Approaches of Extension Specialists to Teaching Community and Economic Development

Abstract

A survey of community resource and economic development extension specialists was conducted to reveal where specialists get information and ideas and how they disseminate this information through educational programs and various media. Results indicated that the Journal of the Community Development Society was the most commonly cited source of information and ideas. Almost 40 percent of all specialists published or contributed to newsletters. The most common topics for educational programs included business assistance and entrepreneurship, fiscal policy, budgeting and government services, strategic planning and leadership development. Recommendations included establishing more student intern programs, making extension community development educational materials more available through electronic media and recognition of the Community Development Society as a principal outlet for professional communication between specialists.