MSU Extension Fall Extension Conference

Below you find information on the sessions that will be held during Breakout Session 1 on Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 10:15-11:45a.m.

AI

A practical introduction to AI and large language models, focused on ethical use, prompt design, and real world applications for research and academic work.

Core Skills for Resilience in Challenging Times

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Identify the 8-core skill sets that comprise the Spartan Resilience Education Model
• Learn one key strategy from each of the skill sets
• Connect the skill sets to the Spartan Resilience 6-Word Framework for for Resilience
• Experience a variety of grounding practices
• Ask questions about scaling resilience education in our institutions and communities
• Gather resources to share with colleagues and community members

Everyday Actions That Matter: Bystander Intervention in Practice

Participants will learn practical bystander intervention strategies to recognize and respond to harmful or potentially harmful situations in real time. Through identity-conscious and trauma-informed skill-building and discussions, participants will explore common barriers to intervention and build the confidence and skills to take meaningful action that promotes a culture of belonging, respect, and accountability.

LIVE, It’s Intro to PEARS Events!

The pre-requisite course required for all new PEARS Events users. The training will provide an overview of the components of PEARS Events including adding an event, managing event registrations, after event processes, and best practices.

Navigating the Grant Process: A Conversation with Grant Experts

Have questions about budgets, timelines, eligibility, or internal processes? This interactive session features the MSU Extension Grant Services team in a panel-style format, using brief slides throughout to prompt discussion and highlight key considerations. The session prioritizes audience engagement and open Q&A, creating space for participants to ask questions and learn through real-world scenarios.

Out of Scope, Not Out of Mind: Navigating multiple priorities (and people) in a positive way

In this interactive session we cultivate a welcoming, affirming space designed to remind educators that they are not alone in their work. Participants will explore practical strategies for navigating competing priorities, building strong support networks, and shifting away from a deficit mindset toward sustainable professional practices.

Key takeaways

• Priority & People Triage: Learn actionable approaches to manage multiple commitments and competing expectations effectively.
• Network Building: Focus on developing personal support structures tailored to your own professional growth.
• Positive Practice Reframing: Shift your approach from feeling perpetually behind to establishing habits you can be proud of.
• Collaborative Toolkit: Engage in collective, in-person brainstorming around self-advocacy, setting healthy boundaries, and reframing challenges within your context.

Through reflective prompts and live digital polling, participants will share experiences and strategies face-to-face in a supportive environment. Attendees are encouraged to engage and participate in person at whatever level feels comfortable for them.

Preparedness by design: integrating readiness into your extension programs

This interactive session will explore practical ways Extension educators can incorporate preparedness principles into their programming across content areas. Participants will learn how small, intentional additions to existing programs can build community readiness, resilience, and confidence, as well as discover resources that can be easily integrated into their current work.

A highlight of the session will be an opportunity to experience the LADDER table top game, a hands-on educational tool that introduces preparedness concepts through play. By working through realistic scenarios in a fun, low?pressure format, participants will see firsthand how the game can spark reflection, discussion, and teachable moments for youth and adults alike.

By the end of the session, educators will walk away with simple, adaptable strategies and resources for integrating preparedness into their own work.

Story Circles: A Method for Deep Connection

Let's gather in a circle and do what humans have done since time immemorial: tell stories. Stories are how we make sense out of the world and how we connect to each other. Listening deeply can make apparent the common threads running through our lives. When we hear a circle's worth of stories, we are able to appreciate the differences that make humanity interesting. Story circles can show people that they matter, build confidence, aid in self-reflection, and so much more. This session will offer learnings on perspective taking, empathy, cultural humility, listening, courage, and vulnerability. Participants will also leave with a facilitator's guide so that they can lead their own story circle.

Teaching Science When You Don't Know Diddly Squat!

A series of science lessons that can be taught by people without any background science knowledge with things you probably already have around your house.

What’s Possible? Using the Community Change Hub to Amplify Impact

This session will introduce Extension staff to the Community Change Hub—a practical resource designed to strengthen community-level impact and systems change efforts. Participants will explore how the Hub supports planning, partnership development, and evaluation, and learn how to apply its tools to align programs with broader community priorities and outcomes. Through guided examples and discussion, staff will leave with clear next steps for integrating the Community Change Hub into their day-to-day work.