Civic Engagement
Putting “Community” Back
Into Community Colleges
The Collaboration Continuum
http://www.optimizemag.com/issue/001/strategies.htm
Phase One: Creating the Vision
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Module One
– Explore ideas & options
w/citizens & Core Team
members
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Used consultants to
help defining mission,
goals, team rules,
strategy
– Leadership
Development Efforts
– Training Efforts
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Module Two
– Gather input from groups
via community
conversations using the
Speakers Team
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Used Chattanooga video
Sought diverse groups
for diverse input
Organized like a United
Way campaign using
civic & employee groups
Phase Two: Community Vision 2000

Module Three
– Establish a control system with a data base
(Microsoft Outlook)
 Establish
the organizational structure
 Establish the team job descriptions
 Establish a communication system
 Set up a timeline
 Set up a budget for the teams
 Set up accountability system for validating the
vote
– College’s job is to manage the process, the
timeline & the communication system
 Allow
for & encourage “out-of-the-box” thinking
 Let the volunteers “dream” of what this could be
Phase Two: Community Vision 2000

Community Vision 2000 Team - The Leadership
– Speakers Team
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Canned 30 minute program using trained speakers:
– Chattanooga Video – visual aid
– Define community Assets
– Brainstorm community Goals
Booth Team
Voting Team
Vendor’s Team
Entertainment Team
Communications Team
Decorating & Layout Team
Idea Team
Residential Campaign Team
Phase Three: Implementing the Vision

Module Four
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– Create the Vision Team
– Train the Vision Team
Module Five
– Organize teams to implement
the top goals
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Education Implementing
Team
Infrastructure Implementing
Team
Health Implementing Team
Community Development
Implementing Team
Economic Development
Implementing Team
Service to Citizens
Implementing Team
Phase Three: Implementing the Vision
 Module
Six
– Integrate community development
concepts into the culture to sustain the
efforts
 Set
up community communications system
 Search & secure additional funding sources
 Look for ways to partner with organizations
 Move to cultural change to think regionally
 Continue leadership development
 Measure & report the outcomes of the
implementation of the community’s goals
Community Vision 2000 Outcomes
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Educational efforts:
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Bachelors in Education in partnership with NMSU
MBA in partnership with Eastern NM University
Bachelors & Masters in Social Work in partnership with NM Highlands
Masters in Engineering Management in partnership with NM Mining & Technology
Bachelors in Human & Community Services, web based, in partnership with NMSU
Bachelors in Nursing in partnership with NMSU
And a promise of a Masters in Environmental Engineering in partnership with NMSU
Investment in ITV infrastructure to broaden distance learning efforts
Community Development Efforts
– Sports Complex & Skate Park
– Beautification
– Citizen advisory teams for the mayor & City of Carlsbad staff

Challenges:
– No success in selling the concept tp the community’s political leadership that
regionalization is the best strategy for survival and growth.
– Limited success in selling the concept that the community colleges are truly a
partner in economic development – their value tends to be an afterthought
Civic Engagement
Putting “Community” Back Into
Community Colleges
Questions & Comments