About ACDS
The Arkansas Community Development Society is an educational nonprofit organization whose purpose is to advance community development and the community development profession by:
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Providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and the development of common interest among the members of the Society
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Providing for the publication and dissemination of community development information to members of the public
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Advocating excellence in community development scholarship research and practice for the good of mankind
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Promoting citizen participation as essential to effective community development
Letter From Our President
Hello, and thank you for your interest in the Arkansas Community Development Society!
Community development is a broad and powerful concept, just about anything that improves the well-being, comfort, and quality of life of our neighbors falls under its umbrella. Whether through formal initiatives or small everyday actions, we all have the opportunity to make a difference.
From volunteering a few hours to pick up trash, to taking on leadership roles, every contribution matters. These actions not only improve the physical and social environment, but they also inspire others to get involved. The possibilities are endless.
Each of us is also an ambassador for our community. When we speak positively about where we live and highlight local strengths and opportunities, we contribute to a culture of growth and optimism. Every community has untapped assets, especially within our people, and harnessing this human potential is essential to long-term success.
Remember: Community Development comes before Economic Development. A strong, connected, and empowered community lays the foundation for economic progress.
Let’s continue sharing our success stories and best practices through our community developers' network. By learning from each other, we can grow individually, locally, and across the state.
We look forward to seeing you at the April conference!