Workshops

10:00 – 10:45 a.m.


The Power of Understanding People

Presenter – Alan Galloway, Extension Specialist 

Why do we communicate well with some and not others? Based on the book, The Power of Understanding People, this workshop helps determine your interaction style and how to adapt your style to more effectively communicate with everyone. You may learn a lot about yourself and ways to improve your ability to perceive the difference in interaction styles.

Williamson

The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace

Presenters – Melissa Shelton, 4-H Agent and Emily Osterhaus, FCS Agent 

Everyone likes to feel appreciated in the workplace and because our personalities are so different we all like to be shown the appreciation in our own way. Come take the quiz to find out your language of appreciation. Based on the book 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace by Gary Chapman and Paul White.

Mustang Quarter Horse

Navigating Difficult Conversations: Turn Tension into Progress

Presenter – Amy Kirk, Extension Assistant 

Take a targeted approach to helping learners manage emotional tension and conduct conversations in a way that enables all parties to stay engaged in collaborative dialogue. Learners will shift their mindset from fearing and avoiding difficult conversations to seeing them as the way to make progress on important issues. And they’ll develop the skills to build trust and respect in every relationship as they navigate sensitive topics.

Salon 9 & 10

Updates TN Farm Bureau, TN Farmers CO-OP, AgLaunch, TN Corn Growers

Update of the programs and potential opportunities for agents and stakeholders

Palomino

11:00 – 11:45 a.m.


Stress and Nutrition: An Examination of the Way Trauma Impacts Eating and What We Can Do About It

Presenters – Jennifer Ward, Extension Specialist and Rhea Joshi, Student

This workshop will review the big issues of stress and the way it impacts what people eat and the quality of their diet. We will connect the importance of understanding trauma and ACES when working in any nutrition related program, including what community educators and Agents can do to help families eat well and manage stress using a trauma informed approach.

Salon 9 & 10

Creating a Culture of Belonging in Extension Programming

Presenter – Laura Clark, Extension Specialist

Learn how all employees can contribute to a healthy workplace and why it matters.

Mustang Quarter Horse

Tech Change Makers – Advancing Digital Literacy

Presenters – Sreedhar Upendram, Associate Professor and Aaron Spurling, Extension Specialist

Address the digital divide across Tennessee counties and discuss how Extension is addressing digital disparities and building partnerships with infrastructure projects, a host-spot lending program, broadband speed tests, COVID impacts discovery, digital literacy challenges, giving and overview of digital literacy curriculum, impacts from COVID on broadband usage, and market power.

Williamson

Updates from TDA, TSU, SunBelt Ag Expo

Update of the programs and potential opportunities for agents and stakeholders

Palomino

1:30 – 2:15 p.m.


College Credit for 4-H Project Work

Presenters – Jennifer Richards, Associate Professor, Lori Gallimore, Extension Specialist, Lynne Middleton, Extension Specialist and Aaron Spurling, Extension Specialist

Discover how 4-H project work can earn college credit through a groundbreaking program that recognizes Tennessee 4-H’ers hard work. Participants will learn the reasons behind offering college credit for 4-H project work, explore program structure, benefits, and outcomes, plus gain marketing resources to inform 4-H’ers and parents.

Mustang Quarter Horse

Who is Access Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE)?

Presenters – Brandi Berven, Extension Specialist, Tamera Adjei, County Director & FCS Agent and Egla Lopez, Extension Assistant

ALICE (Assets Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) describes households that earn above the Federal Poverty Level but cannot afford the basic cost of living. This session will provide an overview of ALICE, review an ALICE “survival budget”, ways to find ALICE data, and a brainstorming session on Extension programs to address an ALICE audience.

Salon 9 & 10

Planning an Agriculture Tour

Presenter – Larry Moorehead, Retired ANR Agent

This session will focus on tips to keep in mind when planning an Agriculture Tour, including the type of audience, logistics, budget and associated expenses, as well as other non-agriculture options that can be incorporated. Many examples will be provided by a seasoned agent familiar with this type of activity. 

Williamson

The Irreplaceable Admin – Part 2

Presenter – Trudi Neubeck, Administrative Specialist III

We found out in session one of the Irreplaceable Admin, that a great admin has knowledge and skills needed for the office, but what makes an admin stand out is their soft skills. After a quick review, we will continue looking at soft skills that make an admin irreplaceable.

Palomino

2:30 – 3:15 p.m.


Virtual Project Area Groups

Presenters – Lori Gallimore, Extension Specialist and Lynne Middleton, Extension Specialist

Looking for new and innovative ways to offer programming to 4-H members? During this session, State 4-H Staff will describe opportunities for existing virtual project groups as well as new virtual project groups that are being discussed. Information on recruiting and participation in project groups will be reported.

Mustang Quarter Horse

Tai Chi for Teens Increases Participation in Youth PE Classes

Presenter – Ima Price, FCS Agent

This is a fun and interactive workshop discussing a new pilot program to teach healthy lifestyle changes to teens and pre-teens. We will do some mock activities and I will share an event report with survey results from the pilot program.

Palomino

Applying for TAAA&S Achievement and DSA Awards

Presenter – Shannon DeWitt, Ag/County Director and Anna Duncan, Extension Specialist

Ever wanted to apply for an award, but thought you didn’t qualify? In this workshop, we will discuss the qualification requirements to apply for Achievement Awards and Distinguished Service in TAAA&S. We will view example abstracts and write some of our own.

Williamson

Let’s Play I Spy Document DEI

Presenter – Trudi Neubeck, Administrative Specialist III

We create much of the communication that goes out from our offices and they need to be accessible to everyone that we serve. In this session, we will learn the best practices and most common mistakes from the accessibility perspective. We will play “I Spy” to test our new knowledge. It’s going to be a fun session!

Salon 9 & 10