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Providing a Nonprofit Board Development Workshop
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The executive director of the Youth and Family Project (YFP), contacted Paul to provide board development training for the nonprofit’s board of directors. In response, Paul researched best practices, developed curriculum that was peer-reviewed, and provided a one-hour virtual board development workshop to eleven YFP board members and staff.
Through evaluation, participants agreed that they increased their knowledge on the nonprofit sector (78%), board member roles and responsibilities (89%), effective board meeting practices (100%), and tools for high functioning boards (100%). Participants evaluated Paul’s overall presentation of the content as a 4.6 on a 5-point Likert Scale (1=poor and 5=excellent). One participant commented “Thanks so much, as a newcomer to this sort of role, I really appreciated the overview, volume of information, and the slides (for retention & reference).” Another commented “Paul was a great presenter and brought in great examples for better understanding as well as created discussion. Presentation was well laid out and helpful. Great job!”
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Planning for 2020-2021 4-H Year
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As summer wraps up and the school year begins, Washington County 4-H is saying goodbye to summer and hello to the 2020-2021 4-H year! This summer our youth were involved with pen pal programs, virtual exchange programs, and online workshops on creative writing, problem solving, current event conversations, and more. Youth were also invited to participate in creating a 4-H coloring book, in the 2020 Washington County 4-H Wildlife WHEP and Forestry Art Contest, and in writing a 4-H Story reflecting on their 4-H year.
On August 27th, all youth and adult Washington County 4-H leaders were invited to attend a virtual 2020-2021 Kick-Off Meeting. 4-H leaders were updated on new 4-H policies and procedures, opportunities for youth this fall, and new ways leaders will be supported this year. Discussions were also had on what 4-H will look like this year. 17 adult volunteers and 5 youth leaders attended this meeting. 95% of participants commented that they left the meeting with a new idea to implement this 4-H year.
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Youth Developing Skills in a Virtual Environment
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Positive Youth Development
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Ron delivered the youth workshop: Think Outside The Box-Strategies for Problem-Solving. Middle School-aged participants attending were from Germantown, Jackson and West Bend. Evaluations reported 100% ‘Learned Something New’ & ‘Presented In A Way That Was Interesting and Fun’.
The T.E.A.M. (group development) workshop targeting high school youth set for Aug 25/26 was canceled due low registration numbers. Discussions with key adults will inform why the requested topic was poorly received and feedback will be used to determine a reschedule date. Discussions did already produced a technical assistance request from a 4-H adult volunteer about group development activities to use in the future. Ron delivered a virtual team-building workshop to Germantown’s Youth Futures Youth Committee members on the 27th. (Information not available at time of this report).
Ron attended the quarterly Washington County Heroin Task Force Prevention Committee meeting and developed future committee goals and action planning steps to address youth issues in a covid-centered environment.
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Building Stress Reduction Skills with Partner Organization Staff
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Human Development & Relationships
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Taking Care of You (TCY) Highlights is a research-informed program specifically designed for a virtual learning platform, derived from the original TCY curriculum. The program provides information on the dimensions of health (physical, mental, social and spirit) and practical strategies to help manage the stress in your life. Managing life’s challenges in healthy ways allows participants to take better care of themselves and therefore, others in their care.
Carol co-facilitated an eight week virtual TCY program series during July and August on Tuesday mornings. Over 20 partner organization participants were engaged from Washington, Fond du Lac, Dodge and Winnebago counties. As a result of participating in the program series, one attendee stated: “I found the class the other day nice. I had just had a bad experience the night before ... and I think the stress of everything is the cause.”
Carol was also part of a TCY training team in July to train Extension Educators to be facilitators in using the TCY curriculum in their counties. This was a 6 hour training, adapted for a virtual platform.
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Assessing the Farm's Financial Position
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When agricultural market conditions deteriorate, we need to keep our focus on the “WIN” or What’s Important Now. To help farmers assess the farm’s existing financial position and build a plan for moving forward, Stephanie and another colleague developed “Defining Our New Reality - Where Do I Begin” released broadly in spring.
The long-term health and success of the family and farm operation depends on an accurate assessment of the farm’s existing financial position. Tactical decisions based on quality information are crucial for a successful outcome. Seven key steps can help ensure an accurate assessment of your farm’s existing strengths and vitality, while also revealing areas of concern or opportunity. Completing these
This factsheet is available on the Extension Farm Management website and will be featured in an upcoming Farm Management Update webinar this fall.
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