~by Michael Wilcox Assistant Director and Program Leader for Community Development / Purdue Extension Associate Director / North Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD)     Last month, I offered a glimpse into our Purdue Study Abroad trip to Ireland focused on rural development. Our planned activities exceeded our expectations during the trip, but …

~by Michael Wilcox Assistant Director and Program Leader for Community Development / Purdue Extension Associate Director / North Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD)   My next two columns are NOT a travelogue. They ARE a love letter to “home.” Last month I had the privilege of co-leading a Study Abroad to the Republic …

~by Michael Wilcox Assistant Director and Program Leader for Community Development / Purdue Extension Associate Director / North Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD)   Are you experiencing the same thing I am? I am uncertain if it is politics or the pandemic, but polarization appears to be winning the day. There was a …

~by Michael Wilcox Assistant Director and Program Leader for Community Development / Purdue Extension Associate Director / North Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD)     At the community level, when is the right time for a change? The answer to this question depends on your circumstances and your point of view. Those who …

~by Michael Wilcox Assistant Director and Program Leader for Community Development / Purdue Extension Associate Director / North Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD)     The New Year represents the opportunity for people to make resolutions and envision what the year might bring. We have dispensed with the resolutions for Purdue Extension’s Community …

~by Michael Wilcox Assistant Director and Program Leader for Community Development / Purdue Extension Associate Director / North Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD) ~ Kayla Wright, Community Development Educator, Marion County Extension, Co-author     Last month I discussed a personal journey involving lifelong learning and giving thanks. This month, I am looking …

~by Michael Wilcox Assistant Director and Program Leader for Community Development / Purdue Extension Associate Director / North Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD)   Each year, the Purdue Extension Community Development team gives thanks. This year, I am thankful for lifelong learning. Cooperative Extension was founded as a resource for lifelong learning for …

~by Michael Wilcox Assistant Director and Program Leader for Community Development / Purdue Extension Associate Director / North Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD)   As Community Development Extension professionals, we are constantly asked by communities to provide technical assistance and guidance on how to address difficult issues. To be successful, we rely on …

~by Michael Wilcox Assistant Director and Program Leader for Community Development / Purdue Extension Associate Director / North Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD)     Every time new Census Data arrives, I receive a call from Perry County. On the other end of the line is Erin Emerson, Executive Director of the Perry …

~by Michael Wilcox Assistant Director and Program Leader for Community Development / Purdue Extension Associate Director / North Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD)     A few months ago, I was contemplating revolution. Today, I am in a more reflective state of mind. Perhaps it was our family vacation, offering a fleeting taste …