The 2021 Community Development Society Virtual Conference will be held online July 12-15, 2021. The virtual conference will feature five amazing keynote speakers who will speak on important topics related to the conference theme, “Global Challenges, Local Resilience.” Each keynote address will be followed by a panel discussion focused on local resilience and/or facilitator-led, small group discussions. We are very excited for each of these speakers to share their unique experiences and knowledge with everyone during this year’s virtual conference.

Learn More About Our Keynote Speakers

The virtual conference will also feature plenary sessions on the effects the COVID-19 pandemic and the fight for racial justice are having on community development. Registration is open on the CDS website at: https://cvent.me/YgLbX0.

CDS is a membership driven organization. We need you to get involved in your organization. Together, we can build a stronger organization and support our work across the community development spectrum. Learn more about the activities below and join to play an active role in shaping the future of CDS.

This working group is exploring ways to increase membership and encourages everyone to share the benefits of CDS with their colleagues. Benefits include networking, access to our journals, CD Practice, annual conference, and awards. Please contact Ron Hustedde for more details.

The Chapters working group is engaging international perspectives in CDS issues, exploring stronger partnerships with the International Association of Community Development (IACD), building a student chapter, and supporting CD practitioners and educators to collaborate. Please contact Mary Simon-Leuci for more details.

This working group leads the Vanguard publication, CD Practice, and activities related to membership such as engagement on member needs and priorities. Activities include development of information materials and membership surveys. Please contact Lisa Gilchrist to join the committee or for more details.

The Membership Committee knows that we are living in challenging times with respect to the global pandemic, economic shifts, inequities and many other factors. We know these challenges impact CDS members differently depending on personal and local situations.

We have put together some resources to support mental wellness and self-care during these times. Please make use of these resources or those offered locally to support yourself.

In the UK, the Mental Health Foundation has a vision for a world with good mental health for all. Their mission is to help people understand, protect and sustain their mental health. Prevention is at the heart of what they do, because the best way to deal with a crisis is to prevent it from happening in the first place.

In Australia, Everymind is dedicated to reducing mental ill-health, reducing suicide and improving wellbeing. They offer programs, research, and resources.

In the United States, the American Mental Wellness Association envisions a world that through public education values prevention, early detection, early intervention, scientific research, and cures of mental health conditions, including substance misuse, for the holistic health of the individual and society.

Psychology Today shares a blog on self-care tips. Learn ways you can improve sleep, manage stress, and build personal resiliency. Exercise, eating right, and getting outdoors are all suggested.