Registration is open for the 2025 Winter Staff Training Initiative. This year’s agenda features programming on a variety of topics for all district staff, with a focus on communications and admin roles. Click on the links below each session description to register.
Wednesday January 29 Webinar: Pa Agricultural Ombudsman Program
Overview of the PA Ag Ombudsman program, its outreach to the agricultural community, and partnership with conservation districts. Presented by Beth Futrick & Shelly Dehoff.
Wednesday February 5 PACD Webinar: Conservation Districts and Pennsylvania’s Legislative Process
Understanding the state legislative process as it applies to conservation districts. presented by Brenda Shambaugh, PACD.
Thursday February 13 Webinar: Conservation District Video Awards Presentation
Join us for the 5th Annual CDVA’s and see the best of this year’s district-produced video content.
February 26 Webinar: Admin Roundtable
A brief presentation on meeting management resources for admins (Roberts rules, minutes, Sunshine/RTK laws) will be followed by an open-forum discussion to share tips & learning resources and to identify opportunities for admin/financial upskilling.
March 5 Webinar: Budgeting Roundtable
An open-forum meeting for managers and other staff with financial/admin responsibilities to share tips & resources for district budgeting.
March 12 Workshop: Inspiring Action with Public Speaking
Public speaking is a critical skill in today’s world and mastering it can greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively and influence others. Communicating the impact of PACD programs to different stakeholders is a critical skill to boost participation among farmers and landowners, collaboration with other non-profits and potential partners, and decision-maker influence among local or state representatives. Presenting to these different audiences effectively requires a deep understanding of your audience and what narratives will resonate with them. Audience analysis and creating a story arc within your presentation will help your presentations be more impactful and well-received.
In this half-day in-person training workshop, participants will learn the essential principles and techniques for planning and delivering confident and compelling speeches, presentations, and pitches. Participants will learn by doing, and break into small groups to practice planning and delivering mini presentations to practice the skills introduced in the lecture and there will be time for both group and one-on-one feedback.
The workshop will be held at the Ramada Conference Center State College on Wednesday March 12 from 10:00am – 3:00pm. Registration is required, the cost is $30 per attendee and includes lunch, refreshments, and all workshop materials. The workshop will be facilitated by Stacey Piper & Cindi Johnson of Piper Strategies.