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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260805T110000
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SUMMARY:Partnerships that Strengthen Military Families
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/2ajC6RCfrBo”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”20″ constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Webinar” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Communities thrive when people genuinely invest in one another’s well-being. This webinar explores community capacity from both theoretical and empirical perspectives\, examining how individual concern and collective behavior drive meaningful progress and lasting improvement. \nFor those working with military families\, community capacity isn’t just an academic concept. It has real\, practical implications. This first webinar in the 2026 Academy series examines how to build meaningful partnerships and facilitate effective warm hand-offs\, while also addressing the distinct challenges faced by Guard\, Reserve\, and geographically dispersed service members and their families. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nDescribe collective competence and shared responsibility as a critical component of community capacity for supporting military families.\nExplain the interaction between community capacity/resources and individual/family capabilities.\nApply community capacity strategies as a core organizing component across support and service systems.\nRecognize how community capacity approaches can be adapted to meet diverse needs across different contexts\, including geographically dispersed military families.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” 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bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Presenter” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” 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margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Dr. Catherine Walker O’Neal” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Dr. Catherine Walker O’Neal is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at the University of Georgia. Her research focuses on the interplay of risk and resilience\, particularly for military families\, with the goal of informing evidence-based outreach efforts. Her work utilizes advanced statistical methods to identify protective factors that support military families\, such as formal programming and informal networks of support\, and examines change over time for families’ and individuals’ relational\, physical\, and mental health. She is the Project Director of an evaluation of the Air Force’s Personal Financial Readiness program and a Co-Investigator of Military REACH.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”40″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Continuing Education (CE) Credit” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][nectar_btn size=”large” open_new_tab=”true” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” text=”Continuing Education Survey” url=”https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6LFjiBhSZaCsmjQ”][vc_column_text]\n\nCertified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close August 5\, 2028. \nCertified Nutrition and Wellness Educator (CNWE): This webinar is approved for 1.5 CE credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close August 5\, 2028. \nCertified Personal and Family Finance Educator (CPFFE): This webinar is approved for 1.5 CE credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close August 5\, 2028. \n\nBoard Certified Patient Advocates (BCPA): This webinar is approved for 1.5 CE contact hours by The Patient Advocate Certification Board. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close August 5\, 2028. \nBoard Certified Case Managers: This webinar is approved for 1.5 CE clock hours from the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close August 5\, 2027.\nBoard Certified Disability Management Specialists: This webinar is approved for 1.5 CE clock hours from The Commission for Case Manager Certification. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close August 5\, 2027.\nRegistered Dietitian Nutritionists (RD/RDN) and Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians\, Registered (NDTR): This webinar is approved for 1.5 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s (CDR) CPEU Prior Approval Program. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close June 24\, 2029.\nCertified Family Life Educators (CFLE): This webinar is approved for 1.5 CE credits from the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close August 5\, 2029.\nCertified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES): This webinar is approved for 1.5 CE credits from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close August 5\, 2028.\nMichigan Certified Teachers: This webinar has been approved for 1.5 SCECH from the Michigan Education Association’s Center for Leadership and Learning. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close August 5\, 2029.\nHuman Resource Professionals: This webinar is approved for 1.5 CE credit from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close August 5\, 2027.\nSocial Workers\, Licensed Professional Counselors\, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists: This webinar is approved for 1.5 CE credits from the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. Check with your state licensing agency for reciprocity and/or credit approval if licensed for other professions or in one of the following states: CO\, FL\, HI\, IA\, KS\, KY\, MI\, NY\, ND\, OH\, OK. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close August 5\, 2029.\nOneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\nIf the button above does not appear\, please access the continuing education survey through this link: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6LFjiBhSZaCsmjQ. If you have any questions\, please email CE@oneop.org.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_2=”yes” right_margin=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_color=”#f7f7f7″ column_border_style=”solid” enable_border_animation=”true” 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column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]This webinar is part of the 2026 Academy | Building Strong Communities for Military Family Readiness. This series builds the knowledge and skills needed for providers to collaborate across systems\, leverage resources\, and implement sustainable\, community-based solutions.[/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=”jumbo” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” el_class=”2026 Academy” button_id=”2026 Academy” text=”2026 Academy” url=”https://oneop.org/building-strong-communities-for-military-family-readiness/”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160145/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/iStock-1174210588.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260730T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260730T170000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260730T100006Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T220614Z
UID:10001790-1785391200-1785430800@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Asking Powerful Questions
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”50px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”column_reverse” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” el_class=”podcast-sidebar” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”147768″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][nectar_btn size=”large” constrain_group_1=”yes” open_new_tab=”true” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” solid_text_color_override=”#ffffff” icon_family=”none” text=”Subscribe Now” url=”https://www.buzzsprout.com/2099983/share” margin_top=”30″ margin_bottom=”30″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the “Practicing Connection” monthly email to keep up to date on our latest podcasts\, blog posts and workshops. \nJoin the “Practicing Connection Community” on LinkedIn. The community is designed for people who support military families in a variety of settings both on installations and in our communities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Listen” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTU0MTY1NyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmJ1enpzcHJvdXQuY29tJTJGMjA5OTk4MyUyRmVwaXNvZGVzJTJGMTk1NDE2NTctYXNraW5nLXBvd2VyZnVsLXF1ZXN0aW9ucy5qcyUzRmNvbnRhaW5lcl9pZCUzRGJ1enpzcHJvdXQtcGxheWVyLTE5NTQxNjU3JTI2cGxheWVyJTNEc21hbGwlMjIlMjB0eXBlJTNEJTIydGV4dCUyRmphdmFzY3JpcHQlMjIlMjBjaGFyc2V0JTNEJTIydXRmLTglMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Episode” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_column_text](Season 7\, Episode 31) \nCommunity engagement\, co-creation and collaboration depend on meaningful conversations.  \nAsking the right question is the most effective way of expanding a conversation\, keeping it engaging and making it meaningful. \nIn this replay episode from 2024\, Jessica and Bob share a practice to help us engage people in the meaningful conversations we need to have\, in order to plan and do our work together. \nConnect with us! \n\nSign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter\nJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/\nSend us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” el_id=”trans”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” el_class=”entry” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Transcript” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” nofollow=”true” el_class=”read-it” button_id=”read-it” text=”Read More” url=”#trans”][vc_column_text el_class=”pod-trans”]BOB BERTSCH: [00:00:00] Community engagement\, co-creation and collaboration depend on meaningful conversations. Asking the right question is the most effective way of expanding a conversation\, keeping it engaging\, and making it meaningful. Hi\, I’m Bo Burch and welcome to this week’s Practicing Connection Practicast\, where we highlight a specific practice you can use in your life and work. \nThis week’s practice is focused on asking powerful questions. This practice can help us engage people in the meaningful conversations we need to have in order to build relationships and to plan and do our work together. My Practicing Connection co-host\, Jessica Beckendorf\, will be guiding us through a practice to help us build rapport and ask powerful questions in a few minutes. \nBut first\, let’s learn more about it. Jessica\, what is a powerful question? What makes it powerful? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Well\, Bob\, I’m [00:01:00] sure there’s a lot of definitions out there on powerful questions\, but my own\, uh\, very simple definition is that powerful questions are open-ended questions that touch on a person’s motivations\, hopes\, and stories. \nThey’re powerful in part because they recognize that the person answering the question is the expert of their own experiences. They’re also powerful because they connect people through storytelling and authentic curiosity. They’re also powerful because the sharing that occurs when a powerful question has been asked opens up possibilities for more questions\, more conversation and more connection. \nAnd lastly\, I would say that they are most powerful when the person’s intent for asking the question comes from authentic curiosity rather than a desire to lead or control the conversation or to try to make a point\, or [00:02:00] because maybe they’re making an assumption about the other person they’re trying to talk to or about the group that they’re trying to talk with. \nBOB BERTSCH: Yeah\, that’s really helpful. So I’m curious about how powerful questions might have helped you in your work\, especially your work with groups. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I didn’t start out by intentionally asking powerful questions. I didn’t think\, “I do group process work. I’m going to ask them powerful questions all the time and it’s going to be amazing and everything’s going to work all the time.” \nWe all have natural patterns of interaction\, the things that we do automatically when we have conversations. We already know how to communicate is what I’m trying to say based on what we’ve observed or what we’ve already been taught\, either through others or through trial and error our whole lives. \nI was pretty good at small talk\, and I really enjoyed it and I know that’s going to make a lot of people cringe\, but I did\, I was able to build rapport quickly and get from small talk to deeper connections\, but I didn’t know how I did it for a long time. Once I started to understand more about connection and collaborative relationships and how powerful the right questions can be\, I began to use them with intention. For someone who already feels like\, “Ah\, I’m good at that\,” I’m telling you\, it can help you out a lot if you do it with intention. \nThen for someone who feels like\, “Ooh\, I’m not very good at that\,” and she was already natural at it\, so there’s no way that it’s going to work for me\, no\, that’s not true. I know people who it doesn’t come supernaturally to them and they worked at it and it works for them as well. Once I understood this\, I began to use these questions with intention. When I noticed that a group I was working with was struggling\, I would work on finding the right powerful question for the moment. \nIf I was able to\, I would plan several questions ahead of time before going into the situation\, or if I was in the moment\, which happens\, I would pull out a broader question and just trust the group to share. I think that’s so important is when we ask questions\, we have to trust the person to answer from their own experience or trust the people to answer. Sometimes a really well-placed what’s essential right now asked to a whole group or a question like what matters to you in this moment can do wonders for a group that’s stuck\, especially if everyone gets a chance to respond to the question. \nWe know people who are very excited and we also know people who will dominate a conversation. If you can give everyone a chance to answer those questions and respond on their own\, that’s even more powerful. Another way that I’ve used these questions in my group process work has been to infuse connection where it’s been brushed aside. I’ve seen it brushed aside lots and lots of times. \nI think what’s essential here is that without real social connections in the groups that we work with\, we’re just creating more meetings and tasks and obligations for ourselves and meetings and tasks and obligations are all working toward a goal. There’s some meeting there\, but it’s not the same as when there’s also some real social connections being built. \nBOB BERTSCH: You’re going to guide us through the practice a little bit in just a moment\, but I’m just trying to get sort of a context of how these work\, how powerful questions work in practice. For example\, like how many do we need for our conversation and when should we use them? Do I need\, plan out all my conversations in advance so I’m ready with my powerful questions? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I’d say that in practice\, to me\, asking powerful questions begins with noticing what we’re curious about and asking questions about it. It sounds really\, really simple\, but we need to recognize that curiosity and how we engage with it presents itself differently for each person. Some people are wildly curious about people and some aren’t. Some are more curious about ideas or about other things\, about nature. That’s perfectly okay. I’d say that developing your curiosity will help you ask powerful questions more intuitively. That’s why I like to start with curiosity. \nEssentially\, this is about being present too and noticing what your heart and mind are drawing you toward during your interactions with others. \nNotice it and engage with it by asking open-ended questions. So of course\, while you’re working on your curiosity\, I do also recommend starting out by having a couple of powerful questions that you enjoy hearing the answers to and that you’re willing to answer yourself. Never ask a question that you aren’t willing to answer yourself. \nConnecting involves at least some mutual vulnerability. We’re not asking you to\, you know… I certainly wouldn’t start with a question like\, “What’s the most [00:07:00] embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you? ” Don’t ask that question\, especially if you’re not willing to answer it\, but I also wouldn’t start with that question or a question like it. \nAs far as when powerful questions should be used\, the answer’s going to depend on the situation. I think as a general guideline\, if you’re just meeting someone or you’re just getting together for the first time as a group\, you could start by just practicing your noticing and asking skills that I just mentioned a minute ago\, a minute ago\, just to build some rapport. \nSo what you’re noticing about the person or the group that’s making you curious is\, is what I’m talking about when I say noticing and asking. Maybe it’s even something that seems simple\, like something they’re wearing or something that they’ve said about their favorite sport\, right? Those aren’t powerful questions\, but they are questions to kind of ease into\, you know\, the\, the kind of deeper\, deeper questions that we’re trying to get at. \nAnd then\, you know\, to [00:08:00] me\, once there’s a little bit of rapport built\, and this is something that I learned from Chad Littlefield and Will Wise’s work\, they have a book called Ask Powerful Questions. Once that rapport\, there’s a little bit of rapport between people\, that’s when you can get into some more of the powerful questions. \nSo\, I wouldn’t use them before you’ve established just a little bit of rapport in an interaction. \nBOB BERTSCH: Awesome. Thanks. That was really helpful just to kind of get us grounded in sort of what this looks like. So you mentioned you had some steps to walk us through\, so we’d love to hear them. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: All right. \nWell\, the first step is to have a couple of questions that you’ll always kind of remember\, and kind of have with you in the back of your mind. \nThese should be questions\, like I said before\, that you love to hear the answers to and that you’re willing to share your own answer to. [00:09:00] For example\, a question that we often use on this podcast with guests and it’s a question that I really love is\, “How did you get into your field or how did it find you?” \nYou can change up the word field with anything you want. “How did you get into that hobby?” Or\, “How did it find your…” and anything you want that you could fill in there. \nSo how did you get into blank\, or how did it find you? And it’s also good to have a follow-up question\, something like\, “Tell me more about blank. I find it fascinating\,” or\, “It sounds\, that sounds really cool.” Or\, “My grandfather used to do that\, but I never understood how he did X.” \nOr\, you know\, whatever is leading you to ask about it\, but\, you know\, “Tell me more about blank” is another kind of good one to have in the background. \nNow\, if those don’t feel natural to you\, I would recommend making up your own. \nTry to make up questions that sound natural to you\, that start with the words [00:10:00] how or what\, and then have a follow-up question like\, you know\, “Tell me more about…\,” you know\, whatever language you need to use to make it sound like you is what I recommend. So have a couple of questions as step one. \nSecond\, as you’re interacting with someone or with a group\, as you’re building that rapport with them\, you’re having sort of the shorter\, smaller talk\, whatever you want to call it\, you’re meeting with them\, you’re just in a meeting with them\, and maybe any kind of discussion that you’re having\, I want you to find your natural authentic curiosity\, whatever your heart and mind is drawing you toward and you might notice this through a gut reaction. And I would say probably a positive gut reaction like\, “Ooh\, that’s cool. Oh\, I’ve always wanted to learn that and now I know someone who does it.” \nOr maybe through sort of a lightness like\, “Oh my goodness\, so many possibilities. My mind is firing. I’ve got lots of ideas for this person. I’d love to share with them.” Or something that even just [00:11:00] makes you go\, “Hmm\, interesting.” \nYou find that thing\, and then step three is asking an open-ended question about it\, starting with how or what. \nSo\, “Wow\, how did you get into X?” or\, “Wow\, what was your process? What were you thinking about as this was happening?” \nThose are the two questions that it’s so easy to keep a how or what in your mind\, just those two words in your mind as you’re in conversation with someone and you want to get to know them better\, you use those two beginnings of questions to try to propel you to asking a more powerful question than something that might get you a one or two word answer. \nSo\, quick recap. Number one\, have a couple questions to get started. Number two\, when you’re in an interaction with someone\, find that natural authentic curiosity through your internal reactions to what they’re saying\, and [00:12:00] then ask an open-ended question about something that made you curious\, starting with how or what. \nMy advice would be to allow the conversation to go where it goes and enjoy the journey\, and that’s it. Three steps. And now you’re experts. \nBOB BERTSCH: There you go. Thanks. We’re all experts now! Thanks for getting us through that\, Jessica. We really appreciate it. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: You’re so welcome. \nBOB BERTSCH: That’s it for this episode. \nThanks so much for joining us. We hope you’ll give this practice a try and share your experience in the Practicing Connection LinkedIn group\, where people supporting military families practice the skills that empower us to work together so that we can positively impact our communities and help families thrive. \nYou’ll find the link to the group on our website at oneop.org/practicingconnection. Until then\, keep practicing. \n[00:13:00]\nCREDITS: The Practicing Connection Podcast is a production of One-Op and is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture\, US Department of Agriculture and the Office of Military Family Readiness Policy\, US Department of Defense under award number 2 0 2 3 4 8 7 74 3 3.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/asking-powerful-questions/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Practicing-Connection_Podcast-graphic-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260728T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260728T123000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260213T163600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T195825Z
UID:10001731-1785236400-1785241800@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Transitions\, Connection\, and Young Adult Well-Being
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/pVPvPZN6xZQ”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”20″ constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Webinar” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]The move into college or vocational training is a time of independence\, identity exploration\, and social-emotional growth. It can be especially complex for military-connected young adults and those with disabilities. This session explores how professionals and families can support mental health during the transition\, particularly when a military move prompts the decision to relocate with family or stay behind to pursue career or educational goals. Participants will learn strategies for building resilience\, staying connected from a distance\, and helping young adults create supportive peer and mentor networks in new or existing communities. With intentional guidance\, young adults can navigate change with confidence and stay grounded in their sense of self. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nIdentify two strategies for helping young adults strengthen mental health skills and access supportive resources during postsecondary transitions.\nDescribe at least two ways to maintain meaningful family connection when living apart due to a relocation or educational choice.\nDemonstrate one method for helping young adults establish supportive peer or mentor relationships in a new or existing location.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Presenter” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”220148″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Emily Tarconish\, Ph.D.” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Dr. Tarconish is a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Special Education and Education Organization\, Policy and Leadership departments at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her research focuses on the experiences of postsecondary students with disabilities\, including traumatic brain injuries\, and on evaluating inclusive practices\, faculty trainings\, and peer support models in higher education. She brings applied experience as a former vocational rehabilitation counselor and as Director of Student Accessibility Services at Clark University\, where she also led disability-centered student and peer mentoring programs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”40″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Continuing Education (CE) Credit” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][nectar_btn size=”jumbo” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” el_class=”Continuing Education Survey” button_id=”Continuing Education Survey” text=”Continuing Education Survey” url=”https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1I9Gr7YYUwEOyKa”][vc_column_text]\n\nCertified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 7/28/2028.\nBoard Certified Disability Management Specialists: This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) clock hour from The Commission for Case Manager Certification. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 7/28/2026.\nCertified Family Life Educators (CFLE): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 7/28/2029.\nCertified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education credit from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 7/28/2029.\nMichigan Certified Teachers: This webinar has been approved for 1.5 SCECH from the Michigan Education Association’s Center for Leadership and Learning. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 7/28/2029.\nSocial Workers\, Licensed Professional Counselors\, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists: This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. Check with your state licensing agency for reciprocity and/or credit approval if licensed for other professions or in one of the following states: CO\, FL\, HI\, IA\, KS\, KY\, MI\, NY\, ND\, OH\, OK. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 7/28/2029.\nOneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\nIf the button above does not appear\, please access the continuing education survey through this link: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1I9Gr7YYUwEOyKa. If you have any other questions\, please email ce@oneop.org.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_2=”yes” right_margin=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_color=”#f7f7f7″ column_border_style=”solid” enable_border_animation=”true” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Materials” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1689369183150{padding-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1785160081398{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Additional Resources \nWebinar Slides[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Photo Credit: AdobeStock 723627395[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160135/
