The Community Development Society (CDS) was established in 1969 to advance the profession through educational and scientific means, including:

Providing a forum for the exchange of ideas among community developers;
Advocating for and awarding excellence in advancing the common good through community development policy and practice and scholarship and research;
Providing platforms for the dissemination of professional and scholarly works; and
Providing opportunities for dialogue and deliberation among CDS Members.

The benefits of membership include:

Discounted registration for programs:
Annual conference
Periodic webinars
Full access to the Society’s journals:
Community Development
Local Development & Society
Useful updates and information via emails and the Vanguard newsletter
Active engagement in CDS committees and working groups
Opportunities for dialogue and deliberation on shared interests
CDS Forum website feature
CDS hosted online gatherings
Professional networking among Members
CDS Connect website feature

Learn MoreJoin CDS