 7: How to Stay Engaged with Emerging Trends
While accessing the full course requires registration, the GNAR Initiative is also trying to share important course content through free avenues in the hopes that as many community leaders and planners as possible can learn from this project – regardless of whether they take the full course or not. To that end, we created a 43-minute webinar showcasing course lessons and highlighting some takeaways from the research that went into the course, and are working on several Extension fact sheets that will be on our website soon.
Click Here to learn more about the course.
Discover the AI Powered Agritourism Toolkit: A Cutting-Edge Resource Designed to Help Farmers and Ranchers Optimize their Agritourism Ventures!
Xue “Alice” Dong
Extension Regional Specialist
Colorado State University
I’m excited to share my latest article featuring this innovative decision-support tool, which leverages AI and machine learning to streamline planning, management, and scaling for agritourism operations. The toolkit includes an interactive chatbot for real-time guidance and five tailored modules covering business planning, marketing, regulatory compliance, risk management, and impact assessment.
Already making an impact, the toolkit was piloted at Prairie Ridge Buffalo Ranch on Colorado’s Eastern Plains. The results are documented in a peer-reviewed case study, “Revolutionizing Agritourism with AI and Machine Learning: A Case Study of Prairie Ridge Buffalo Ranch in Colorado,” published in CABI Tourism Cases (DOI: 10.1079/tourism.2025.0029). Check out the article to learn how this tool can empower rural entrepreneurs and reach out if you’d like to explore collaborations!
SAVE THE DATE—Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing Train the Trainer
Submitted by Kristina Parker
Purdue Extension
Purdue Extension is planning to host a Train the Trainer for the award-winning Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing (BGGW) workshop on November 18-19, 2025, in Indianapolis. BGGW is a 2-day in-person workshop in which nonprofit and local government agency staff learn about the grant process, the basic components of a proposal and tips for building relationships with funders; they draft their idea into a proposal outline, practice making a pitch, search for funders, and give and receive feedback on a draft proposal during the workshop. Many professionals in nonprofits, education, and the public sector find themselves in positions in which grant writing is a required or valued skill set, yet they lack formal training to write proposals. Communities benefit from grant funds leveraged to provide vital services and resources to advance their quality of life.
The Train the Trainer is open to Extension educators and specialists interested in piloting the program in your state. Attendees of the Train the Trainer will experience most of the workshop and receive resources to prepare for teaching it. Attendees should have some experience with grant writing as well as teaching experiential workshops. BGGW is taught in pairs, so your state may want to send two people to the Train the Trainer. Your institution may adapt the materials and train additional staff in your state, provided that you purchase the Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing manuals for your workshop participants and follow the branding guidelines. Contact Kris Parker with any questions or to be notified about registration at [email protected] or 219-386-5232.
|
