OVERVIEW:
A special feature of the EJ Conference to be continued this year is the “Small Town Development Forum” (STDF). The Forum began in 2010 with plans to continue as a springboard for identifying needs and provide services to small towns and rural American with best practices and practical resources for problem solving and resource development.
The Small Town Development Forum is an opportunity for rural communities, small towns, and academic institutions to prepare an Issue Statement. The Issue Statement is a one-page narrative that outlines critical issues or needs faced by the entity and the relevant resources needed to address the issue and/or resolve the problem.
Issue statements received will be screened by EJ Conference staff and a maximum of 4 entities will be selected to make a 15 minute presentation to a panel of experts during the Small Town Development Forum Workshop Session at the EJ Conference.
The panel of experts assembled will be based upon the entries/applications selected to make presentations during the Small Town Development Forum. The expert panel will consist of representatives from federal agencies, foundations, and private sector resources. The panel will be asked to provide feedback and information on best practices, research, and policy aimed at addressing the issues and needs of the select presenters. Panel members will provide the presenters additional advice on potential resources to move an implementation plan and the steps required to access the resources. Resources can include those found in federal agencies, foundations, corporations, or any other sources.
During the presentation, the selected town or academic institution may augment the Issue Statement narrative with additional handouts, pictures, or a PowerPoint presentation for the benefit of the members of the expert panel and session attendees.
While the initial presentation will be limited to fifteen minutes, there will be additional time for open discussion with the panel. Presenters are encouraged to seek additional discussions with panelist and resources identified after the session adjourns.
Entries that are not selected to make presentations during the Small Town Development Forum will receive follow-up regarding how to match available resources with their needs.
OUTCOMES:
The goal of the Small Town Development Forum is to equip the presenters with specific strategies and innovative ideas for problem solving in their respective town. Benefits of participation in and attendance at the Small Town Development Forum:
- Encourages the building of alliances between small towns, rural communities and HBCU/MIS education institutions and federal agencies, organization and private sector resources
- Fosters an environment for sharing ideas, discussing relevant issues, and learning about new initiatives and programs for problem solving
KEY POINTS:
- The submitter must commit to attending the conference and making an oral presentation.
- The presenter will be required to sign a statement of understanding to ensure that the submitter has a clear understanding of the advice and assistance it will receive at the conference.
- Presenters will be required to cover all of their expenses to participate in the conference. A limited amount of financial assistance may be available to assist with conference expenses. Requests for financial assistance should be directed to F-A@ejconference.net no later than February 15, 2012.
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