Strengthening Our Communities On Air: Partnership Launches Community, Professional and Economic Development Unit Into New Space

by CPED Staff - October 25, 2019

Starting this month, you can hear us on air on public radio.

October 2019 marks the beginning of us bringing our educational content to the ears of Arkansans thanks to a new partnership between the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service’s Community, Professional, and Economic Development (CPED) unit and UA Little Rock Public Radio KUAR/KLRE.

Each month, KUAR will air three one-minute educational spots with new spots each month. Branded as “Strengthening Our Communities,” these spots will feature topics related to the various programs and resources housed in the CPED department. Our goal is to educate listeners about community and economic development pursuits and illuminate the tools and resources available to empower Arkansans.

These spots will showcase the ways in which the CPED unit strives to strengthen agriculture, communities and families in Arkansas by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. We strive to help communities create viable options for economic and community development, and provide leadership development for those serving in our communities.

KUAR also champions empowerment. According to their mission statement, UA Little Rock Public Radio seeks to “deepen insight into the human experience, empower decision-making and enrich the lives of those we serve through quality news and cultural programs.”

By providing us the opportunity to reach more people on public radio, KUAR has unified our shared vision to education and empower listeners and community members.  

 Our three initial spots explore:

• The Procurement Technical Assistance Program and the government funding they help Arkansas small businesses pursue
• The benefits of community visioning and strategic planning methods and how you can use the process to benefit your community
• The Arkansas ballot initiative process

You can listen to the spots here https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/programs/strengthening-our-communities

Do you have a topic that you would like to hear on the air? Let us know by e-mailing publicpolicycenter@uaex.ed