CATEGORIES:Health and Well-Being
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AdobeStock_723627395-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260723T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260723T123000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260415T183304Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T141922Z
UID:10001738-1784804400-1784809800@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Navigating Grief: Strategies for Service Providers After Client Loss
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/0bt7KjWwVFc”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”20″ constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Webinar” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]When a client dies\, the grief that follows can be disorienting\, isolating\, and professionally complex. This second webinar builds on Part 1 by offering practical\, evidence-informed strategies for coping with client loss — emotionally\, spiritually\, and within the scope of professional practice. \nDesigned for service providers working with military-connected populations\, this session explores how clinicians\, chaplains\, advocates\, and case managers can navigate grief in ways that honor their humanity and uphold their professional integrity. We will examine post-crisis growth\, peer support\, supervision\, and organizational resources that foster resilience and recovery. \nParticipants will leave with tools to process grief\, engage in meaning-making\, and support one another through the aftermath of client death. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nApply evidence-informed strategies for coping with grief after client loss in military-connected care settings.\nDescribe key components of post-crisis growth and how they relate to professional healing and integration.\nIdentify supportive practices such as supervision\, peer consultation\, and organizational resources that promote recovery.\nDemonstrate awareness of ethical boundaries and self-care principles when navigating personal grief within professional roles.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Presenter” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”224468″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Dr. Nici Richardson McFarland” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Dr. Richardson McFarland is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor\, Board Certified Chaplain\, and Board Certified Telemental Health Provider. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Houston\, an M.A. in Biblical Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary\, and a Ph.D. in Advanced Studies of Human Behavior from Capella University. In addition to her clinical work\, she serves as an adjunct professor in the counseling ministries department at Dallas Theological Seminary. She specializes in grief and loss\, trauma\, compassion fatigue\, burnout\, chronic illness\, stress management\, and spiritual distress.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”40″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Continuing Education (CE) Credit” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][nectar_btn size=”jumbo” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” el_class=”Continuing Education Survey” button_id=”Continuing Education Survey” text=”Continuing Education Survey” url=”https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6E9TeSeahoJJRK6″][vc_column_text]\n\nCertified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close July 23\, 2028.\nBoard Certified Patient Advocates (BCPA): This webinar is approved for 1.5 CE contact hours by The Patient Advocate Certification Board. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close July 23\, 2028. \nBoard-Certified Case Managers: This webinar is approved for 1.5 CE clock hours by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close July 23\, 2027.\nSexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARC) and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocates (VA): This webinar is approved for 1.5 CE credits from D-SAACP Credentialing. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close July 23\, 2029.\nCertified Family Life Educators (CFLE): This webinar is approved for 1.5 CE credits from the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close July 23\, 2029.\nCertified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES): This webinar is approved for 1.5 CE credit from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close July 23\, 2028.\nDomestic Abuse Victim Advocates: This webinar is approved for 1.5 CE credits from the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close July 23\, 2028.\nEarly Interventionists and Early Childhood Educators: This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the Early Intervention Training Program (EITP) at the University of Illinois. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 6/30/2027.\nIllinois Early Care & Education Providers: This webinar is approved as a Gateways to Opportunity Registry-approved Training for early care and education professionals in Illinois through 6/30/2027.\nSocial Workers\, Licensed Professional Counselors\, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists: This webinar is approved for 1.5 CE credits from the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. Check with your state licensing agency for reciprocity and/or credit approval if licensed for other professions or in one of the following states: CO\, FL\, HI\, IA\, KS\, KY\, MI\, NY\, ND\, OH\, OK. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close July 23\, 2029.\nOneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\nIf the continuing education survey button above does not appear\, please access the survey through this link: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6E9TeSeahoJJRK6. If you have any questions\, please email ce@oneop.org.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_2=”yes” right_margin=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_color=”#f7f7f7″ column_border_style=”solid” enable_border_animation=”true” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Materials” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1689369183150{padding-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1784745336055{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Webinar Slides \nWebinar Resources[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Photo Credit: Adobe Stock by Seventyfour\, file #: 376154053 [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160140/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AdobeStock_376154053-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260723T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260723T170000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260723T100057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T165547Z
UID:10001789-1784786400-1784826000@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Finding Your Purpose as a Group\, Four Questions That Can Help
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”50px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”column_reverse” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” el_class=”podcast-sidebar” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”147768″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][nectar_btn size=”large” constrain_group_1=”yes” open_new_tab=”true” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” solid_text_color_override=”#ffffff” icon_family=”none” text=”Subscribe Now” url=”https://www.buzzsprout.com/2099983/share” margin_top=”30″ margin_bottom=”30″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the “Practicing Connection” monthly email to keep up to date on our latest podcasts\, blog posts and workshops. \nJoin the “Practicing Connection Community” on LinkedIn. The community is designed for people who support military families in a variety of settings both on installations and in our communities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Listen” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTQxOTAzMSUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmJ1enpzcHJvdXQuY29tJTJGMjA5OTk4MyUyRmVwaXNvZGVzJTJGMTk0MTkwMzEtZmluZGluZy15b3VyLXB1cnBvc2UtYXMtYS1ncm91cC1mb3VyLXF1ZXN0aW9ucy10aGF0LWNhbi1oZWxwLmpzJTNGY29udGFpbmVyX2lkJTNEYnV6enNwcm91dC1wbGF5ZXItMTk0MTkwMzElMjZwbGF5ZXIlM0RzbWFsbCUyMiUyMHR5cGUlM0QlMjJ0ZXh0JTJGamF2YXNjcmlwdCUyMiUyMGNoYXJzZXQlM0QlMjJ1dGYtOCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRnNjcmlwdCUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Episode” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_column_text](Season 7\, Episode 30) \nGetting to a shared purpose as a group often requires digging a little deeper than usual. \nIn this replay episode from 2024\, Jessica and Bob talked about the “chaordic stepping stones\,” a helpful tool for going below the surface with a group\, and share four questions that can help groups work toward a clear statement of purpose together. \nLinks and resources from this episode: \n\n“You don’t have to be local” by Derek Sivers\n“Keep Going” by Austin Kleon\n\nConnect with us! \n\n\n\nSign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter\nJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/\nSend us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org\n\n\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” el_id=”trans”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” el_class=”entry” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Transcript” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” nofollow=”true” el_class=”read-it” button_id=”read-it” text=”Read More” url=”#trans”][vc_column_text el_class=”pod-trans”]BOB BERTSCH: Hi\, and thanks for joining us for the Practising Connection Podcast. I’m Bob Bertsch with Jessica Beckendorf. Hi\, Jessica. How have you been? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Hi\, Bob. I’ve been pretty good this week. I actually have a chance to reread an essay by Derek Sivers called You Don’t Have to Be Local. As I was reading that essay\, you know\, not in the middle of it\, but this week when I was reading the essay\, I also happened to receive an email from one of my community development listservs that was really making a lot of statements about how local is everything and we have to keep everything local\, that interacting more with our neighbors and engaging more locally will be better for us in our communities in the long run. \nAnd these two kind of opposing ideas\, you know\, Derek Siver’s idea of you don’t have to be local and\, you know\, the community development listserv saying\, “Local’s everything\,” were kind of playing around in my mind a little bit this week.” And\, you know\, I do believe that engaging more locally [00:01:00] with our neighbors\, with our community is better for us and is better for our communities in the long run. \nBut I don’t know if it’s because I grew up as a military kid or I don’t know what the deal is\, but I’ve never really felt local. And so to me\, it was\, it’s inspiring to read Derek’s words because\, you know\, he’s basically proclaiming that we don’t have to be local if we don’t feel it. We can be global. And\, you know\, I don’t know how I feel yet. \nI think I’m going to keep giving local a try\, but I’ve been thinking about this all week long. You know\, I really do believe in the power of the neighborhood\, but this has been a good reflection and\, you know\, kind of some validating words. If you don’t feel local\, it’s okay because you can be global. \nBOB BERTSCH: I love that. \nAnd I love that you’re accepting\, “Hey\, there’s tension in this and that’s okay.” Yeah. We don’t have to pick one side or the other in this global\, local debate. I’ve been going back to a book that I pulled off of my shelf this week inspired\, by the way\, by our discussion of character [00:02:00] strengths- \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mm-hmm. \nBOB BERTSCH: in last month’s Practicast. \nAnd the book is Austin Cleon’s Keep Going. Super useful book. I highly recommend it. It outlines 10 ways to stay creative. And one of the ways that I’ve been thinking a lot about this week and right now is forget the noun\, do the verb. And so that’s about letting go of the thing that you’re trying to be\, which is the noun and focusing on the actual work that you need to be doing. \nThat’s the verb\, right? So instead of focusing on\, I want to be a creative person\, or I want to be an innovator\, or I want to be a leader\, which are kind of labels and\, and nouns\, you know\, instead trying to focus on the work that you need to be doing the verb in order to maybe be that\, but I guess that’s changing my focus if I’m focusing on trying to be that\, but just the work\, right? \nSo yeah\, not trying to be a creative person\, but just acting creatively. And so love that book\, and that’s kind of [00:03:00] what I’ve been thinking about this week. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: No\, I love that. And all of Austin Clean’s books are ones that I go back to over and over and over again every time I need a little inspiration\, but I love this idea of you can work creatively within the verb. \nYou can work innovatively within the verb. You can be a leader within the verb. Like\, just do the verb. \nBOB BERTSCH: Just do the verb\, everybody. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Verb\, verb\, verb. Verb is the word. \nBOB BERTSCH: Sorry. Well\, we’d love to hear what you’ve been thinking about and what’s inspiring you. so please share that with us. You can email us practicingconnection@onop.org. \nSo let us know what you’re thinking about\, what’s inspiring you right now. \nSo Jessica\, let’s learn more about finding your purpose as a group. Can you tell us a little bit more about the practice you’ll be sharing and why you chose it? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Of course I can. I love this [00:04:00] practice. I chose a practice from the chaortic stepping stones. I’ll explain a little bit about chaortic because it’s a\, not really a word. \nIt refers to a combination of words\, the words chaos and order. And it was first coined by Dehawk\, the founder of Visa International. The idea is that for change there’s a sweet spot where chaos and order overlap and leadership\, innovation and emergence thrive. \nIf you go too far into chaos\, it can be destructive. And if you go too far toward control\, the environment can be stifling. So the chaotic stepping stones is a series of practices that guide planning and action for groups to address issues that are important to them. It’s not a strictly linear process as each step can be revisited repeatedly and iterated on. \nI’m gonna actually walk through what some people might call the second step\, which is purpose. I chose this [00:05:00] practice because I have found the chaortic stepping stones to be a really helpful tool for going below the surface with a group and that’s because each step in the process is designed to encourage dialogue and connection. \nBOB BERTSCH: Yeah\, I’m excited to hear more about this. Pulling back the curtain a little bit\, we used the chaotic stepping stones when we created this podcast\, when we had the very initial idea\, we went to the stepping stones as a way of kind of really developing that and that’s\, as you said\, one of the early steps\, right\, was finding our purpose. \nSo I’m really anxious to hear about the practice. Could you walk us through it? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, absolutely. Each step in the stepping stones is really kind of a short series of questions that can be used to spur dialogue and develop\, in this case\, a shared purpose. I assembled these from a combination of sources from art of hosting practitioners\, Jerry Nagle\, Kathy Jordan\, and Chris Corrigan. \nHere’s the series of questions. Use [00:06:00] these in a group to spur some dialogue. The first question is\, if this work should live up to its fullest potential\, what do you imagine is possible? What could this work do\, create\, inspire\, and/or result in? What is the next level for our work? Where should we be heading? \nAnd then finally\, what is the purpose we can adopt that will best meet the need we are addressing? So what you would do is have conversations around these questions and record the shared understanding that comes out of those conversations. As a group then\, co-write a clear statement of purpose for the work\, right? \nI don’t recommend that you have one person take the notes from the shared understanding and have that one person write a purpose. I really think the group should do this together\, so co-write a clear statement of purpose for the work\, a statement that will guide the [00:07:00] initial direction. Don’t become too attached to this statement of purpose. \nAs your group starts to deepen your work and make more connections\, expect to make adjustments as you go because you’re going to probably invite more people in. You need to give them a chance also to share their perspectives\, especially if they’re quite different from the group who initially got together. \nSo you can come back to the questions anytime\, expect to make adjustments\, but definitely co-write that statement of purpose. \nBOB BERTSCH: Thanks for sharing that\, Jessica. I love the questions. Just so important\, I think\, to have that shared sense of purpose and speaking from experience\, it’s easy to just assume we have our sense of purpose. \nWe wrote it three years ago. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. \nBOB BERTSCH: and never revisit it. So\, I love your advice there. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. I actually even think a statement of purpose should be revisited every year\, like regardless of change\, like ask yourself\, is this still the thing that we [00:08:00] can adopt that would best meet the need we’re addressing? \nIs this still that thing? And if not\, how do we need to change it? It’s okay for it to change because our work adapts and evolves as we keep addressing the issue together. \nBOB BERTSCH: That’s it for this episode. Thanks for joining us. If you enjoyed this episode\, click the share button in your podcast app and share it with a friend. \nCREDITS: The Practicing Connection Podcast is a production of One-Op and is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture\, US Department of Agriculture and the Office of Military Family Readiness Policy\, US Department of Defense under award number 2 0 2 3 4 8 7 74 3 3.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/finding-your-purpose-as-a-group-four-questions/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Practicing-Connection_Podcast-graphic-2.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260721T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260721T153000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260603T142028Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T143608Z
UID:10001743-1784642400-1784647800@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Partnering for Impact Through Food is Medicine
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/vel8l0b9fI0″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”20″ constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Webinar” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Food is Medicine is an umbrella term for a variety of activities and services that respond to the critical link between nutrition and health.  Services and activities may include medically tailored meals\, prescriptions for healthy groceries or produce\, individually tailored food packages and groceries\, and culinary medicine and teaching kitchen programs. This webinar will explore a successful partnership between Ho’ola Farms\, a nonprofit working to strengthen the local food system in Hawaii\, and Kaiser Permanente. Attendees will learn how this collaboration strengthens the community and works to address social determinants of health\, improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Attendees will gain insight into program design\, care coordination\, and implementation strategies that support a sustainable\, scalable Food is Medicine model. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nUnderstand the core components of Food is Medicine programs.\nExplore key strategies for building and sustaining partnerships between healthcare providers and community-based organizations.\nIdentify potential community partners in their own location or workplace to collaboratively address social determinants of health in the military families they serve.\n\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Presenters” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” 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column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”228183″ image_size=”thumbnail” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Emily Emmons” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Executive Director\nHo’ola Farms[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”228185″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” 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column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”228184″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Pamela Schwartz\, MPH” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Executive Director\, Community Health\nOffice of Community Health\nKaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”40″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Continuing Education (CE) Credit” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][nectar_btn size=”jumbo” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” 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Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close July 21\, 2028.\nCertified Nutrition and Wellness Educator (CNWE): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close July 21\, 2028.\nRegistered Dietitian Nutritionists (RD/RDN) and Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians\, Registered (NDTR): This webinar awards 1.5 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s CPEU Prior Approval Program.\nCertified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education credit from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close July 21\, 2028.\nOneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\nIf the button above does not appear\, please access the survey through this link: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9t91qYaqlHkAmX4. If you have any questions\, please email ce@oneop.org. \n\n\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_2=”yes” right_margin=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_color=”#f7f7f7″ column_border_style=”solid” enable_border_animation=”true” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Materials” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1689369183150{padding-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1785162967238{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Webinar Slides \nWebinar Resources[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Photo Credit: Storyblocks[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160143/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/close-up-of-harvest-box-in-hands-farmer-young-woman-is-carried-box-of-organic-grown-ve-SBI-350736896-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260716T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260716T170000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260716T100046Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T165018Z
UID:10001788-1784181600-1784221200@oneop.org
SUMMARY:How does a small North Carolina city become a national example of collaboration between military and community?
