Greetings CDS Members!
As 2023 draws to a close, I reflect back on the commitments I made at the start of my term serving as the Board Chair and would like to offer a midterm update. We are moving ahead steadily with support from our new Executive Director, Tammy Baxter.
This is especially true in regard to tasks associated with continued financial and organizational stabilization. We will be hosting information sessions and special meetings of the general membership starting January 22nd on bylaws’ clarifications and revisions to increase accountability to the Members (among other improvements). Our management and administration contract with Tammy is progressing beautifully, including updated policies and operating guidelines and clarified nonprofit accounting procedures for greater effectiveness and efficiency by March.
Please do take note of our current Be A Light operational support campaign—your contributions are still critical to enable our Society’s pursuit of equilibrium while preserving affordable membership dues, cherished endowments, and the Strategic Initiatives Fund for mission-fulfilling endeavors.
We have a tremendous and active Membership Committee leading the way toward growth and diversification—and I must give a shout out to Rick Orton, who has provided much-needed support to our Vice Chair of Operations, Na’Shon Edwards, as he has navigated health issues since taking office.
In regard to organizational recognition and collaboration, we are in deliberations with the Community Development Council on potential partnership efforts around academic program accreditation. I’ve also been invited to sit on a leadership council established by NeighborWorks America, an important congressionally chartered community development intermediary. Building relationships with their professional development team will strengthen CDS’s impact on community development policy and practice.
In regard to programming, I was excited to present our revised Principles of Good Practice with Vice Chair of Programs, Steven Jeanetta and past Board Director Celina Tchida in a webinar earlier this week hosted by the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development. Their reach into the Extension Service system is one way we are reaffirming our shared history and mutual support with the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals. You can view the December 18, 2023 webinar by clicking HERE or clicking on the webinar flyer below.
I wish you all the best for the coming year!
In service,
Chair, 2023-2024
chair@CDSociety.org
