Introduction to Community Development
Presented By: ECHO
Register Before:
July 31, 2017 14:32
Event Contact:
Renee Gill (study@echonet.org)
Phone: 239-567-3328
As a development worker or missionary, where do you start? How might you ensure that development efforts will be relevant, realistic, and community-owned? This five-day course will cover the basics of effective community development. Using proven participatory methods, experienced community development workers will introduce attendees to hands-on tools that can better enable change agents and partner communities to survey local assets and needs. Utilizing feedback, participants will practice prioritizing issues as well as strategic responses in order to develop action plans. Course participants will walk through the fundamentals of project management cycles: planning, implementation, monitoring, finances, and reporting. Additionally, participants will explore methodologies of agricultural information exchange.
Highlighted Instructor:
Lindy Backues, PhD, is Associate Professor of Economic Development at Eastern University, St. Davids,
Pennsylvania, teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. His publications, writings, and
public speaking events have explored the connection between theology and community development,
especially as the two interface in the midst of practical, implemented, participatory involvement. Dr.
Backues came to Eastern University after nearly two decades of direct involvement in development
work in Indonesia, where, among other accomplishments, he founded and directed a multi-disciplinary,
multi-faith community empowerment, non-government organization. He also served as program
supervisor between 2005–2007 for tsunami response in the province of Aceh Jaya in north Sumatra.
Living in Indonesia from 1989–2007, Dr. Backues worked primarily in the region of West Java amongst
the Sundanese and served as Indonesia Country Director for Millennium Relief & Development Services
out of Houston, Texas. Dr. Backues teaches a wide variety of courses at Eastern University, such as
“Epistemological Insights for Anthropological Practice,” “Faith and Economic Justice,” “Economic
Development of Third World Countries,” “Economic Reasoning Seminar,” “Theology of Culture,” and
“Theology of Poverty.”
Event Details
Location
ECHO Campus
17391 Durrance Road North Fort Myers, FLorida 33917 United States
Language
All classes are conducted in ENGLISH.
Cost
Registration Fee: $645.00
Registration fees include:
- Week-long course
- Meals (Sunday evening through Saturday morning).
- Housing
Registration does not include:
- Transportation to or from the Airport
- You can arrive on August 13 and stay until August 19
Payment Options
Payment is required in full at the time of registration. Applications will be cancelled if payment is not received with in two weeks of registration.
For any payment inquiries please email study@echonet.org
Lodging
Registration fees include the week-long course, and housing for Sunday night - Saturday morning. Housing will be dormitory type. We have very limited facilities for couples to share their own room.
Linens are provided during your stay
Food
Registration fees include all meals for Sunday night - Saturday morning.
At this time we are not always able to accommodate those with special dietary needs or food allergies. (Those with special dietary needs will need to plan accordingly, please indicate your allergies on your registration form.)
Additional Opportunities
Florida resident? - please contact rgill@echonet.org for discounted rates
Attended a previous ECHO Florida Training? - please contact rgill@echonet.org for your discount
Groups of 3 or more will recieve 20% discount.
Additional Information
Cancellation Policy - ECHO Classes
Payment for ECHO classes is required at the time of registration. Due to the nature of the class, we require at least 2-weeks notice of cancellation to receive a full refund of your fees. If less than 2-weeks notice is given a refund will not be issued.
These courses are interest-driven, therefore we reserve the right to cancel an course due to lack of interest. Should a cancellation be necessary, we will do so two weeks before the first day of class.
Suggested items to pack:
It is always a good idea to bring a jacket or sweater. More than likely, though, highs will be in the 80's and 90's for both the May and Aug dates. As there will be time built in for being on the farm and possibly working with our interns, bring a set of clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. A hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle and insect repellent would be good to include in your luggage. It may also be helpful to bring a flashlight to use in walking around campus after dark.