The Philosophy
The Community Development Education Program Model has at its core a number of guiding principles. These five principles - Purpose, Inclusion, Collaboration, Imagination, and Transformation.
Purpose
Program development should be purposeful and goal oriented. The first step in program planning is to identify anticipated cognitive and affective student outcomes. While unanticipated positive outcomes are likely from any program, a successful program is one that achieves its stated purpose and outcomes.
Inclusion
Thought should be given to issues of inclusion in planning any program or activity. Consideration should be given in developing program topics, content, and marketing which are as inclusive as possible of a broad range of perspectives and audiences. Every effort should be made to vary programming so that all residents feel welcome. Understanding and incorporating our differences and similarities is essential and adds value to our community.
Collaboration
Our ability to be successful in creating programming that supports our educational mission and in changing attitudes and behaviors is as dependent on our efforts as it is on our ability to make connections with others. Collaboration with other Ministry’s staff, organizations, and individuals is a must. As agents for building enlightened communities, consideration should also be given to utilizing faculty in developing and presenting programs. They can be very helpful in connecting the in-class and out-of-class experience for students.
Imagination
Students are changing and the programs and marketing strategies must reflect these changes. Even programs that have been successful in the past need to be evaluated and updated in order to reach new and returning students. Imagination is central to developing program formats and methods that are inclusive of students with different backgrounds, experiences, and learning styles.
Transformation
Growth happens (and communities develop) when students are adequately supported and challenged. Potential program participants are at different levels and our programming efforts should reflect these differences. What separates the Community Development Education Program from other communities is our focus on building communities that support enlightenment and personal growth through intentional programming.