Principles of Good Practice Webinar Series: Dignity within Diversity
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 — 2:00 pm Eastern Time (US & Canada)
To register for this webinar meeting click HERE.
Community Development Society (CDS) supports eight Principles of Good Practice for community development. Beginning in 2026, CDS will host a two-year webinar series exploring these principles, with four sessions offered each year and led by practitioners and researchers. The series emphasizes dialogue and shared learning among community development professionals, pairing research-based insights with opportunities for discussion and application.
The first session will focus on Dignity within Diversity, engaging participants across differences in identity and culture through guided, practice-based conversation. Participants will explore the distinction between dialogue and debate, reflect on systems of power and privilege, and engage with research, examples, and peer perspectives to strengthen their community development practice.
Presenters:
Dr. Dwayne T. James, P.E.
Dr. Dwayne T. James, P.E., is a dynamic leader with a deep commitment to community engagement and expanding access to opportunity. He serves as the statewide Director of Access and Engagement for MU Extension, where he leads efforts to foster a culture in which all individuals—faculty, staff, participants, volunteers, and partners—are valued, supported, and able to thrive. He also serves as a Field Specialist in Community Development for St. Louis County, leading impactful programs such as the Neighborhood Leadership Fellows and the Youth Empowerment Program—initiatives that equip residents with the tools to drive meaningful change in their communities. With a background in structural engineering and public service including serving as a Ferguson City Council member and co-founding the Ferguson Youth Initiative—Dr. James brings a unique blend of technical expertise, civic leadership, and a strong dedication to strengthening communities. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in civil engineering and a doctorate in education.
Dionardo Pizaña, Emeritus
Dionardo Pizaña was the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist for Michigan State University Extension until his retirement in March 2024. He has over 25 years of experience developing, teaching, and facilitating culture, access and inclusion education programs through Michigan State University Extension, Adrian College, and Siena Heights University. He remains as a faculty member as part of the Great Lakes Leadership Academy Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) last taught in August 2025. Dionardo’s work as an activist and educator is grounded in his conviction that deep and lasting institutional change requires an equally strong commitment to “working on oneself” while nurturing authentic relationships across difference. He believes that authenticity is far more than mere friendship or working affiliation. It is based on trust, honesty, risk-taking, mutual responsibility, humility, and acceptance that tension in relationships is a necessary component that leads to growth. As a lifelong learner around issues related to social justice and change, Dionardo has participated in foundational learning opportunities such as cultural bridges, VISIONS training, Opening Doors and The People’s Institute. Dionardo earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Michigan and a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Development from Siena Heights University.
