MSU Extension Fall Extension Conference

Below you find information on the sessions that will be held during Breakout Session 3 on Wednesday, Oct. 21from 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Beyond the Table: Strategies for Meaningful Engagement at Community Events & Resource Fairs

Kellie Kieren, Kelsey Bockelman

Community events and resource fairs provide valuable opportunities to build relationships, increase awareness, recruit volunteers and participants, and establish community partnerships. This session focuses on moving beyond simply handing out brochures to creating meaningful conversations that lead to lasting impact.

Throughout the session, participants will learn practical strategies they can immediately apply at their next outreach event. Participants are encouraged to bring supplies and directions to demonstrate a tabling activity for the group.

Here are the objectives if that helps:

• Create an inviting, welcoming table display.
• Adapt their approach based on the type of visitor.
• Use interactive activities to support engagement.
• Track meaningful interactions for reporting.
• Evaluate success beyond giveaways and attendance.

Climate Adaptation in Action: Tools, Communication, and Extension Strategies

We will present on our experiences from participating in the WSU “Climate Analogs Academy” and share the resources and skills from the program to empower MSU professionals to be leaders in climate adaptation through our Extension programs. We will cover 1) strategies for effective communication around climate 2) the climate analog concept 3) incorporating climate into existing programs 4) resources and additional training opportunities. This will be interactive, with live polling, group discussions, and follow-along demos of resources.

Everything DiSC Workplace Profile  - Part 1

Have you ever wondered why some people just don’t get you? Or ever thought "I cannot even begin to know what my boss needs—even when I ask, I am still not sure." Most of us have felt that way at one time or another! The good news is there’s a simple tool designed to help you understand yourself AND other people too. Everything DiSC® helps you build more effective working relationships based on an understanding of different behavioral styles.

This is a two-part session. Attendees must attend both parts.

Finding Common Ground: Building Trust with Urban Farmers Workshop

Join us for an interactive, hands-on workshop for service providers featuring Common Ground, a cooperative board game about building trust and coordination in farm systems under pressure. Participants step into dual roles as Producers and support Agents to explore how timing, fit, and follow?through shape real outcomes for farms. Through facilitated game play and reflection, this workshop creates space to examine what it takes to align support, respond to stress, and move together toward sustainable market access. This program is intended to support resource providers looking to build trust and work with urban farming audiences.

Listening with Presence - Part 2

Practice listening as a mindset and a discipline to increase understanding, strengthen relationships, and help others think more clearly. 

This session explores listening as a core leadership practice — not just hearing words, but creating the space for others to reflect, process, and solve problems. Participants examine how their current listening habits shape interactions and learn how a deeper commitment to presence can shift the way they lead and communicate. 

Through guided practice, participants build skills in pausing, asking open and thoughtful questions, and responding in ways that encourage clarity and ownership. The experience highlights how listening can be a powerful tool for reducing miscommunication, strengthening trust, and supporting others in becoming more resourceful and self-directed. 

What you’ll gain:

• Stronger listening skills that improve communication and understanding 
  • Tools to ask questions that promote clarity, ownership, and problem-solving 
  • Greater ability to support others without taking on their challenges 
  • Increased presence and intention in how you engage with others 

This is a two-part session. Attendees must attend both parts.

PEARS Events: Expert Mode

Learn about enhanced features and tools in PEARS Events to fully customize your event registration to optimize your registration exports.

The Art of Organized Chaos: 4-H Clinics and Workshops

Ready to take the stress out of planning 4-H workshops and clinics? In this interactive session, participants will learn how to build successful events from the ground up. We’ll break down the planning process step-by-step, organize essential tasks into a workable timeline, discuss important considerations, and share hands-on examples from real programs. Participants will also explore strategies for empowering volunteers and teen leaders to take active roles in both the planning and execution of clinics and workshops, creating stronger youth-adult partnerships and meaningful leadership opportunities. Whether you’re planning your first clinic or looking to improve existing events, you’ll leave with practical ideas, planning tools, and confidence to create meaningful 4-H learning experiences. While examples may come from specific projects, the planning process and strategies shared are applicable across all 4-H project areas.

Walking Alongside A Volunteer’s Unique Journey

Our presentation will explore the stages of real volunteers’ journeys: recruiting, screening, training/coaching, managing roles, and ultimately, transitioning them out effectively. Each segment aims to equip volunteer managers with the insights necessary to support and build meaningful relationships with volunteers at every stage. Interactive elements such as PowerPoint presentations and reflection activities will be integrated to enhance learning and application. The session will conclude with insights and discussion on how these practices can be adapted across different states.

Join us to explore how effective volunteer management and engagement can transform the volunteer experience, making it more fulfilling and impactful for both volunteers and communities.