Community Development

Community Development Educator: Nicole Sidoff

What is Community Development?

Community Development is the process of helping a community strengthen itself and develop towards its full potential.  It is about process, not something that is handed down from an administration or government.  Community Development is about engaging the community by giving access to resources and information and by showing how to access and use those resources.  It is the building of a community through education, communication and supporting existing assets. 

~definition adapted from the University of Pittsburg

What is a Community Development Educator?

The Community Development Educator programs in a number of priority areas. Backed by University of Wisconsin research, Community Development Educators work with local government, civic organizations, businesses and community leaders to enhance local decision-making and help communities respond to new challenges and opportunities. These priorities change as local needs change.  As facilitators, they work in partnership with local people and organizations to meet identified local needs.

Through the University of Wisconsin-Extension, all Wisconsin people can access university resources and engage in lifelong learning, wherever they live and work."

An EEO/Affirmative Action employer, University of Wisconsin-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA requirements.
Requests for reasonable accommodation for disabilities or limitations should be made prior to the date of the program or activity for which it is needed (or dial 711 for Relay).