The Rural Development Leadership Network Offers Educational Opportunities for Community Builders

The Rural Development Leadership Network assists community leaders to strengthen their practical skills, knowledge and credentials while remaining involved in their community development work.

Participants may earn an academic degree (B.A., M.A., Ph.D.) by 1) implementing a practical field project in their community, 2) pursuing related independent study, and 3) participating in a month-long Rural Development Institute at the University of California at Davis.  Leaders are mentored by a team
of field and study advisors and work under the umbrella of a Sponsoring Organization, which also contributes financially to RDLN.  The amount ranges from $7,500 to $30,000) depending upon the degree. The schools are fully accredited, and qualified students may apply for federal financial aid

Food Security and Social Justice

We are currently recruiting a new group of participants, particularly those involved in the food system, those working in the areas of agricultural economic development, family farming and farmworker rights, land ownership and land use, environmental protection and restoration, post harvest value added activities (processing, marketing and distribution), as well as those working on health, nutrition, and other food related issues.  Small scholarships may be available for participants in this cohort.

Graduates

Among the graduates of the program are

• Shirley Sherrod, Director of Georgia Field Operations for the Federation of Southern Cooperatives


• Julie Moss, who recently completed a term as Treasurer of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians


• Nancy Warneke, formerly Director of the Tribal Business Information Center at Salish Kootenai College


• Hector Correa, who developed a demonstration farm and an appropriate technology project for small farmers in Puerto Rico.

Rural Development Leadership Network

RDLN is a U.S. based, multicultural social change organization, established in 1983, that seeks to support community-based development in poor rural areas through hands-on projects, education, leadership development, and networking.

Deadline for applications: March 15, 2005

For further Information, please contact:
Starry Krueger
Rural Development Leadership Network
P.O. Box 98, Prince St. Station
New York, NY 10012
(212)777-9137/Fax (212)477-0367
rdln@ruraldevelopment.org
http://www.ruraldevelopment.org