|
New Inductees to the
National Association's Hall of Fame
The National Association has
inducted two new members into its distinguished Hall
of Fame. These two deserving individuals are Mr.
Chuck McCarty and Ms. Joan Smith Freeman.
Mr. Chuck McCarty always had a
great ability to envision progress in the broad
spectrum of society and identify with and develop
local leadership to make progress. He assisted his
local council with projects from traditional
conservation activities to new concepts associated
with the districts to working on housing,
child-care, business and industry growth and
development and Rural Water with other
organizations. Chuck was a master at identifying and
developing local leadership! The local leadership
responded in representing local interest and support
to carry projects forward. We truly miss Chuck’s
exceptional passion in the RC&D Program. Accepting
the award is his wife Theresa.
Ms. Joan Smith Freeman lives
and loves dealing with people, and she learned the
craft of promoting causes from an early age. Her
skills as a promoter of the RC&D cause have been
heard first hand across the nation, in the capitol
building, community halls, and throughout the rural
neighborhoods across America. Joan has served on
numerous national, state, and local committees
always promoting relations with RC&D. She set the
standards for the California Association of RC&D
Councils as she stepped forward with a vision before
any apparent mission took shape. As she does with
anything she undertakes, Joan gives of herself
freely to make whatever she is doing an effective
and efficient organization.
We commend both Chuck and Joan
for their exemplary dedication to our RC&D
Community!
Back to
top
Every so often Congress looks at operations of programs to see if a program is meeting its intended purposes and to determine if support for the program should continue.
The new Farm Bill requires that the Secretary of Agriculture evaluates the RC&D program and issues a report, due by June 30, 2005, to the House and Senate Agriculture committees on the results of the evaluation and any recommendations. To meet this deadline, evaluation is underway.
NARC&DC is focused on providing councils with the information and training they need to be ready for the RC&D program evaluation.
Here are some things councils should be focused on:
- Does my council have a comprehensive area plan adopted in the last five years that addresses land management; water management; land conservation; and community development and all the key elements that the RC&D program manual lists as necessary?
- Does my council have an annual plan of work approved and adopted by the RC&D council that reflects the Area Plan's goals and objectives?
- Does my council have a non-profit status designation from the IRS?
- Does my council have bylaws that support the current council structure?
- Does my council have policies and procedures in place for managing council finances, staff and operations?
We encourage you to participate in the listening session at your next regional meeting. This is an activity that gives council members input on the operation of the federal RC&D program. The listening session will give you an opportunity to provide feedback on how effective the RC&D program is in helping your council deliver assistance to your local community. It also gives councils the opportunity to talk about the many successes we as council members have had in the past and to give our thoughts on what would help us achieve even more in the future.
NARC&DC also urges you to participate in our Circle of Diamonds program. This program is designed to recognize councils for the outstanding work they do in adopting best management practices for RC&D council operations. This is just another way for us to proactively show Congress that RC&D councils are accountable for the investments that Congress has made in the program.
Program evaluation is something that we need to understand and be ready for; it is not something to be feared. Program evaluation presents an opportunity to outline a vision for how the program can operate in the future. If your state or region would like to have a training session or more information to prepare for program evaluation, please contact us at 202-434-4780 or at narcdc@rcdnet.org.
2005 National Awards Winners
(Slide Show)
(text only version)
Back to
top
RC&D Making Things Happen |
