RC&D’s Council recognizes that its membership (consisting mostly of representatives from conservation districts, councils of government, regional planning agencies, and other nonprofit organizations) cannot adequately gauge or address the needs of the Connecticut on its own. As a result, an effective strategy of outreach to promote inclusion and diversity, both urban and rural is crucial to success and fulfilling the mission of CTRC&D. As established by their policies and practices, the CTRC&D’s outreach strategy will include the following basic elements:

1. Open Board Meetings: All Board Meetings of the Eastern Connecticut RC&D Council are free and open to the public. Agendas of these meetings are distributed and made available to the public. Meeting agendas, minutes, by-laws, and other updates are posted on the RC&D’s web site, as well.
2. Maintaining Key Governmental Partnerships: The ongoing support provided by NRCS (through staff time and ex-officio participation) to the Council is essential to its success. As a result, NRCS staff is kept closely involved in the programs. Representatives from partnering agencies of the State of Connecticut, staff members from regional planning agencies and municipal government are also invited to participate in programs, committees, and planning activities, and are kept informed of RC&D progress.
3. Forging Partnerships: The Council seeks to take on very few unilateral projects. Recognizing that CTRC&D membership is a strictly voluntary activity, partnering on projects with other individuals and organizations, especially organizations that represent the diverse population needs of Connecticut is critical to our long-term effectiveness. The Council, through membership, its committees, and project leaders, seeks to identify and engage innovative and inclusionary partners to maximize efforts for the overall good of Connecticut.
4. Open Committee Structure: The standing committees of the RC&D Council are designed to be open in nature. While Council members participate in all committees, their strength lies in their ability to invite input and regular participation from outside. Individual citizens, farmers, non-profit board members and staff, municipal government staff, and state and federal government staff have all contributed to these committees, and will continue to do so.