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”50px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”column_reverse” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” el_class=”podcast-sidebar” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”147768″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][nectar_btn size=”large” constrain_group_1=”yes” open_new_tab=”true” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” solid_text_color_override=”#ffffff” icon_family=”none” text=”Subscribe Now” url=”https://www.buzzsprout.com/2099983/share” margin_top=”30″ margin_bottom=”30″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the “Practicing Connection” monthly email to keep up to date on our latest podcasts\, blog posts and workshops. \nJoin the “Practicing Connection Community” on LinkedIn. The community is designed for people who support military families in a variety of settings both on installations and in our communities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Listen” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Episode” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_column_text](Season 7\, Episode 29) \nHow does a small North Carolina city become a national example of collaboration between military and community?  \nMayor Will Lewis says it starts with relationships – and a willingness to show up for one another. \nIn this replay episode from early 2026\, Jessica talks with Havelock\, North Carolina Mayor Will Lewis about what it looks like when a city and an installation grow together. \nAs president of Allies for Cherry Point Tomorrow\, Mayor Lewis helps connect community\, education\, and military partners to strengthen opportunities for service members\, veterans\, and local families alike. \nTheir conversation explores how collaboration\, communication\, and long‑term vision can build lasting readiness at every level. \nLinks and resources from this episode: \n\nVisit the ACT website: https://alliesforcherrypoint.com/\n\nConnect with us! \n\nSign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter\nJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/\nSend us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” el_id=”trans”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” el_class=”entry” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Transcript” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” nofollow=”true” el_class=”read-it” button_id=”read-it” text=”Read More” url=”#trans”][vc_column_text el_class=”pod-trans”][Jessica Beckendorf]: Welcome to the Practicing Connection podcast. I’m Jessica Beckendorf. In this episode\, we’re spotlighting a community that has made partnership a central theme\, Havelock\, North Carolina. \nHavelock sits just outside Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point\, which also happens to be one of the largest employers in the region. It’s a place where the city\, the installation\, schools\, and local employers work hand in hand to support service members\, veterans\, and their families. \nThat kind of collaboration does not happen by accident. It takes leadership\, people\, time\, and a deep commitment to community well-being. Our guest today knows that work inside and out. Mayor Will Lewis has served the city of Havelock for nearly two decades\, building strong bridges between the city and the installation. During this time\, he has championed education\, STEM outreach\, and open communication across civilian and military sectors\, all while maintaining typical mayor duties\, like attending community events\, community engagement\, and working to make Havelock stronger. \nMayor Will also leads Allies for Cherry Point Tomorrow\, or ACT\, an organization that began years ago with a single mission: to protect the Fleet Readiness Center East during a round of base realignment. But ACT has since evolved into a nonprofit that uplifts the installation and the surrounding region. So today\, ACT convenes partners to expand access to engineering education\, to grow local employment opportunities\, and create pathways for transitioning veterans\, all with an eye toward long-term community and family readiness. \nThat is quite the introduction. Mayor Will\, welcome to the podcast. It’s such a pleasure to have you here. \n[Will Lewis]: Hey\, Jessica\, thank you for having me. I’m honored to be on your podcast. I’m going to do my best to make that intro do some justice to it. Thank you for that. That was awesome. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: Well\, we’ve already had a couple of off-air conversations\, and I fully believe all of the things that we said about you. So let’s get started with the first thing I wanted to ask you\, was that\, you know\, you’ve served as the mayor of Havelock for nearly two decades\, and now you lead Allies for Cherry Point Tomorrow. \nWhen you think about your journey\, what personal values or experiences have most shaped how you show up for military families and the broader community? \n[Will Lewis]: Well\, I mean\, it has been\, this is my 21st year total. I did eight years as a commissioner on the board and this number 13 as mayor. So 21 years\, as you said\, for the city. \nAnd\, you know\, I think like most people who get in a position\, whether for local service\, like local government\, it is about service and it’s about people. It’s about the people in your community. So I grew up here in Havelock. And I’ve been surrounded by Marines and all of our local citizens the whole time. I just wanted to give back. \nSo when I first ran\, the thought was\, “I’m just going to be able to help some people\, whether it’s getting a stop sign right or\, you know\, fixing potholes in a street\, whatever that might be.” I really didn’t know when I first joined the board that there would be this whole component with Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and taking care of Marines. \nAnd I grew into that. And you kind of saw it a little bit. It’s like when you grow up here\, I tell everybody\, like\, “We’re so fortunate. We live with everyday heroes.” Like\, you’re pumping your gas\, you look over and the person next to you is about to deploy or is training to deploy. We’re a very operational base. \nSo like\, man\, we live with people that protect our freedom. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: Yeah. \n[Will Lewis]: So it starts simple\, like just seeing them at a local event and talking to them\, and making them feel welcome when they’re brand new\, because they change out every three years. Making them feel welcome. Then it grew into ways that we can actually affect their lives\, things that we can do for them to make their lives better. So I don’t know that there was like any one thing or activity\, or like realization. It kind of grows on you if you stay here long enough\, I guess. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: Oh\, no\, that makes so much sense. And it seems like as it grew on you\, though\, you all had\, maybe it wasn’t a realization\, maybe it just was sort of a baby steps kind of thing that kind of built on each other. But it seems like you realized\, “Oh\, wait\, working together kind of floats all the boats or gets all of the planes in the air\,” however\, whatever metaphor you want to use there. But working together actually helps the wider region. \n[Will Lewis]: Yes. And I think I was fortunate enough to come along when that realization was happening. Maybe just the right place\, right time. Because for a long time\, the world of defense was\, it was always like the base did its thing and the community did their thing. \nAnd then there was like\, you intermingled\, you know\, we all played sports together and whatnot\, but we didn’t think about things like infrastructure together. We didn’t think about water supply. We didn’t think about sewer. We didn’t think about\, “What you can do as a larger community to protect families when their spouse deploys overseas?” \nAnd I think I was at the right place\, right time that all that conversation was starting. And we were able to be a part of that and grow with that thought. So as that thought process grew over the 20 years\, the City of Havelock has just been invested to grow that same way. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: Oh\, yeah. And so when you look across Havelock\, the Marine Corps\, Air Station Cherry Point\, and the surrounding region\, you’ve kind of started to allude to this\, but how do you see the military family readiness system operating in real life? Like\, who are the key players? And how do they work together to support service members and their families? You’ve started to mention that they’re doing it\, but yeah\, how do you see this operating? \n[Will Lewis]: Well\, there’s a lot of partners\, right? So I should disclaim by saying anybody I accidentally forget\, you can blame it on my brain\, not on my heart. Because there’s so many ways to help take care of your installation. \nSo ACT\, Allies for Cherry Points Tomorrow\, we really represent a four-county region. So we have Craven\, Carteret\, Pamlico\, and Jones counties. And then all the municipalities that sit in those\, they all participate with ACT. And there’s so many ways that we do it\, all the way from\, for example\, all of our chambers of commerce all have a military affairs commission. And those military affairs commissions do things like service person of the quarter\, where a command recommends somebody and writes a write-up of what they’re doing in the community\, and how they’re volunteering and why they deserve to be service person of the quarter. \nAnd then we do a big lunch and all our local businesses come together\, and they donate things to that person to thank them for what they’ve done in our community in their short time here. And they do things like\, we do these chicken pickings on the base where you pick a squadron\, you go over and you just cook a whole bunch of chickens\, and everybody comes and eats chicken and hangs out with the Marines. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: That sounds like fun. That sounds like a good time. \n[Will Lewis]: They’re a blast. And every chamber has a piece in that. So it happens multiple times a year. I call that like the morale and welfare piece of it. \nBut it goes even\, like\, our schools\, like every one of our schools in Craven County or in Havelock in particular\, we all have a squadron assigned to us. So when they do field day\, the Marines come out and do field day with the kids and the teachers get to meet those Marines. And if they do science night\, they come out and spend time with the kids doing the experiments. So it’s at every level like that. \nAnd it goes all the way up to what I would say the most advanced levels\, which are us as a community trying to understand their needs\, whether it’s inside the installation or out in the community\, and then trying to provide those. \nAnd that could be anything from – perfect example: we didn’t have lacrosse in Eastern North Carolina when I was a kid. Nobody played lacrosse. That was like a Northeast thing. But you get all these Marine families that come here and they came from the Northeast. “Why is there no lacrosse here? We played lacrosse when we were in Maryland\,” or wherever. And the city evolves in that and the community decides\, “Oh\, we do need a lacrosse league.” \nAnd guess who our coaches are\, right? There are all these Marines that have moved here and understand lacrosse. And then our local kids get involved in that. And now we have lacrosse everywhere\, including even at the high school. And so I think the little pieces like that\, because it’s I say in Havelock especially\, you can’t separate Cherry Point and Havelock. We’re like completely intertwined\, right. \nBut even our entire region now is completely intertwined into that. And when everyone’s thinking about what they’re going to do\, they include\, how does this impact the military? Is it good? Is it bad? Is it something they want? \nSo there’s a million ways. And it’s everybody from school systems\, community colleges\, Allies for Cherry Point’s Tomorrow\, chambers of commerce\, even the municipalities themselves\, right. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: Wow. Yeah\, that’s one of the reasons why we like doing episodes like this\, where we are uplifting stories of the military family readiness system in action\, like what’s happening in Havelock. We hope that whether you’ve got a Marine Corps air station right next door or not\, we hope that people in communities will ask\, “How might this issue impact military families in our area?” Even if it isn’t the biggest employer in the area\, even if it’s almost invisible. \nAnd we also hope that the folks who are on installations will ask\, “How is the community already addressing certain issues?” And it sounds like you guys really have that relationship down. You’re coming together and you’re making decisions together and you’re doing it in a way that is not just coordinated\, but it’s integrated into everything you do. \n[Will Lewis]: Absolutely\, Jessica\, even our planning committees and our technical advisory committees\, we include people from the installation on that. So we’re talking about traffic or projects. They can give us input to say that’s how it would affect us\, or we think that’s a good idea\, etc. \nAnd I think a lot of it\, it’s because Havelock and Marine Corps Air Station grew together. Like a lot of communities already existed. They were already incorporated. And then a military installation came. For us\, we were here as a community since the 1700s\, 1800s\, but we didn’t even incorporate till 1959. And the base came here in 1942. As the base was growing its identity\, Havelock was growing ours. \nAnd so\, I mean\, it’s kind of like growing up with your brother or your sister. You get a little piece of them whether you want to or not because you’re all growing up together. And I think that’s what made us unique. \nAnd I didn’t know we were unique\, Jessica\, I just thought that was normal. Growing up here\, I just thought every community and their base had that exact same relationship. And it wasn’t until we got involved with the Association of Defense Communities that we realized… that it isn’t. That it is kind of unique. It’s not that way everywhere. \nAnd we’ve tried to do our best to explain how we do what we do and give them a little bit of the magic sauce\, so that other communities can benefit. Because a lot of people look at it as a challenge. I look at it as this complete and total benefit that we have all these Marines and their families and sailors and their families here. It benefits us dramatically\, makes us better as a community. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: Yes. Wow\, I really appreciate that comment. So the city and the base grew together\, but also ACT\, the Allies for Cherry Point Tomorrow\, started as an effort to save the Fleet Readiness Center East\, right? During\, I know the acronym is BRAC\, but I cannot remember what it stands for. \n[Will Lewis]: Base Realignment and Closure. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: Thank you. And because it’s since become a nonprofit focused on strengthening both the installation and the community. So I’m wondering\, can you share a moment\, and maybe the answer is no\, there is no moment\, it just was a lot of little things that happened over time. But can you share a moment when you realized that ACT’s work was about more than one decision point\, you know\, saving the Fleet Readiness Center East – that it was about building long-term community infrastructure for military families? \n[Will Lewis]: I can talk about when the moment was for me. So I’ve been a part of ACT for\, I guess I’m right at 11 or 12 years on the ACT board. And it was some great individuals that started it long before that in the 90s when you’re talking about them. \nSpecifically\, it got larger around that the whole community coming together to protect Fleet Readiness Center East aboard Cherry Point. But I know that sometimes those decisions were opportunity driven\, and that was ours. So we always knew that we had to advocate on behalf of Cherry Point for the readiness and the mission and making sure that that was all as healthy as it could be. \nBut for me\, it was when the school system came to us at Allies for Cherry Point Tomorrow and we were heavily deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. And they came to us during the month of April\, which is the month of the military child\, they came to Allies for Cherry Point Tomorrow. \nAnd they said\, “We do these deployment boxes.” And it was\, this box was kind of a lot of\, every branch I think has them\, but it’s got a teddy bear in it in uniform. And then it’s got some stationary to mail back and forth\, and some other things. There’s a book in there\, and it’s to help kids whose parents have to go deploy and go to war. And the school system came to us at ACT\, and I was pretty new on the board and they said\, “Hey\, we’ve got a lot of deployed military right now. We want to get more of these deployment boxes and we don’t have the budget. How could we partner to do this thing?” \nAnd that was when I think it flipped a switch in me that was like\, ‘oh\, we can do more.’ And then I feel like every year it’s like\, we can do more\, we can do more\, we can do more. So we’re always just looking for more\, right. But that was what I realized. Maybe it’s not just about advocacy. It’s also about as a community\, what do we do that kind of rings out bigger and across everybody\, and including these young people because we all\, you know\, a lot of times we forget about the kids. They’re dealing with that deployment just like that spouse that got left behind while they were gone is dealing with it. That was kind of the moment for me that I realized ACT could be a bigger impact in the community even. \nAnd that turned into just constant evolution over the last 10 years. And it’s been everything from us doing the deployment boxes to kick all that off. But then it grew into us providing scholarships at the local community colleges for transitioning military and their families. It grew into a star base. It’s leaps and bounds over the last decade from the idea of just like\, “What’s next? What can we do? How can we do more?” \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: Wow. Well\, I mean\, I feel like you’ve already expanded on\, you just gave a whole bunch of great examples of this\, but I’m wondering if you have sort of a favorite example of an initiative where you saw\, maybe it was through ACT\, maybe it was through some other initiative where you saw municipal\, educational\, and military partners come together in a way that really improved readiness for families? \n[Will Lewis]: Sure. The most recent example\, literally\, like the kids actually started this week and I’m going to get super excited. So if I go on too long\, Jessica\, just tell me. