WELCOME!

For almost two years – even before the CCDA Board approved Philadelphia as the site for the 2006 conference – the Philadelphia host committee worked to ensure that the 18th Annual Conference would be an exciting and meaningful time of development and renewal. Unsure of the territory we were entering, we wanted to have as much time as possible to plan. While there was no manual to follow, there was the great wisdom of those host committees who’d gone before us and the generous and dependable support, guidance and expertise from the CCDA Chicago office.

 CCDA 2006 Photos - pt. 1 (Credit: Away With Words)

 

The things that have led to a successful Philly planning process and conference are not too different from those leading to effective community development:

• Dedicated leadership – we enjoyed working with a brilliant and creative steering committee that has met, prayed and worshipped together for 18 months
   

• Clear vision and mission – while the short term goal was a CCDA national conference, our long-term goal is the formation of a coalition of diverse community development groups and organizations across our city and region that would continue to work together beyond September in partnership and cooperation
   

• Involvement of the community – through our sub-committees, volunteer corps, sponsors, church outreach services and local workshop solicitation process, we’ve attempted to invite the involvement of a broad spectrum of people.

We are pleased that the Philly conference introduced some new features. We look forward to our work together beyond the conference and have begun to work on our long-term goals for CCDA Philadelphia.

All God's best to you in your efforts,

Team CCDA Philadelphia

 CCDA 2006 Slideshow - Pt 2 (Credit: Away With Words)