Welcome to our new e-version of In-Sites magazine! In this inaugural issue, you will find lots of informative articles and news. But the e-version will keep the focus the same—it will be about you—as In-Sites will continue the tradition of highlighting your successes. The only difference will be in the delivery. Thanks to electronic wizardry, In-Sites will be delivered via a few keystrokes on the computer rather than from the mail carrier's bag. In this era of tight budgets, this makes common sense and financial "cents!" Incidentally, we really want to hear from you. Tell us what you like about the articles and give us a few tips on the format. Most importantly, let us know what you are doing in the field so we can spread the news. I know this is not a shy bunch. We cannot give you a cash reward, but you will have the satisfaction of "psychic income" and the pleasure of helping others . . . and that is priceless. Fall has been a busy time at the Community Capacity Development Office (CCDO). We received more than 100 Weed and Seed Official Recognition applications. Readers are going over each application and making sure we give each one just consideration. We also asked a few people representing a cross section of the country in various positions (e.g., U.S. Attorneys, LECCs, Weed and Seed site coordinators) to join us regarding a discussion about the future of Weed and Seed. They have given us plenty of great ideas and we anticipate a few policy changes based on their suggestions. Look for this office to continue soliciting your ideas. On a side note, fall saw the continuation of my promise to eventually visit every Weed and Seed site. My travels took me to Utah and Mississippi, and I learned something new with every trip. I just wish I had more time. By the time you receive this edition, our new CCDO Deputy Director will be on board. Her name is Denise Viera. Denise has a great background in community development. She has worked for local government, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, a public housing authority, and with nonprofit organizations. I am confident that Denise will make important contributions to CCDO, in particular on the seeding side of Weed and Seed. Well, 2004 has come and gone with incredible speed. It seems our lives are on fast forward. The upcoming year brings great hope and opportunity for this office. You will see formations of national partnerships benefiting Weed and Seed sites and the evolution of CCDO. I know I can count on your help and support, which is why 2005 brings such hope. According to the ancient Chinese calendar, 2005 will be the year of the rooster. Those born under the sign of the rooster are thought to be hard working, confident, and independent, and the new year is a celebration of change and a time to renew ourselves. We certainly see a lot of parallels with what's happening here at CCDO. I wish you, your families, and your communities abundant peace and great health in this new year. Sincerely, Nelson Hernandez |