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: No\, I want to hear this. I want to hear all the details! \n[Will Lewis]: So we transitioned from a C6 to a C3. As a C6\, we were just an advocacy nonprofit\, but then we became a true nonprofit. And that was really spurred by that moment when it was like\, we want to do these deployment boxes. If we want to do more\, we’ve got to be a real nonprofit\, not just a government advocacy nonprofit. That led to some scholarship things that we do through our C3 for transitioning military\, which have been hugely successful. \nWe’ve raised almost $40\,000 over the last two years. They go directly to our community colleges. We have three of them. And it is for transitioning military\, specifically for things they might want to learn or get a certificate in\, or a degree in that is not covered by the GI Bill. And so workforce items and things like that. And it’s been wildly successful. But the most recent one where everybody came\, this is the one with the most partners. And if you’ve heard of DoD Starbase\, or if you’ve ever heard of – \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: Starbase. From you\, I think\, from our last conversation\, yeah. \n[Will Lewis]: So it’s a project or it’s a program within manpower part of the department. And it’s been going on since\, I’m going to say the early nineties\, I want to say the first Starbase started\, but it is a fifth grade STEM education outreach program that is co-located with a military installation. It’s funded through the department. \nAnd then you have a local nonprofit that runs the money and provides STEM education. It’s predominantly for Title I schools\, but it can be for any schools after you get through your Title I schools. And we’ve never had one here. And there are 90 of them across the country\, but there never been one in Eastern North Carolina. FRC East\, which is located aboard Cherry Point\, they have a really big STEM outreach into the community. They go to schools and they have a fab lab they bring around\, and they kind of show kids STEM and try to get them excited. \nSo FRC East was like\, “We need a star base. We’ve got to have a star base.” So we all got in this room about two years ago and it was FRC East. It was our Marine Corps Station Cherry Point leadership. It was Allies for Cherry Points Tomorrow and some school folks. And we said\, “How do we make this happen?” \nSo we filled out an application. We got letters from all of our congressmen\, senators\, both state and federal\, and even our governor got letters from our military affairs commission\, our local superintendents\, and we flooded the department with letters. And eventually they said\, “Yes\, we’re going to make you a Starbase.” \nThere was some funding issues\, always is\, right? Never enough funding to do everything everybody wants to do. But this past year\, they got enough funding to actually start a Starbase here. And so where the real partnership happened was FRC is trying to make this thing happen. They have to have a nonprofit step in to run the money. Well\, ACT’s never been a government contractor. That’s not what we do. But they came to us and they said\, “We think you’re the perfect partner. You’re focused on our kids in the community. You’re focused on our kids in the military. You’re focused on our mission. Would you be willing to partner?” \nAnd so my board said\, “Yeah\, let’s do this thing. Let’s figure it out.” So over about an eight week period with the help of FRC East and the station\, and then we had to kind of go on our own to do the actual government contract. We write the contract submission. We turned it in. It got approved. We worked out a contract. And as of October 1\, we officially have a star base. \nBut to make that happen\, to get these kids in there\, it’s just I can go on and on about the opportunity for the kids because I think it’s an amazing opportunity. But to do it\, it took the command at Fleet Readiness Center East. It took the command at Marine Corps Station Cherry Point. It took Allies for Cherry Points Tomorrow. It took every one of our four school systems\, superintendents and deputy superintendents in charge of curriculum or whatever their title was in each one. It took the buy-in of the principals of those schools because we’re asking them to give us fifth graders for five days\, to get 25 hours of curriculum. That’s a lot of time out of the school building. And so we had to kind of help them understand how exciting this opportunity would be. \nIt is rigorous\, exciting\, unique STEM education that they get to go do hands-on. They call it ‘Hands-on\, minds-on\,’ which – I love that phrase. So they’re literally like building dragsters and making boats out of clay\, and trying to understand all these STEM concepts. And they get to go on the Marine Corps installation to do that as a field trip. They go on the installation to this building that’s dedicated for the Star Base. \nWe even included our community college because Allies for Cherry Point’s Tomorrow had to hire all the teachers and instructors and the director. We don’t have a big employee payroll. So we went to our community college and we partnered with them and they came in and they actually hired them for us. And then they work for ACT. And we have this huge partnership with all of those folks. \nSo you’re talking about eight or ten partners across all these spectrums that had to come together over a very short period of time. So we were awarded October 1. We had kids in the building February 17th. So over October\, November\, December\, and January\, we literally built an entire schoolhouse as a team\, all of us together. And that included furniture\, fixtures\, equipment\, iPads\, computers. Curriculum\, you name it. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: Did the curriculum have to be written? \n[Will Lewis]: So the department provides the curriculum. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: Oh\, okay\, good. \n[Will Lewis]: But the curriculum\, Jessica\, is massive because they want it to work for any installation. You get to go through the curriculum and pick which ones you want to utilize. And then you’re allowed to customize them to what you do as an organization. \nSo we obviously are focused on some aviation and fabrication type stuff because of what we do. And then we get to kind of tweak the stuff\, but we have to follow that curriculum. So just going through the curriculum for the director and the instructors was a Herculean task to do in a short period of time\, because once they decided what they had to do\, then we had to order all the materials and get them here in time so they could practice. \nSo when the kids walked in the building\, everything would be just right. We were in the building the day before they came in until\, you know\, six o’clock that evening and the weekend before just making sure everything was perfect. So those kids would have a phenomenal experience. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: Oh\, and by the way\, in that four-month period of time\, there were also a couple of holidays that a lot of people take off for. \n[Will Lewis]: Yeah\, Thanksgiving\, Christmas. We had a little government shutdown in the middle of all that. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: Oh yeah\, we did a little bit\, just a little one. \n[Will Lewis]: Yeah\, right? So all of that combined to make it quite a challenge. We would have never gotten it done. I mean\, there’s no way ACT could have done that. There’s no way FRC could have done it. There’s no way the college could have done it. \nBut all of us coming together\, we pulled this thing off. We are now\, right now\, the only active Marine Corps star base in the country. There’s 90 of them. We’re the only Marine Corps one. There are two other ones in North Carolina. They’re at National Guard locations\, one in Wilmington and one in Charlotte. But we’re the only Marine Corps one. And we got our first kids in this week. And so far it has been phenomenal. And the kids are absolutely loving it\, which has made it all worth all the effort that everybody put in. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: Well\, I’m excited that I’m getting to talk to you during the week that this huge initiative is launching because that’s not only a huge task to get done in that short period of time\, but also you must be immensely proud. You and all of the people involved must be so proud. \n[Will Lewis]: Oh\, incredibly. And just the idea that all of our school systems can bring their fifth graders there\, it doesn’t cost them a dime. They just have to come up with the ability to bus them there. And then we provide everything else. \nSo you’re talking about kids that may never get to experience that level of STEM\, get to now come and experience it for 25 hours with people that are super passionate and excited about STEM. \nI would say we’re literally changing lives\, Jessica. There’s going to be at least some kid out of the 1\,800\, by the way\, that we’re going to serve over the next year\, 1\,800 kids\, you know\, at least one\, probably a hundred are going to be like\, “Oh my gosh\, I didn’t know that this was an option\,“ right. \nAnd we have a lot of opportunity for those jobs here with FRC East\, Fleet Riding Center East\, and obviously the Marine Corps and the Navy side of what happens here. So a lot of opportunity for them to then find a career path that keeps them in Eastern North Carolina and gets them excited about STEM. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: And you just touched on the next question I was going to ask you\, is what do you hope will happen in the future? You know\, sort of what are those future outcomes that you hope will happen? And it sounds like one of them is\, ‘Hey\, we really hope that we can not only help some kids find something they’re really passionate about\, they really want to pursue\, but also that they’ll be able to actually pursue that right here at home.’ \n[Will Lewis]: Yes\, ma’am. And so if you don’t mind\, I’ll tell you a little bit about it. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: I don’t mind any of this. Please continue. We’ve talked already. You know I’m riding the wave. I love it. \n[Will Lewis]: So we have\, I think the thing that Eastern North Carolina has done really\, really well is create this sort of STEM ecosystem for kids to go through from starting in fourth grade all the way through high school and even into college. And it started with this organization called the Eastern Carolina Aviation Heritage Foundation. That is a long name. We call the ECAF for short\, but it’s a wing of the city and we started it. I was a commissioner at the time and my mayor assigned me to go over there and help start this ECAF thing. \nWe did not know at the time we would become what we are. We basically are a small museum with some airplanes and some cool stuff for kids to come see and interact with. That’s about the heritage of Cherry Point and Havelock. But what it turned into was we were the first STEM summer camp for fourth through sixth graders in Eastern North Carolina because we realized there was not one. By the time they’re in middle school\, eighth grade\, ninth grade or whatever\, it’s almost too late to get them excited about something new. You want to start a little earlier. \nSo we started this camp and we do 50\, 60 kids. We’ve done as many as 80\, depending on the year. Always have a waiting list. It’s competitive to get into it. And we run this camp through the Havelock\, through our foundation. Well\, then NC State\, North Carolina State University\, land-grant university. I’m a graduate of the North Carolina State University myself. They put a satellite location here in Havelock at our local community college where you can get a four-year degree in mechanical engineering systems. They did that to serve the base. \nSo the base kept asking them\, “How can we get engineers here faster? Because we have over a thousand engineers over there at Cherry Point.” And so they built that system. And so then there was this gap in the middle and the community college stepped up\, and they run a sixth through eighth grade camp. And then we run a high school camp with a partnership with NC State. And then you can get your four-year degree here. So in fourth grade\, if you go to a STEM camp and you’re like\, ‘this is my path\,’ then over the last decade\, you’ve been able to go to a camp every year and get more and more enhanced STEM. \nAnd all those camps work together. So they’re not little silos of STEM. They’re working together so that you’re growing in your capability every single year. And then those kids can go to NC State right here in Havelock\, get a degree\, walk right across the street\, and go to work at FRC East at a job that pays twice the average salary in eastern North Carolina. \nAnd the Starbase is just now a new component of that because all these camps cost a little bit of money. We do have scholarships and things. But the Starbase now opens that door up for people that maybe can’t afford the camp and can get excited about it\, and then figure it out through our camps or through the school system. \nI think\, you know\, my personal opinion\, East North Carolina\, that’s kind of where we’re crushing it. We are a very STEM-related base with operations and then FRC\, and what they do to tear apart airplanes and rebuild them. And we know we’ve got to build that workforce. And now we’ve had kids that started in fourth grade at our camp and went through all the years and then went on to get a degree and are now working at FRC East. And that’s pretty special. \nI don’t know of anywhere else that does it quite that way. We’re having our annual gala tonight\, Jessica. If you’re in town\, you could definitely come with us. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: I would totally do that. \n[Will Lewis]: We’re having our annual gala for the ECAF\, which is the fundraiser that supports that summer camp. And we will fill our local tourist and event center with all the companies and people that support that area. It’s a community buy-in. Everybody in the community supports those summer camps because they know that this is how we’re growing our community into something special. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: Wow. Well\, I wanted to talk a little bit about\, so one of the reasons that Havelock stood out to me is your size. What’s the population? \n[Will Lewis]: So right now\, if you ask the state OMB\, they say we’re just over 18\,000. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: Okay. Yes. Small city\, regardless. I mean\, even if your population swells certain times of the year\, it’s still a small area. And am I wrong in that you’re in a fairly rural area? \n[Will Lewis]: Yes\, ma’am. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: So that’s one of the reasons Havelock stood out to me\, besides\, of course\, all the incredible work you guys are doing. I wonder your thoughts on sort of the wider region\, and do you see what you all have done in Havelock as something that is at least on maybe different scales replicable in other communities\, right? \nYou’re a small community\, and I’ve worked in a lot of small communities and I know that in small communities\, the human capacity\, the amount of time people can spend on doing all of the volunteer things and doing all\, you know\, really trying to support people in the community is low. And my God\, it’s amazing that people thank you so much. \n[Will Lewis]: And if you look at even our whole region at the four counties that I mentioned\, Craven\, Carteret\, Jones\, and Pamlico\, even the population of all four of those counties combined\, I’m going to guess is in the range of less than half a million of all four counties. \nJones and Pamlico are even more rural than we are. Craven’s a little over 100\,000 and Carteret\, we’re the two biggest. So it’s probably more like 300\,000 total in the area. \nI think the answer\, I mean\, it sounds simple\, but it’s like you said at the very beginning\, it’s a lot of partners. So we noticed when we look across all of our committees at the city and even at the county\, including our ECAF that I just mentioned and Allies for Cherry Points Tomorrow\, there’s a lot of overlap. You’ve got somebody who’s on the ECAF board is also on my ACT board and is also on the Rec Advisory Board and is also on the Appearance Commission and is also on the County Rec Advisory Board. So there’s a lot of overlap. \nOne thing that we found\, and we learned this specifically in ACT and at our ECAF Foundation I was talking about earlier\, the right people matter\, the people that have that passion. You know\, there’s that old thing that says\, “If you want to get something done\, give it to the busiest person you know\, they’ll probably get it done.” There’s some truth to that. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: And it’s so sad\, but also\, yeah. \n[Will Lewis]: A lot of truth\, right? Yeah. I think the secret sauce is pretty simple for this one. It’s getting a unified vision that everybody wants to pull in the same direction. And I think what’s really unique about our area is nobody’s trying to take credit for what’s happened with STEM. \nACT is not running around saying\, “We wouldn’t have STEM if it wasn’t for Atlas Retriever Points tomorrow.” ECAF isn’t saying\, “We started the first elementary school.” \nEveryone just sits down every now and then and talks about what’s missing. What are we doing right? How can we all help each other? And how does that turn into an area that everybody wants to live in? And maybe it’s because we are in a rural area that everybody realizes we have to work together. There’s no competition. \nCherry Point is a $2.6 billion industry to our community. $2.6 billion. Nothing comes even close. There’s no other employer\, like FRC East is over 4\,000 employees. There’s nothing even close in our area. And then you add in the fact that these are everyday heroes that are literally doing the nation’s work to keep us all safe. And it kind of makes it easy to want to help them. \nBut I think you do have to have good leadership. A lot of our good leadership are folks that have maybe retired from the installation and stayed in the community. They realize Eastern North Carolina’s paradise. And then they’re like\, ‘hey\, I want to stay.’ So like the guy tonight that’s going to run our gala is the chairman of our ECAF\, a retired two-star general from Cherry Point. And he has stayed here for decades. Helping us grow Eastern North Carolina. So leadership matters. But I think having a cohesive mission that we all can just say the mission wins\, the mission trumps everything. Yeah. Mission trumps it all. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: There’s no competition here. There’s no – one thing I’ve seen in a lot of smaller populated areas is sometimes there’s this competition for the scarce dollars that are available\, or whatever the scarce resources in general\, the human resources and everything. \nBut it sounds like you guys really have built a culture of collaboration as well. And perhaps that did start with some really strong leadership saying like\, “There’s no ego here. We need to just get the job done and do it together.” \n[Will Lewis]: And define those lanes everyone’s going to swim. And so\, like\, for example\, our Chamber Macs\, they do a phenomenal job at the morale of welfare. ACT has no business getting involved in that. I don’t need to do chicken pickings and I don’t need to do pig pickings and I don’t need to do any of that because the Chamber Macs do a great job. \nSo guess what? They do that and they invite us. And we’re members of the Chamber Mac. So when they do that chicken picking\, we’re going to show up. We’re just going to serve some Marines and we’re going to talk to them. We’re going to have a good time. But they’re the ones that actually do it. \nAnd by the same note\, we’re really good at government advocacy for our base. So they all know that that’s what we’re going to do. So they’re members of our organization and we do the advocacy. So we kind of all understand what our roles are and there’s no need to duplicate efforts. And nobody kind of – we just don’t really fight over that. And I think that helps too is once you’ve got that mission and everyone agrees\, then we can just define what we’re going to do and everyone kind of accepts that. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: Wow. Well\, I had a couple of other things I was curious about because\, you know\, you’ve talked about some really big initiatives\, but behind some of those big initiatives\, what are some of the everyday collaboration practices that make initiatives like that possible? \nThings like\, you know\, how you communicate with installation leaders\, or how you engage schools or employers. Or how you keep veteran and family voices in the mix. So what are some of the small kind of everyday things you all do? I know one of them you mentioned already that when there’s an issue\, you all sit down and you’re like\, ‘how does this affect the military families?’ But what are some of those other small collaboration practices? \n[Will Lewis]: One thing I know that we do really well is we talk to our base leadership all the time. So\, for example\, I talk to our base CEO\, our commanding officer. He and I talk multiple times a week. And it could be really simple stuff. Like he just might be calling me to say\, “Hey\, we’re going to do some work outside the gate. It’s going to probably slow traffic down in Havelock. You may have an issue with these lights. Just letting you guys know.” \nAnd it could be something we’re doing in town\, “Hey\, did you know this was going to happen? It’s probably going to affect you guys.” So it’s like very mechanical infrastructure things. But also it’s just like\, “Hey\, what’s going on this Saturday night? Do you guys want to come out to the club and we’ll just eat supper together and talk about what’s going on inside and outside the gate?” Kind of that more informal\, just getting to know each other. \nI think everything in the world comes down to relationships. As a mayor\, that’s probably not a hard thing to guess that I would say that. But I also say the relationship has to be real. And so those touch points where you’re just like catching a quick meal together or\, you know\, when the new CEO comes to town and you’re just like\, “Hey\, you and your family should come out and check out this restaurant. It’s a great one out in town. When you go\, give us a holler. We’ll meet you over there.” Those things are important. \nBut I think even further down in the weeds\, I know in Havelock\, for example\, our departments are talking to their departments every day\, right? So I don’t know what my police department’s doing today. I mean\, I know that they’re protecting and serving\, but I don’t know what they’re actually doing. But they’re talking to the PMO\, the Provost Marshal’s Office on the base\, and they’re coordinating traffic and they’re coordinating what’s happening in and out of the community. And they’re talking about different things that I don’t even know about every day\, but it keeps that relationship solid between the base and the city. \nAnd then from the bigger picture of Allies\, Triple H\, Tamar\, and the counties\, we have this really cool committee that the base started. It’s called the Civilian Military Community Council\, the CMCC. And once every two months\, our base hosts one representative from every municipality and county. And the municipality and county gets to pick who they send. It’s typically a mayor or a county commissioner. We all go have lunch together on the base. And when we do\, the base CO brings in all the commands and they just give you a quick brief. What’s happening? What’s going to happen in the next couple of weeks? What can you expect at the base? That sort of thing. \nAnd then the community gets to report to the base the coolest stuff going on in their community. So they say\, “Hey\, we got a grant to put in a sidewalk over here. We’re going to be doing that next week.” Or\, “We’ve got a kayak launch. We know all your Marines like the kayaks. We got a kayak launch. It’s going to be open October 4th\,” whatever. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: I didn’t know Marines like to kayak. That’s great to know. \n[Will Lewis]: Anything\, you know\, I mean. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: Outdoor stuff\, yeah. \n[Will Lewis]: Yeah\, anything outdoors. So everybody kind of gets to say like what they love about what’s going on. And typically you’ll hear things like other mayors\, like I talk to the CO every day\, but other mayors don’t necessarily get that if they’re not right by the base. So they’re like\, “Hey\, thank you guys for sending Marines out to serve at our local festival. They came out and they played games with the kids and they helped serve food and it was so much fun. Thank you for that.” \nI think that is a big one and I can take zero credit for that. That was started a long time ago by a base commanding officer and it has become expected by our community. Everybody loves the CMCC. Some local boards\, their members fight over who gets to go\, because you want to go and you want to hear that brief and you want to brag about your city. It gives you those subtle touch points again where everyone kind of gets to know each other a little bit. \nThe CEO gets to know communities that aren’t even right outside his gate. I mean\, I can throw a baseball from my office to the main gate. So we talk all the time. But if you’re 20 miles away\, 30 miles away\, that’s not the case. So that’s another tool in our toolbox that we all use as a community to stay connected. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: Wow. I feel like if we looked at a network map of all of these relationships\, that there would be a lot of back and forth and a lot of connections. It sounds like there’s a lot of touch points. And I think that’s rare. It kind of brings me to another question. \nSo if there wasn’t an installation near you\, I guess I’m wondering\, like\, there’s still a value we know in supporting military families in an area. Like what advice\, I guess\, would you have for community leaders who maybe don’t have an installation near them and the value of supporting military families? \n[Will Lewis]: So this is\, I like to remind people that I think that people think that if you’re in the military\, your life is pretty easy. Like you just get a paycheck. You go to work every day. \nSo the first thing I always remind my community is it’s as hard as any other job\, probably way harder. And it’s as hard on the family\, especially when we’re in deep deployment cycles. And it really doesn’t matter if you are 100 miles from a base or not. \nI think just being cognizant of the fact that they are actually\, people are like\, “Oh\, if they’re not in war\, what are they doing\, man?” And it’s such a complicated organism of what they do to protect us and to train and to be a part of the\, you know\, what Marines like to call the “kill chain\,” like to be some part of that kill chain. \nAnd so when you look at that big picture\, I think people should understand\, first of all\, that not only are they working for a living\, but they’ve chosen service\, right? Like all of us have a job. They chose to sign a check to give up part of their life for the United States of America. So like\, let’s just stop first and respect that. Whether you have a base in your community or not\, let’s respect that. Especially if you didn’t choose to do it\, like let’s respect that they’re willing to do that. \nAnd then think about how does that impact their life? I mean\, they move every three years. In the Marine Corps\, they’re moving every two to three years. So you’re packing everything you own up. You’re trying to make weight on the shipment. You’ve got to get rid of things. You’ve got to decide what to keep. You’ve got to get your kids in a brand new school. All those things are a challenge for a family. \nSo if you’re close to one\, it’s easy to remember that. If you’re not close to one\, it’s a little more difficult. I think if you’re close to one\, or you’re not\, spend some time trying to understand that. And sometimes the easiest way is just to have a conversation with someone you know that’s either in the military or used to be in the military\, and they can tell you some of those challenges. Once you understand that\, I think the rest of it falls into place. \nThen you can find ways where you can kind of get in where you fit in to try to alleviate some of that pain\, or provide something for them that makes their life a little easier. Like\, for example\, Craven County Schools put military counselors in all of our schools. So when those kids come here\, there’s a dedicated counselor that they sit down with the family and they talk about where their credits came from. Because I mean\, some of these kids come from overseas and they just got credits there that don’t just necessarily match up to what you’ve got. \nAnd picking that military counselor\, that was a big deal for our school system to do that. And I mean\, money’s short\, right? And I think if you understand the challenges\, you can find solutions in that way. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: Yeah. I used to work in a county that was pretty far from an installation. And the county veteran service officer was really working hard\, trying to work with the sheriff’s department on sheriff’s deputies carrying challenge coins with them. \nAnd to start asking\, you know\, are you a veteran? When they would arrive at calls\, you know\, asking\, are you a veteran? And giving them some training on how to use the challenge coins and how to talk to veterans. And I bring this up because I think\, you know\, whether you’re far\, we were in a county that was very far from installation. I know that veterans are everywhere\, but we also know that military families are too. \nAnd so even just the simple act of asking the families that you serve\, or asking\, “Do we have military families in this area that this issue would also affect?” seems like it would possibly go a long way\, based on what you’re saying. \n[Will Lewis]: Yeah\, that’s a really cool example. And it’s a reminder\, too\, that some of these military folks just go home when they’re done\, right. So I always try to convince them to stay in Eastern North Carolina\, because we want them to stay. But some of them were like\, “Hey\, my family’s in Alabama and that’s where I’m from. I’m going to move back to this area”. \nAnd they get back there and there’s no military base close. But when they come back to that school system\, their kids still have the same struggle. They still have the same opportunity to engage with the sheriff’s department or wherever when they go back home. And even if that’s a small percentage\, it’s a percentage we should pay attention to\, in my opinion. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: Yeah. I agree. \nMayor Will Lewis\, thank you so\, so much for your conversation. I’ve enjoyed every one of them\, whether they were recorded or not. I really appreciate hearing about everything that Havelock is doing\, but also just your dedication and passion for serving the military families in your area. So thank you so much for being here. \n[Will Lewis]: Oh\, it was my pleasure. I love talking about it because I can’t even imagine if I was going to be a mayor. I love being the mayor of a town that hosts a military installation. I love it because I get to take care of my own citizens\, plus people that are sacrificing for the world that are also my citizens. I think it’s a special opportunity and I love talking to people about it. \nSo thank you for having me\, Jessica. \n[Jessica Beckendorf]: Mayor Will Lewis is the longtime mayor of Havelock\, North Carolina\, and president for Allies for Cherry Point Tomorrow. \nThat’s it for this episode of Practicing Connection. Thanks so much for listening. If you enjoyed today’s conversation\, share it with a friend or colleague. \nWe’d like to thank our co-producer\, our announcer\, Kaylin Goebel\, Meg Lucas and Joyce Vaughn for their help with marketing\, and Nathan Grimm\, who composed and performed all the music you hear on the podcast. We hope you’ll listen again soon. Until then\, keep practicing. \nThe Practicing Connection podcast is a production of One Op and is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture\, U.S. Department of Agriculture\, and the Office of Military Family Readiness Policy\, U.S. Department of Defense\, under award number 2023-48770-41333.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/collaboration-between-military-and-community/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Practicing-Connection_Podcast-graphic-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260709T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260709T123000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260216T182002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260714T165839Z
UID:10001721-1783594800-1783600200@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Launching Teens for Life After High School
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/kJ99kc1hJuE”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”20″ constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Webinar” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Teen years are a critical time to prepare for life beyond high school while still providing the guidance and support youth need. This process is often complicated for military families who are experiencing frequent relocation\, changing services\, and evolving family roles. This session will equip military families and professionals with practical tools and strategies to support youth with disabilities as they prepare for post-school life. Topics will address employment\, post-secondary education\, independent living\, and military specific considerations. Professionals will gain tools to help youth launch with confidence—ready for both independence and the realities of a mobile lifestyle.  \nLearning Objectives: \n\nDescribe the key components of effective transition planning and the transition plan for students with IEPs.\nDescribe strategies to support youth with disabilities to prepare for post-school employment\, post-secondary education\, and independent living.\nIdentify supports and services available to enable military families and professionals to navigate the transition process.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Presenters” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”219472″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Magen Rooney\, Ph.D.” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Magen Rooney-Kron\, PhD\, is an assistant professor of inclusive education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Her work focuses on supporting teachers to implement evidence-based transition practices to improve post-school employment outcomes for students with intellectual disabilities. In particular\, she is interested in promoting inclusive and high-quality work-based learning experiences that prepare students with more extensive support needs for competitive\, integrated employment. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of TASH.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”219473″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Emily Malouf\, Ph.D.” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Emily is a Research Scholar at Transition Tennessee at Vanderbilt University. In her current role\, Emily delivers technical assistance to providers of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and engages in research to improve the quality of Pre-ETS for students across the state. Prior to her work in Tennessee\, Emily received her Ph.D. in Special Education from University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign in 2023 and has over 15 years of experience working with youth\, teens\, and adults with extensive support needs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”40″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Continuing Education (CE) Credit” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][nectar_btn size=”jumbo” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” el_class=”Continuing Education Survey” button_id=”Continuing Education Survey” text=”Continuing Education Survey” url=”https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cTNaCWEKENXxrjo”][vc_column_text]\n\nCertified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS): This webinar is pending approval for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 7/9/2028.\nBoard Certified Disability Management Specialists: This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) clock hour from The Commission for Case Manager Certification. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 7/9/2026.\nCertified Family Life Educators (CFLE): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 7/9/2029.\nCertified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education credit from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 7/9/2029.\nMichigan Certified Teachers: This webinar has been approved for 1.5 SCECH from the Michigan Education Association’s Center for Leadership and Learning. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 7/9/2029.\nSocial Workers\, Licensed Professional Counselors\, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists: This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. Check with your state licensing agency for reciprocity and/or credit approval if licensed for other professions or in one of the following states: CO\, FL\, HI\, IA\, KS\, KY\, MI\, NY\, ND\, OH\, OK. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 7/9/2029.\nOneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\nIf the button above does not appear\, please access the continuing education survey through this link: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cTNaCWEKENXxrjo. If you have any questions\, email CE@oneop.org.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_2=”yes” right_margin=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_color=”#f7f7f7″ column_border_style=”solid” enable_border_animation=”true” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Materials” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1689369183150{padding-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1783538088662{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Additional Resources \nWebinar Slides[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Photo Credit: AdobeStock 208202951[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160132/
CATEGORIES:Health and Well-Being
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/AdobeStock_208202951-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260709T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260709T170000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260709T100015Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T213248Z
UID:10001787-1783576800-1783616400@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Applying Systems Thinking to Local Issues
