Duration:

1 hour

Description

June 4 and 18 from 9:30-12pm 

This two-day course is a comprehensive exploration of contemporary community development, covering various aspects such as its history, key players, core values, goals, challenges, strategies, and emerging innovations. Participants will learn: 

1. History: First we will define community development and delve into the origins of the field to gain an understanding of how it has evolved. 

2. Ecosystem and Key Players: Learn the community development landscape and the roles of different entities such as community-based organizations, community development corporations, and government agencies and other stakeholders. Understanding the interplay between these players is crucial for effective community development efforts. 

3. Core Values and Goals: The course will likely articulate the fundamental principles that guide community development work, such as equity, empowerment, social justice, and sustainable development. We will also define the overarching goals of community development initiatives, which often include improving quality of life, addressing systemic inequalities, and fostering inclusive economic growth. 

4. Theory of Change: Participants will examine the theory of change that underpins community development practices. This involves understanding the causal mechanisms by which interventions are expected to bring about positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes within communities. 

5. Types of Community Economic Development: We will review the areas of community development such as real estate development, community engagement, small business, capacity building and advocacy. 

6. Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovations: We will invite practitioners to discuss the various challenges and opportunities in the field. This includes innovative approaches to community engagement, and creative solutions to address complex neighborhood challenges. 

This course aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary community development, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of this field and drive positive change within communities. 

Lynn Peterson is a Senior Relationship Manager at NeighborWorks America, a national non-profit intermediary that supports a network of approximately 245 community development organizations. Located in the Northeast Region, Lynn assists network members with building organizational capacity and accessing resources including grants, peer learning opportunities, training, and technical assistance. Prior to joining NeighborWorks, Lynn worked at the Women’s Institute for Housing and Economic Development developing supportive housing and designing education programs. Over her 20+ year career at WIHED she held positions of project manager, assistant director, director of strategic initiatives and real estate director. Early in her career, Lynn was an Assistant Planner with the City of Boston and prior to that was the Congregate Housing Coordinator for Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley. Lynn currently serves on Citizens Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) Housing Policy Council, Mel King Institute steering committee, Housing Network of Rhode Island Funders Collaborative, and Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s Maine Working Communities Challenge. She holds an MA in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning from Tufts University and a BA in Human Services and Urban Affairs from Northeastern University.

Shirronda Almeida, Director of The Mel King Institute for Community Building, serves on MACDC’s management team and supports Community Development organizations in improving their capacity to reach their mission. She joined the team in 2002, as a Program Coordinator and later served as Membership Director. Now, under the auspices of the Institute launched in 2009, she manages the robust professional education program, Alliance – Advancing Community Development by Confronting Racism, the Community Development Mentoring Program, and the annual MKI Breakfast event. The Institute engages over 500 people annually and partners to offer programs for professionals, AmeriCorps members, Board members, residents, and other local leaders in community development.
Shirronda is a gubernatorial appointee for the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, and on the boards of the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, and Center for the Living City. In 2017, she was presented with the Nancy Nye Memorial Award by Women’s Institute for Housing and Economic Development. Prior to her time at MACDC, Shirronda worked in youth development programming, community organizing, prevention and public art programs. She holds a Master's degree in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education and a B.A. from Simmons University. Shirronda is Reiki Master and a registered yoga instructor.

Registration deadline

May 28, 2024

Registration fee

Regular $75, MACDC Member $50, Student/Americorps/Intern $25