History of Random North Development Association

The Rural Development Movement began in the 1960s when people felt they were being ignored by decision-makers. They banded together in groups of communities to try to solve their own problems. It started on Fogo Island, on the Great Northern Peninsula, and on the tip of the Burin Peninsula.

At the same time, Memorial University was offering an Extension Service to rural communities. They assisted in the organization and the promotion of local peoples' efforts.

In the late 1960s, government decided to support the movement by providing funding to assist with office expenses. In 1972, the Dept. of Rural Development was created and a cost-shared agreement between both the Federal & Provincial Governments increased funding to allow for hiring of an employee and the opening of an office.

Random North Development Association was incorporated in June 1980. It represents the geographic area of Random Island, Smith Sound (from Milton to Burgoyne's Cove) and Clarenville / Shoal Harbour.

There are 18 communities in our region and although not all are members, we have maintained an active presence throughout the area. Random North also assists individuals and groups in communities that are outside our local area. These communities are Deep Bight, Adeytown, Hatchet Cove, Hillview and St. Jone's Within.

During the course of our history we have been able to obtain and administer countless projects including fishery-related projects such as wharves, marinas and a fish processing plant; forestry projects; brush cutting projects; student projects; outreach and literacy programs.

Random North Development Association was instrumental in bringing literacy issues to the forefront. We have sponsored a Literacy Outreach Office, for two years, to assist individuals with low literacy skills find volunteer tutors. The Literacy Outreach worker developed a model that linked adults with low literacy skills to training and employment opportunities. This model has proven to be very successful in assisting clients train and re-enter the workforce.

We have also developed a Motivational Video entitled "Their Personal History" to help motivate people to return to school to complete their high school certificate.

We have been involved with promotion of crafts in our region and have sponsored several craft shows in the past. We are currently assisting local residents with saving the railway trestles. The government had considered removing the trestles from Milton to Bonavista but has since reconsidered with the high interest of the local residents in saving them. We have worked with other interest groups and associations to promote things like tourism and social development.

We try to assist our communities and, if need be, act as their voice in matters that concern them. We have on staff a full time Manager who acts as a Field Worker and Office Manager.

Created by R.N.D.A.
Edited/Updates by Jewel Pelley
©R.N.D.A. 2003-2007