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”50px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”column_reverse” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” el_class=”podcast-sidebar” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”147768″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][nectar_btn size=”large” constrain_group_1=”yes” open_new_tab=”true” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” solid_text_color_override=”#ffffff” icon_family=”none” text=”Subscribe Now” url=”https://www.buzzsprout.com/2099983/share” margin_top=”30″ margin_bottom=”30″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the “Practicing Connection” monthly email to keep up to date on our latest podcasts\, blog posts and workshops. \nJoin the “Practicing Connection Community” on LinkedIn. The community is designed for people who support military families in a variety of settings both on installations and in our communities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Listen” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTQxODY2MiUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmJ1enpzcHJvdXQuY29tJTJGMjA5OTk4MyUyRmVwaXNvZGVzJTJGMTk0MTg2NjItYXBwbHlpbmctc3lzdGVtcy10aGlua2luZy10by1sb2NhbC1pc3N1ZXMuanMlM0Zjb250YWluZXJfaWQlM0RidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTQxODY2MiUyNnBsYXllciUzRHNtYWxsJTIyJTIwdHlwZSUzRCUyMnRleHQlMkZqYXZhc2NyaXB0JTIyJTIwY2hhcnNldCUzRCUyMnV0Zi04JTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNF[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Episode” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_column_text](Season 7\, Episode 28) \nWhat is the value of using a systems lens in community work? \nIn today’s archive episode\, we are hearing from Bob and Jessica about solving issues in your community on a systems level\, not just on a focused project level. \nIt’s easy to get caught up in a silo\, or to talk past each other. While hyperfocusing on one event or initiative in your community can have great results\, it can also cut you off from system changes that have a greater impact on your community. \nSo what can you do to help you and your community start thinking about the whole system? Jessica and Bob have some great places to start. \nOur From the Archive series is where we update and rerelease retired content that we feel is still relevant today. \nLinks and resources from this episode: \n\nMilitary Family Readiness Academy: oneop.org/mfra\n\nConnect with us! \n\nSign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter\nJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/\nSend us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” el_id=”trans”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” el_class=”entry” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Transcript” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” nofollow=”true” el_class=”read-it” button_id=”read-it” text=”Read More” url=”#trans”][vc_column_text el_class=”pod-trans”]ERIN CARLSON RIVERA: [00:00:00] Hi\, thanks for listening to Practicing Connection. I’m Erin and today we’re diving into an episode about how to solve local problems using systems thinking. This episode is part of our From the Archive series where we are updating and re-releasing retired content that we feel is still relevant today. \nIn this episode\, we’re hearing from Bob and Jessica about how to solve issues in your community on a systems level\, not just a focused level. It’s easy to get caught up in a silo to talk past each other or to hyper-focus on just one project. And while hyper-focusing on one project or event or initiative can make a huge impact on your community\, it can also cut you off from systemic changes that can have a greater impact on your whole community. \nSo what can you do about it? What can you do to help your community start thinking about the whole system? Jessica and Bob have some great places to start in this episode. I hope you enjoy it. \nBOB BERTSCH: [00:01:00] So Jessica\, a couple of episodes ago\, we talked about the Community Capital’s framework\, which brings a systems lens to community development. And by that\, I think I mean that it recognizes that there are multiple factors that influence community development and that those factors are interconnected in some way. \nSo that might seem kind of obvious to some people\, so I’m wondering\, given all your experience helping people address local issues\, whether the groups you’ve worked with already recognized that local issues have multiple interconnected factors or not\, I mean\, was a systems lens obvious to any of the groups that you worked with? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, this is a really great question because it really depends on the group and what they’re coming together around. Some groups\, at least with my experiences\, some groups have been hyper-focused on generating more traffic for the local businesses\, for [00:02:00] example\, and they might tap into things like event planning\, but don’t think about how that could also have a positive impact on social capital and that having more eyes on the built capital in the area might affect decisions on how the community’s political body might spend resources like starting a facade improvement program\, for example. \nThere’s nothing wrong with being hyper-focused on generating more traffic for the local businesses and not thinking about those other things. There’s nothing wrong at all with focusing on one goal\, but there could be some secondary goals that you could design for. Like how can you design for more interaction between the businesses and the people attending the events? \nHow can you strengthen the relationship versus just getting people physically nearby the businesses? Other groups\, and\, and I would say I’ve seen this particularly when those that are coming together are working to address a health-related issue\, whether that’s mental health\, homelessness\, social isolation\, or some other community health concern\, or like food [00:03:00] systems. \nThey seem to have an awareness of systems and the interconnections that you’re talking about\, but these groups can still experience blind spots\, but overall they’ve been aware. Now that’s just been from my experience\, other parts of the nation\, other people who do this work\, you know\, there’s probably a whole slew of answers you could get for this. \nBOB BERTSCH: So that’s really interesting. You know\, one of the things that we build groups of like- minded people\, hopefully that’s what we have here in practicing connection in terms of the folks who listen to the podcast\, and of course you and I and everybody who has partnered and has contributed to the\, to the podcast\, you know\, we kind of feel like a little community and I just wonder about it because I think then we make assumptions\, either one way or the other\, maybe we make assumptions like\, “Oh\, everybody has to be able to see this. \nOr maybe we make assumptions that\, “Oh\, people who are not like us can’t see this or something.” Yeah. You know what I mean? Yeah. So I think it’s really interesting to hear your experience and\, and see that it’s kind of been multiple ways. So\, you know\, I know obviously I just talked about how we share\, you know\, [00:04:00] some similar points of view around this. \nSo I’m assuming in some cases you might have wanted to bring some systems thinking to the table and I’m wondering what was the most challenging part of trying to do that to bring systems thinking to these local efforts that you were helping with? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Wanted to attempted to was shut down sometimes. So from my experience\, it has been the aspect of co-creating solutions with the people most as affected. \nYou know\, I’ve seen many groups of well-meaning\, very caring people get together and want to create positive change. They might have some conversations\, they might end up developing some group norms\, they might have several meetings together and that through even just having those meetings\, they start to develop these norms even if they don’t talk about them. \nThey might even choose some possible approaches that they plan to take together. Those are all wonderful\, wonderful things. But when they’re asked about [00:05:00] how they’ve engaged with the people most affected by the issue or how they’ve engaged with others that are not present\, there can be a significant amount of pushback. \nAnd I’ve had like very significant pushback in the past and I’ve had others say\, “Oh\, good question. We didn’t mean to\, you know\, we didn’t\, we didn’t mean to be exclusive.” But I’ve seen this pushback\, particularly when they’ve been asked about engaging with every audience pretty much from like low income populations\, you know\, how are you engaging with them? \nThey’re most affected by this\, even the guy that owns the tattoo parlor downtown with the strange window displays. Sometimes I’ve seen a glimmer of understanding. They know they need to engage more with others\, but they aren’t sure how and maybe lack the will to because sometimes because they’re judging the other person even when they’re trying to resist judgement \nSo I like to use the example of the guy with the tattoo parlor because that’s something that I’ve actually seen in [00:06:00] several different occasions. You know\, the store that’s a little bit edgy that has like edgy displays\, they’re really\, you know\, kind of making a judgement on how that person has chosen to run their business and how that person is trying to attract people who would come to their business. \nSo a lot of times they’re not sure how to get beyond the things that are pulling them back\, including their own judgement \, even when they’re willing. So the other part of this that I started to talk about a little bit ago is that this group of well-meaning\, thoughtful people get together\, they start to choose that path forward before they’ve done much engaging. \nthey might have done a survey\, but that’s not the same as relationship building and committing to the struggle. Ignoring the guy with the tattoo parlor just adds to the division. Ignoring the relationship work and doing things for people versus with them further exacerbates differences and doesn’t work toward liberation.[00:07:00]\nBOB BERTSCH: So as we’re trying to move groups forward\, are there specific tools or processes that you’ve used in groups to move them towards a systems approach or a more liberated structure? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, I think any tool or process that will help people have more understanding for each other and more understanding for how an issue affects different people is going to be really\, really useful. \nOne thing I didn’t say as we were talking\, you know\, a minute ago is that when I have seen pushback because\, a group is trying to positively affect or create some positive change for\, for instance\, a low income population and when you bring up like\, “Oh\, how are we going to engage with this population?” Sometimes you hear things like\, “Well\, but this issue\, you know\, doesn’t really have a face that kind of affects all of us at one point in our lives\,” or something like that. \nYou hear things like that. And [00:08:00] so I think anything that helps people understand how an issue affects different people who have had different backgrounds and different upbringings is going to be really great. So there are many tools that do this. I’m going to share an unconventional one that I’ve adapted from someone whose work I admire very much and who we’ve had as a guest on this podcast\, Bjorn Peterson. \nHe developed the cycle of Praxis for community development. I always tell him it has a terrible name\, sorry\, Bjorn has a terrible name\, but it’s a super simple process. It sounds very fancy\, but it’s a beautiful\, simple process. I pair the idea of having everyone gathering about an issue share their lived experience\, which is at the start of the cycle of practice. \nI pair that with different variations of activities from applied improv called story circles\, which are also beautifully simple practices\, which allows some space and time [00:09:00] for everyone in the circle to share their story without interruption or questions or judgement . So here’s the simplest version I’ve used of this activity\, but there’s\, there’s a few others that I think are wonderful for moving past understanding and getting toward action\, but we’re going to start with the\, the first one. \nHave everyone sit in a circle if possible. Then you’re going to want to call out identify the need that you’re coming together around. Usually if you’re having a meeting with people\, there’s a purpose that you’re having that meeting for. So talk about the purpose\, the issue that you’re coming together around and then have each person get a few minutes to share a story about their personal experience with the issue. \nHow has it affected them personally And you’d probably want to ask it more personally like share a story about your personal experiences with this issue. How has it affected you personally? After everyone has a chance to share and mind you\, there’s no asking questions [00:10:00] like people are just listening to each other\, no asking questions\, no comments\, side conversations. \nIt is quiet people are sharing. After everyone has had a chance to share\, collaboratively articulate two things. What diversity exists among these lived experiences? What similarities exist? Take a look at those things\, write them up on a board or papers or however you want to do it. Take a look at those lists and then ask\, is there someone whose experience needs articulation but who is not present\, who is currently not present? \nWho is this? How can we successfully invite their participation into this process? It’s not how can we successfully get them to participate\, get them to join our effort? How can we successfully invite their participation in this process? Finally\, you’re gonna analyze whether having heard all of these lived experiences\, how you might need to [00:11:00] re-articulate that need that you identified at the top before everyone shared their stories. \nHow do you need to articulate that? How do you need to describe it? Be willing to adjust this also as you gain more participation and learn more about the lived experiences of others so if everyone in the room is coming from a fairly similar background and you start to gain more information about how your issue affects other people\, be willing to tinker with the need. \nIt is actually a really simple process\, but it’s definitely full of complexity in that everyone’s rich stories have a chance to be part of creating the solutions. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: That’s it for this episode. Thanks for joining us. If you enjoyed this topic or you feel like you still have more questions about what it means to actually deal with systems level thinking\, join us for the Military Family Readiness Academy this year. Every year our host organization One Op puts on the Academy a series of free [00:12:00] interconnected professional development webinars and podcast episodes that are focused on a central theme. \nThis year’s theme is building community capacity to support military family well-being. Our guests will go in deeper on topics similar to what we discussed today with practical advice grounded in what’s happening in the communities right now. The academy starts with a session on collective competence\, the idea that the communities best support military families when infrastructure and resources are intentionally designed with those families in mind. \nOn-demand recordings will be available after each session so there’s flexibility even if you can’t join us live this August. If you’d like to check out the academy\, visit oneop.org/mfra or check out the link in our show notes. We’ll be back next week. Until then\, keep practicing. \n[00:13:00]\nCREDITS: The Practicing Connection Podcast is a production of One-Op and is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture\, US Department of Agriculture and the Office of Military Family Readiness Policy\, US Department of Defense under award number 2 0 2 3 4 8 7 74 3 3.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/applying-systems-thinking/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Practicing-Connection_Podcast-graphic-2.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260707T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260707T120000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260330T162322Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T141625Z
UID:10001726-1783422000-1783425600@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Military Consumer Protection in Action: Tools and Tactics for Service Providers
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/UDEKk1kXN-E”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”20″ constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Webinar” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]This webinar educates financial service providers on the Federal Trade Commission’s role in military consumer protection. For over ten years\, the FTC’s Military Consumer initiative has fought to stop fraud against military consumers through enforcement and consumer education. Learn about free print\, digital\, and media resources to add to your financial counseling toolbox to help service members\, veterans\, and military families spot and avoid scams and protect against identity theft. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nUnderstand the role of the FTC in military consumer fraud prevention\, including consumer data reports\, civil law enforcement actions to stop scammers who target veterans\, and free consumer education resources to teach consumers how to spot\, avoid\, and report fraud.\nIdentify the most common tactics scammers use to target service members\, veterans\, and military families to steal money or personal information.\nDevelop a list of federal fraud prevention resources to incorporate into financial literacy conversations\, including fraud data\, print materials\, articles\, blogs\, and shareable graphics and videos.\nIdentify ways to get the latest trends in scams and identity theft and collaborate with the FTC’s Military Consumer initiative.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Presenter” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”222752″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Terri Miller” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Terri Miller is a consumer education specialist in the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. In her role\, within the Division of Consumer and Business Education\, Terri crafts\, implements\, and evaluates high-impact public education campaigns. \nAs a former Marine Corps spouse\, Terri leads the agency’s Military Consumer outreach initiative\, which helps military servicemembers\, veterans\, and their families detect and avoid fraud and scams that can impact everyday life in the military. Through partnerships at the federal\, state\, and local level\, Terri disseminates timely and targeted plain-language practical advice through blogs\, webinars\, television and radio interviews\, social media\, and in-person events.\n \nIn addition to military consumer outreach\, Terri works on a range of other consumer protection topics including identity theft\, student loan debt relief scams\, and youth digital and financial literacy.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”40″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Continuing Education (CE) Credit” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][nectar_btn size=”jumbo” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” el_class=”Continuing Education Survey” button_id=”Continuing Education Survey” text=”Continuing Education Survey” url=”https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9BrsWPbFK27UBYq”][vc_column_text]\n\nAccredited Financial Counselors (AFC): This webinar is approved for 1.0 continuing education (CE) units by the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close July 7\, 2029. \nCertified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS): This webinar is approved for 1.0 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close July 7\, 2028. \nCertified Personal and Family Finance Educator (CPFFE): This webinar is approved for 1.0 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close July 7\, 2028. \nCertified Personal Finance Counselors (CPFC): This webinar is approved for 1.0 continuing education (CE) credits from The Center for Financial Certifications (FinCert.org). **Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close July 7\, 2029. \nCertified Family Life Educators (CFLE): This webinar is approved for 1.0 continuing education (CE) credits from the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close July 7\, 2029. \nOneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\nIf the button above does not appear\, please access the continuing education survey through this link: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9BrsWPbFK27UBYq. If you have any questions\, please email CE@oneop.org.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_2=”yes” right_margin=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_color=”#f7f7f7″ column_border_style=”solid” enable_border_animation=”true” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Materials” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1689369183150{padding-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1784295794457{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Webinar Slides \nWebinar Resources[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Photo Credit: Zofia / Adobe Stock[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160134/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-5-scaled-e1773259526461.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260702T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260702T170000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260702T100014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260706T133751Z
