Chair’s Update – November 2023

Here in the U.S., late November is a time when we pause to reflect and give thanks each year. Not forgetting Thanksgiving’s unfortunate connection to the negative aspects of colonization, and without the romantic nostalgia about the colonial life in which my ancestors engaged, I very much enjoy this annual ritual. Reflecting on the progress CDS has made over the past couple years reveals many points of gratitude:

• Successfully navigating a three-year period of pandemic and disrupted operations, including one canceled conference and two virtual conferences.

• Aligning our Principles of Good Practice with current social and economic conditions.

• Establishing a strategic plan that centers Members and advancement of the field of Community Development through both long-standing and new programs and organizational partnerships.

• Hosting an engaging and fantastic in-person conference in Portland, Oregon in July.

• Initiating professional development webinars—a Member benefit that will continue.

• Increasing the reach and reputation of our Journals and Book Series.

• Developing a more functional website (although there is always room for improvement!)

• Building a much more effective, efficient, and transparent nonprofit organizational foundation with the support of professional administrators—Celina Tchida, Doug Leslie, and now Tammy Baxter.

Of course there are many other things to be thankful for—not the least of which is the community we enjoy with one another as CDS Members through Committees and Working Groups. Collectively, we are the heart of our Society. I appreciate you all and am grateful for your presence in my life and for all you do for CDS!

In service,

Margaret Stout
Chair, 2023-2024
chair@CDSociety.org