1. Theodore Roosevelts Country Life Commission and Community Sustainability1909-2009
Timothy Collins
and Stephen R. Hicks
Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs
Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL 61455
t-collins@wiu.edu
Community Development Society
Memphis, TN, July 29, 2009
Western Illinois University is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity institution.

2. Theodore Roosevelts Country Life Commission
and Community Sustainability 1909-2009
Purpose
Not to help farmers raise better crops, but to call his attention to the opportunities for better business and better living on the farm. If the country life is to become what it should be, and what I believe it ultimately will beone of the most dignified, desirable, and sought-after ways of earning a livingthe farmer must take advantage not only of the agricultural knowledge which is at his disposal, but of the methods which have raised and continue to raise the standards of living and of intelligence in other callings.
The Report of the Country Life Commission, 1909, p. 4
3. Theodore Roosevelts Country Life Commission
and Community Sustainability 1909-2009
A Product of the Progressive Era

Transition to urban, industrial nation

4. Golden Era of agriculture 5. Part of the Conservation Movement 6. Call for community action