UID:10001780-1782972000-1783011600@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Leveraging the Community Assets to Support Military Families
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”50px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”column_reverse” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” el_class=”podcast-sidebar” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”147768″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][nectar_btn size=”large” constrain_group_1=”yes” open_new_tab=”true” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” solid_text_color_override=”#ffffff” icon_family=”none” text=”Subscribe Now” url=”https://www.buzzsprout.com/2099983/share” margin_top=”30″ margin_bottom=”30″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the “Practicing Connection” monthly email to keep up to date on our latest podcasts\, blog posts and workshops. \nJoin the “Practicing Connection Community” on LinkedIn. The community is designed for people who support military families in a variety of settings both on installations and in our communities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Listen” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTQxODE5NSUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmJ1enpzcHJvdXQuY29tJTJGMjA5OTk4MyUyRmVwaXNvZGVzJTJGMTk0MTgxOTUtbGV2ZXJhZ2luZy10aGUtY29tbXVuaXR5LWFzc2V0cy10by1zdXBwb3J0LW1pbGl0YXJ5LWZhbWlsaWVzLmpzJTNGY29udGFpbmVyX2lkJTNEYnV6enNwcm91dC1wbGF5ZXItMTk0MTgxOTUlMjZwbGF5ZXIlM0RzbWFsbCUyMiUyMHR5cGUlM0QlMjJ0ZXh0JTJGamF2YXNjcmlwdCUyMiUyMGNoYXJzZXQlM0QlMjJ1dGYtOCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRnNjcmlwdCUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Episode” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_column_text](Season 7\, Episode 27) \nWe talk a lot on this podcast about the importance of collaborating with others in your community. \nBut if you are finding yourself overwhelmed or with limited capacity\, this framework and practice are a great way to get started. You don’t have to make everything happen yourself! \nThis episode is specifically about the Community Capitals Framework and how to get connected with the assets that already exist in your community. Jessica and Bob discuss how this framework identifies seven types of capital and how these capitals can be leveraged to build resilient and supportive communities for military families. \nLinks and resources from this episode: \n\nStrategic Doing\nHolding Change\nCommunity Capitals Framework\nSpiraling-Up: Mapping Community Transformation with Community Capitals Framework\nMilitary Family Readiness Academy: oneop.org/mfra\n\nRelated episodes: \n\nFeeding Military Families with Stronghold Food Pantry CEO Monica Bassett\nAn Ecosystem of Military Family Support with Nicola Winkel\nPartnering on Early Education for Military Kids\nReconnecting with Nature: Health and Well-Being for Military Communities (webinar)\n\nLinks and resources from this episode: \n\nSign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter\nJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/\nSend us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” el_id=”trans”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” el_class=”entry” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Transcript” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” nofollow=”true” el_class=”read-it” button_id=”read-it” text=”Read More” url=”#trans”][vc_column_text el_class=”pod-trans”]ERIN CARLSON RIVERA: [00:00:00] Welcome to Practicing Connection. I’m Erin\, and today we’re diving into an episode about leveraging community assets as part of our From the Archive series. In this series\, we’re updating and re-releasing retired content that we feel is still relevant today. This episode is specifically about the Community Capital’s framework or how to get connected with the assets that already exist in your community. \nWe talk a lot on this podcast about the importance of collaborating with others in your community\, but if you’re finding yourself overwhelmed or with limited capacity\, this framework and practice are a great way to get started. You don’t have to make everything happen all by yourself. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Today\, we’ll be talking about using a tool from Community Development\, the Community Capitals Framework\, to inform your work with military families. Later on\, we’ll share a practice to help you utilize the community capitals. \nHi\, Bob. How are you? [00:01:00]\nBOB BERTSCH: I’m doing well. Thanks\, Jessica. It’s good to be with you. I’m excited to talk about Community Capital’s framework. It’s been something that has been part of community development for a long time. It’s a great framework for taking that asset-based approach\, which we often talk about strengths-based or asset-based approaches to development. \nI recently read a book that actually draws a lot from asset-based community development and applies that to the concept of agile leadership. The book is called Strategic Doing\, and the authors take concepts like identifying assets and linking and leveraging assets along with ideas from the agile method of project management\, if you’re familiar with that. \nAnd then they frame those as leadership skills that can help us navigate complex challenges by strengthening our shared skills for collaboration. It’s really interesting. There’s a lot of crossover with our work on the Practice and Connection Initiative\, so it’s been validating a little bit. [00:02:00]\nAnd it also surfaced\, some different skills and strategies that we might wanna bring to our work. And when I say that\, our work as the Practice and Connection producers and team\, but also our work as military family service providers\, really great book and really enjoyed it. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I did dig back into that. \nI read that book a while ago and enjoyed learning about the concepts\, but\, hearing you describe it the way you’re describing it\, makes me think I should take another look and maybe\, feature some of the practices here and there\, on the podcast maybe. I’ve actually been digging into a book myself. \nI\, lately\, I think I’ve been talking a lot about a lot of yard work on this podcast and television shows. I’ve been digging into Adrian Marie Brown’s book\, Holding Change. Right now\, I’m reading a part about fractal facilitation. I’m a facilitator and love facilitating. She talks about [00:03:00] how most group changes happen in small ways. \nSo we’ve talked about this before about change happening in fractals. And what she says is that every practice\, ritual\, and action a group takes is\, as she puts it\, a small-scale way to grow or shrink its own realization of its espoused mission and values. An interesting part of this for me is that what you might think of as a baby step or a small scale change might actually feel like it’s a huge change to someone else. \nSo if I think something’s really small\, you might be like\, “What are you talking about\, Jessica?” That’s way too scary. That’s way too huge of a change. And it doesn’t surprise me and I feel like it’s something that some of us maybe intuitively know and yet we gloss by that a lot. And so it was a really good reminder to remember to do some perspective taking when it comes to group work. \nBOB BERTSCH: That sounds awesome. I haven’t read Holding Change yet. I’m [00:04:00] looking forward to doing that. I’m a big Adrian Marie Brown fan. Thank you for this great recommendation and insight into holding change. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: All right\, Bob\, let’s dig into this. The Community Capital’s framework is what we’re here to discuss today. It was developed by Jan and Cornelia Flora\, two well-known names in our world\, the community development and organizing world. It’s a systems approach to understanding and fostering community development. \nThe framework identifies seven key types of capital that contribute to the health and resilience of communities. These capitals include natural\, cultural\, human\, social\, political\, financial\, and built capital. You could think of it this way. Families face different challenges\, and of course\, military families face some [00:05:00] unique challenges\, which can be difficult to tackle alone\, but what if we could tap into the strengths of the entire community to address those challenges? \nThat’s what the community capitals framework can help us do. So today\, we’re gonna explore each capital and how you can use this framework to think strategically about collaboration and resource utilization. \nBOB BERTSCH: So let’s start with social capital and that is the connections and relationships within a community. \nThat’s what social capital is. For military families\, building a support network is essential\, as you guys know. And as a service provider\, you can understand and assess the existing social capital in the community to inform that. Are there strong neighborhood associations\, local support groups\, nonprofits serving military families\, social clubs\, or strong online groups that you know of? \nBy connecting families to these networks\, you’re not just providing immediate support potentially\, but you’re embedding them into a [00:06:00] broader community that can offer ongoing assistance. And one great example of this is the stronghold food pantry that was started by Monica Bassett at Fort Leavenworth. \nWe discussed this in an interview with Monica in a previous episode. The pantry not only provides essential food sources to military families\, but also fosters a sense of community and belonging. Through the stronghold food pantry\, Monica leveraged social capital\, by creating a space where military families could connect\, support each other\, and build stronger community ties. \nThe pantry’s success wasn’t just about the food\, although that was very important\, but also came from strengthening the social fabric of the community and building that social capital. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. I love that example. This also makes me think of our episode with Nicola Winkle\, called an ecosystem of military family support. \nIn this episode\, Nicola emphasized how social capital was central to building an [00:07:00] interconnected ecosystem of support for military families. By fostering relationships across various organizations\, military and civilian alike\, this network created a web of support that addressed the diverse needs of military families\, ensuring that they had access to the resources and connections they needed at every stage of their journey. \nI’ll roll right into financial capital and political capital. Many families face financial challenges\, but resources can be scattered across different organizations. Who else in your community cares about providing access to financial resources? For example\, are there any existing coalitions working to influence policy and streamline access to financial support for families? \nWhich leaders can you connect with? In our episode about establishing a transitional early education programme for families at Malmstrom Air Force Base\, we saw how financial and political capital played a role. The base worked closely with the local education providers at the Great Falls [00:08:00] Public School District and community leaders to improve access to quality early childhood education for military families. \nThis collaboration didn’t just provide immediate educational benefits\, it also strengthened the overall wellbeing of the community by investing in the future of its youngest members. \nBOB BERTSCH: So the next two capitals are human and cultural and they’re closely linked. Human capital refers to the skills\, knowledge\, and health of individuals and cultural capital encompasses the shared values\, traditions\, and practices within a community. \nWhen you collaborate with educational institutions\, healthcare providers\, and cultural organizations\, you’re tapping into both human and cultural capital. Again\, in the example of the Momstrom Air Force Base\, it illustrates this by partnering with local schools and early childhood programmes. The base not only enhanced human capital by providing essential educational services\, but also respected and integrated the unique [00:09:00] cultural aspects of military life\, ensuring that these services were relevant and supportive of military families. \nActually\, going back to the episode with Nicola Winkle\, the culture of military families\, their shared experiences\, values\, and resilience was central to that collaboration’s success in Arizona. The network of organizations that were involved recognized that military families bring unique cultural strengths such as adaptability\, a strong sense of duty and deep understanding of service. \nAnd by acknowledging and integrating those cultural aspects\, the organizations were able to create services that truly resonated with military families\, making the support they offered more effective and meaningful. For instance\, programmes were tailored to address the frequent relocations and deployments that military families experience\, ensuring that support systems were flexible and responsive to their specific needs. \nSo this focus on cultural capital not only made the services more [00:10:00] effective\, but also strengthened the trust and engagement between military families and the service providers leading to more meaningful and lasting support. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Next\, let’s talk about built capital\, the infrastructure that supports daily life such as roads\, houses\, schools\, hospitals\, the fun stuff like sewer and water\, and of course\, internet access. \nWhat are the needs and what are the assets in your community around the built capital? By collaborating with local governments and other community leaders\, you can advocate for the creation or improvement of infrastructure that meets the needs of the families you serve\, including your own. In Tampa Bay\, the Chamber of Commerce brought together leaders from the military\, business\, government\, and nonprofit sectors to address a number of quality of life issues affecting military families\, including working on a project to create ferry service to MacDill Air Force Base\, which would reduce [00:11:00] commute time for service members. \nIt’s a great example of working together to enhance the built capital of a community. \nBOB BERTSCH: So finally\, let’s talk about natural capital. Everyone can benefit from access to natural spaces\, parks\, trails\, and other outdoor recreational areas. \nThese spaces can have big impacts on physical and mental wellbeing. Working with environmental organizations and local governments can help protect and enhance these natural assets\, making them more accessible for all families. And I know that military installations have been part of that\, protecting these natural assets and fostering environments and habitats for all kinds of different animals on land that is owned by the military. \nThere are therapeutic benefits of connecting with nature. Some healthcare providers are issuing nature prescriptions\, a recommendation to spend time in nature to improve a patient’s health and wellbeing. The One Op webinar\, Reconnecting With Nature\, [00:12:00] Health and Wellbeing for Military Communities talks about these nature prescriptions and how military family practitioners can help their clients in accessing and experiencing the personal and community resilience enhancing attributes of the natural capital in our communities. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: All right. I think we’re ready to share the practice or just about ready\, actually. I have a few notes. Before we share the practice\, I think it’s important to note that one of the most powerful aspects of the community capital’s framework is its emphasis on interaction. No form of capital exists in isolation. \nSo for example\, improving the built capital\, the infrastructure of a community like better access to public transportation or broadband can directly enhance the financial and human capital by providing better access to jobs and educational resources. So I really wanna emphasize the interactivity between the different capitals and with that\, [00:13:00] Bob\, I’m gonna turn it over to you to walk us through the activity. \nBOB BERTSCH: Yeah\, I would love to do that\, but as is my nature\, I have to interject\, And just build on what you were saying\, because that’s a\, it’s a great point and there is a seminal paper called Spiralling Up\, that talks about the Community Capital’s framework\, by Mary Emery and Cornelia Flora\, who is one of the creators of the Community Capital’s framework. \nAnd really what it shows is that just like Jessica said\, investing in any capital can lead to this spiraling up. And what Mary and Neil found was that one of the capitals that has the biggest impact is social capital. And I wanna bring that up because as you’re mapping these capitals\, in the practice we’re gonna talk about in a second\, it stresses how important connecting with others is to build that social capital because it can help you spiral up [00:14:00] all those other capitals. \nSo I’m gonna leave a space here for just in case\, since I just stole her thunder and took over that whole point – Just so I could mention spiraling up\, which is one of my favorite research papers out there. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I think that was perfect. \nBOB BERTSCH: All right. Let’s get to practice then. So the practice is mapping the capitals. \nWe’ve provided a downloadable worksheet on the show notes page and it goes along with this activity. So your first step is to go out and download that worksheet. You can just go to oneop.org/podcast to find the webpage for this episode and the worksheet will be there. Then begin by conducting a simple assessment. \nKeeping the families you serve in mind as you reflect on each of the capitals identify the existing capitals in the community. What resources are abundant and where are their gaps? Are there strong social networks? Is there a supportive political environment? [00:15:00] What financial resources are available? Go through each of the seven capitals and think about this. \nAnd when you’re thinking about your community\, it is your community and if you are in a community that has a military installation\, for this exercise\, that installation is part of the community\, and might bring its own capitals and assets to the table. Once you’ve mapped these capitals\, work collaboratively with other service providers\, community organizations and the families themselves to develop a plan that leverages these assets. \nThe goal is to create that upward spiral of positive change where investments in one type of capital lead to improvements in others\, ultimately creating a more resilient and supportive environment for military families. So get out there\, map your capitals. It’s a great first step to really starting any project and addressing any issue you wanna address collaboratively with your community. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. I just wanna add also\, as you get into activities like this\, I think they [00:16:00] can feel overwhelming\, but you don’t have to do all the things. Really just use this as a tool to help you think about all the different capitals that kind of contribute to community resilience and how they might impact the families you work with. \nSo don’t worry about having to have a hand in all of the capital improvements in the different capitals. really just use it to think\, help you think through and c- make connections and\, and impact\, a small area. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Thanks for joining us for this episode. If you enjoyed it\, you may also enjoy the 2026 Military Family Readiness Academy. Every year\, our host organization One Up puts on the Academy\, a series of free interconnected professional development webinars and podcast episodes all focused on essential themes. \nThis year’s theme is building community capacity to support military family wellbeing\, a central topic to practicing [00:17:00] connection. \nThe series opens with a session on collective competence or the idea that communities best support military families when infrastructure and resources are intentionally designed with those families in mind. Too often\, as service providers\, we work in silos. This series helps us understand our role in building the kind of partnerships and shared systems that actually move the needle for the families we serve. \nOn-demand recordings are available after each session so there’s flexibility even if you can’t join us live. If you’d like to check out the academy\, you can visit \noneop.org/mfRA or click the link in our show notes. \nWe’ll see you next week. Until then\, keep practicing. \n[00:18:00]\n  \nCREDITS: The Practicing Connection Podcast is a production of One-Op and is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture\, US Department of Agriculture and the Office of Military Family Readiness Policy\, US Department of Defense under award number 2 0 2 3 4 8 7 74 3 3.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/leveraging-community-assets-2/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Practicing-Connection_Podcast-graphic-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260625T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260625T120000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260304T204423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260714T165833Z
