Sustainable Living:
Involved Citizens
Research shows that active citizens are playing an increasingly important role in the development of their communities. As non-profits, volunteer groups, and nongovernmental organizations take on larger roles in contributing to local well-being, the active contribution of local residents is vital to the long-term success of community development efforts.
UF/IFAS provides training and expertise in community organization and helps local and state government, NGOs, citizens, and others build the important skills necessary engage diverse local residents into the community development process.
Civic Engagement
UF/IFAS Publications
- Community Forums
- Empowering Your Community: Stage 1, Initiation
- Empowering Your Community: Stage 2, Organization of Sponsorship
- Empowering Your Community: Stage 3, Goal Setting and Strategy Formulation
- Empowering Your Community: Stage 4, Recruitment
- Empowering Your Community: Stage 5, Implementation
- Enhancing Community Through Social Interaction
- The Importance of Incorporating Local Culture into Community Development
- The Importance of Local Community Action in Shaping Development
- Planning Culturally Relevant Programs Series
- Volunteer Development
Other Sites & Publications
- LifeSmarts--National Consumers League
- Public Participation--Local Government Commission
- Smart Growth Implementation Assistance--EPA
Nonprofit & Community-based Organizations
Whether you are a student, a professional in the field, or some other interested party, the UF/IFAS Nonprofit Organizations and Leadership Web site is a useful resource that is continually evolving. Below are some of the site's main sections.
- Degree Programs
- Employment Opportunities
- Florida Nonprofit Resources
- Government Resources for Nonprofits
- Nonprofit Organization Resources and Links
- Return to Sustainable Living
General Resources
UF/IFAS Sites
- Center for Training, Research and Education for Environmental Occupations (TREEO)
- Department of Agricultural Education and Communication
- Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences
- Florida Master Naturalist Program
- Florida Natural Resources Leadership Institute
- Florida Partnership for Water, Agriculture & Community Sustainability at Hastings
- Food and Resource Economics Department
- Program for Resource Efficient Communities
- School IPM
- Virtual Field Day
- Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources
UF/IFAS Publications
State & Federal Agencies
- American FactFinder--U.S. Census Bureau
- Division of Community Planning--Florida DCA
- Division of Housing and Community Development--Florida DCA
- Fedstats
- Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
- Florida Legislature
- Florida Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development (OTTED)
- Florida Department of Education
- USDA Rural and Community Development
- U.S. Small Business Administration
Other University Sites
Organizations & Associations
- Community Development Society
- Florida Association of Counties
- International Association for Community Development
- National Association of Counties
- National Conference of State Legislatures