UID:10001734-1782385200-1782388800@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Dietary Approaches to Support Brain Health in Aging
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”20″ constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Webinar” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/66I-GEjBDOk”][vc_column_text]\n\nCaregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) often ask: What can we do to protect brain health—or slow decline? While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease\, growing evidence suggests that dietary patterns and lifestyle behaviors play a meaningful role in supporting cognitive health and reducing risk factors associated with decline. \n\n\nThis 60-minute webinar equips providers with evidence-informed guidance on nutrition strategies that may support brain health across the lifespan. Participants will explore the role of antioxidants\, phytochemicals\, omega-3 fatty acids\, B-vitamins\, and the gut microbiome in cognitive function. The session will compare the DASH\, Mediterranean\, and MIND dietary patterns and examine emerging research linking these approaches to reduced cognitive decline. \n\n\nProviders will also learn how to address common caregiver questions about supplements\, “brain foods\,” and realistic behavior change strategies—emphasizing progress over perfection. Practical talking points and client-friendly recommendations will help providers translate research into actionable guidance for caregivers and families navigating ADRD. \n\nLearning Objectives: \n\nDescribe the relationship between diet\, chronic disease risk factors\, and cognitive decline in aging populations.\nIdentify key nutrients and food components associated with brain health.\nDifferentiate among the DASH\, Mediterranean\, and MIND dietary patterns.\nDiscuss the current evidence and limitations regarding dietary supplements for preventing or slowing cognitive decline.\nProvide practical\, caregiver-centered guidance that promotes sustainable behavior change and supports overall brain and cardiovascular health.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ 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column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Presenter” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”221729″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Jenna Anding\, Ph.D.\, RD\, LD” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Professor & Extension Specialist\nSenior editor –  Journal of Extension\nTexas A&M AgriLife Extension Service\nDepartment of Nutrition \nJenna Anding\, PhD\, RDN\, LD is currently a Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Nutrition.  A registered and licensed dietitian\, Jenna has more than 25 years of experience in developing and evaluating Extension education programs on topics that include food preservation\, food safety\, and nutrition.  More recently Jenna has worked collaboratively with faculty in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to expand her work into community development to address healthy food access and opportunities for increasing physical activity.  She currently serves as the senior editor for the Journal of Extension.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”40″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Continuing Education (CE) Credit” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][nectar_btn size=”jumbo” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” el_class=”Continuing Education Survey” button_id=”Continuing Education Survey” text=”Continuing Education Survey” url=”https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Kz4p6wQj78Joua”][vc_column_text]\n\nBoard Certified Patient Advocates (BCPA): This webinar is approved l for 1.0 continuing education (CE) contact hours by The Patient Advocate Certification Board. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 6/25/2028.\nCertified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS): This webinar is approved for 1.0 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 6/25/2028.\nCertified Nutrition and Wellness Educator (CNWE): This webinar is approved for 1.0 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 6/25/2028.\nBoard Certified Case Managers: This webinar is approved for 1.0 continuing education (CE) clock hours from the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 6/25/2027.\nBoard Certified Disability Management Specialists: This webinar is approved for 1.0 continuing education (CE) clock hour from The Commission for Case Manager Certification. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 6/25/2027.\nRegistered Dietitian Nutritionists (RD/RDN) and Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians\, Registered (NDTR): This webinar awards 1.0 CPEU in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s CPEU Prior Approval Program. Note: Eligibility for CPEUs expires on 4/14/2029.\nCertified Family Life Educators (CFLE): This webinar is approved for 1.0 continuing education (CE) credits from the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 6/25/2028.\nCertified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES): This webinar is approved for 1.0 continuing education credit from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 6/25/2028.\nSocial Workers\, Licensed Professional Counselors\, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists: This webinar is approved for 1.0 continuing education (CE) credits from the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. Check with your state licensing agency for reciprocity and/or credit approval if licensed for other professions or in one of the following states: CO\, FL\, HI\, IA\, KS\, KY\, MI\, NY\, ND\, OH\, OK. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 6/25/2029.\nOneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\nIf the button above does not appear for you\, please access the continuing education survey through this link: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Kz4p6wQj78Joua. If you have any questions\, email ce@oneop.org.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_2=”yes” right_margin=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_color=”#f7f7f7″ column_border_style=”solid” enable_border_animation=”true” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Materials” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1689369183150{padding-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1782290307845{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]\n\nPresentation Slides (PDF)\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Photo Credit: iStockphoto ID 1299079243; thesomegirl[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160138/
CATEGORIES:Health and Well-Being
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/iStock-1299079243.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260625T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260625T170000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260625T100025Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260625T135929Z
UID:10001778-1782367200-1782406800@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Putting Your Icebreakers to Work
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”50px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”column_reverse” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” el_class=”podcast-sidebar” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”147768″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][nectar_btn size=”large” constrain_group_1=”yes” open_new_tab=”true” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” solid_text_color_override=”#ffffff” icon_family=”none” text=”Subscribe Now” url=”https://www.buzzsprout.com/2099983/share” margin_top=”30″ margin_bottom=”30″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the “Practicing Connection” monthly email to keep up to date on our latest podcasts\, blog posts and workshops. \nJoin the “Practicing Connection Community” on LinkedIn. The community is designed for people who support military families in a variety of settings both on installations and in our communities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Listen” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTM5MzY0MyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmJ1enpzcHJvdXQuY29tJTJGMjA5OTk4MyUyRmVwaXNvZGVzJTJGMTkzOTM2NDMtcHV0dGluZy15b3VyLWljZWJyZWFrZXJzLXRvLXdvcmsuanMlM0Zjb250YWluZXJfaWQlM0RidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTM5MzY0MyUyNnBsYXllciUzRHNtYWxsJTIyJTIwdHlwZSUzRCUyMnRleHQlMkZqYXZhc2NyaXB0JTIyJTIwY2hhcnNldCUzRCUyMnV0Zi04JTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNF[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Episode” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_column_text](Season 7\, Episode 26) \nDo icebreakers always make things awkward? \nHave you ever had to do an icebreaker that made you cringe? What if your icebreakers actually helped your team do better work? \nIn this episode Erin and Jessica discuss why icebreakers sometimes suck the energy out of the room and share real world examples of what it is like when they actually work. \nThen Erin shares a practice on how to design an icebreaker that makes team building\, making connections\, and getting work done easier. \nLinks and resources from this episode: \n\nSign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter\nJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/\nSend us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org\n\n  \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” el_id=”trans”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” el_class=”entry” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Transcript” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” nofollow=”true” el_class=”read-it” button_id=”read-it” text=”Read More” url=”#trans”][vc_column_text el_class=”pod-trans”]JESSICA BECKENDORF: [00:00:00] Hi\, thanks for listening to the Practicing Connection Podcast. I’m Jessica. Today we’ll be talking about icebreakers\, and Erin’s going to be sharing a practice with us. \nHi\, Erin. Let’s start by asking you\, putting you on the spot\, what’s the most memorable icebreaker you’ve been asked to participate in? \n‘Cause I know people hate these\, so let’s give them some good memories! \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Gosh\, okay. A couple of years ago\, during a team meeting at my office\, my boss brought a marble and she had us all stand in our circle\, and we had to hold the marble and then share a piece of wisdom\, and then pass it to the next person. \nAnd it was like really enjoyable. People had a lot of really wise words\, but I ended up being at the end of the group\, and the first three things that I had thought of had already been said by someone else. \nSo I was scrambling\, and then I also noticed as we were [00:01:00] going\, everybody got more and more sincere and it was really sweet\, but it was also like building this intensity in a way where I just\, you know\, I was second to last. There was no way I was going to say something profound at that point because like there really\, you know\, at that time there were maybe 30 people in our office so I was going 29 out of 30. \nI decided to pivot\, and so what I said was\, “Good computer hygiene is restarting your computer once a week.” And then I passed the marble on\, and the whole room burst out laughing in a really good way. Because it had been these really like sincere\, beautiful things. \nAnd then I just had this very practical\, actually honestly I wanted everybody to start restarting their computer once a week because they weren’t and it was causing problems. I was an IT liaison at the time and it was\, anyway\, it was so funny because people [00:02:00] quoted that back to me for a couple of weeks after that and started restarting their computers when they hadn’t been. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: So you spread some good in the world too. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: So I spread some good in the world. And it was such a jovial meeting after that\, which was so funny. \nAnd I don’t think it was just because I happened to tell a very funny joke\, but I think also people were able to share something that was important to them. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Right. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: And then it was received by the group\, which I thought was really cool. What about you? Do you have any memorable icebreakers? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, actually\, do you mind if I give you one that I participated in and one that I facilitated? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah\, go for it. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Okay. So the first one was during the pandemic and there was a meeting\, a virtual meeting\, and the person who was facilitating was very well versed in how she had us play this game. \nI’m going to call it like\, “Do you remember when we … ” And then\, [00:03:00] you know\, fill in the blank\, because what she did was she started out by saying\, calling out someone’s name\, like in this case\, “Hey\, Erin\, do you remember when we went on that vacation?” And then your job would be to be like\, “Oh\, yeah. We went to Greece and\, uh\, we saw the ocean\,” right? \nAnd then the next person kind of adds to it\, and I know that it’s\, it was a silly story in the end\, but it was actually an incredibly connecting experience. I don’t know if it was partly because it was in the middle of the pandemic and it was nice to just be a little silly together\, because context makes a huge\, huge difference. But we really felt connected. \nAnd we kept doing callbacks the entire meeting. We kept saying\, “Oh\, yeah\, when we were in Italy and we were at that festival\, we slipped on the tomato juice\, remember that?” You know\, it was a really great experience\, and I think that can be kind of hard. \nAnd then the one that I’m remembering that I found to be so [00:04:00] meaningful for me is\, I was facilitating a very unique workshop where it was sort of strategic planning\, but it was strategic storytelling\, and just kind of a different way. And we started an icebreaker that was a game called\, it’s pretty well known\, called Story of Your Name. And it was a multicultural workshop. \nWe had two different interpreters that were there\, that were interpreting everything that we were saying in two different languages\, and basically you choose one of your names\, whether that’s your surname or your nickname or your first name\, and we had people just tell us the story of like\, where did it come from or what did it mean to you? \nAnd this one woman told a beautiful story about her nickname and how her sister called her this nickname\, and her sister passed away when she was very young\, and she had this beautiful story about her name. And it wasn’t just this woman. They all had beautiful stories about their [00:05:00] name and they all felt so connected at the end\, and I felt so connected to them and it was beautiful. \nBut that’s not\, you know\, the appropriate icebreaker for every situation. That was appropriate for that situation. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah\, yeah. I love that. I’ve actually done that one before and it’s amazing how much easier it is to remember people’s names when you hear a story about what their name is. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yes. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: I was so thankful that the facilitator did it because I remember stories better than I remember names. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yes\, we all do. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: And I was like\, “Somebody was cooking here. Someone was thinking about what they were doing because I now know everybody’s name in the room.” And there were like 30 people I’d never met before. So it was very\, I was impressed. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: And it’s funny too when there’s so many people who are like\, “Oh\, I don’t have a story about my name.” And then they start telling you about their name and you’re like\, “What are you talking about? You do have a story about your name. You just told it. ” But they always think they don’t have a very good story [00:06:00] is what it is\, right? That’s the context. \nWell\, we’d love to hear from all of you about the memorable icebreaker that you’ve been asked to do. Email us at practicingconnection@onop.org or click on the link in the show notes. We see and respond to every message and we can’t wait to hear from you. \n– break – \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: All right\, Erin\, let’s talk about icebreakers\, because I know so many people dislike that. \nWhy do you think so many people dislike icebreakers? Let’s talk about that. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. Well\, I mean\, I will fully admit that I have been an icebreaker hater. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I feel so sorry for you being paired up with me because I love a good icebreaker. Anyway\, you go ahead\, sorry. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Well\, now that I facilitate things as part of my job\, I don’t hate all icebreakers. I just hate purposeless icebreakers. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, [00:07:00] yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Okay\, so I think ideally\, you know\, an icebreaker is something that will help build camaraderie in the room\, but often people think you can do that just by making everybody do something awkward or by sharing\, like\, a really trite fact about yourself\, like\, “Tell me your favorite color.” \nAnd that’s\, you know\, not boring\, but it’s also not interesting. So if you have a huge room and then everybody has to say their name and their favorite food\, unless you’re the person who plans to make everybody’s favorite food like me\, that’s not necessarily fun. \nSo a lot of times it feels like wasting time or it doesn’t feel like it has a purpose\, or it makes people awkward\, or it brings discomfort in this space. And there isn’t trust among the group to really survive the discomfort. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Right. No\, that’s such a great point. You know\, we were talking a little bit before we started recording and I mentioned that\, it’s funny [00:08:00] because I think\, because I do like to talk and I do like icebreakers\, you would think that I would love all icebreakers\, but I don’t. I agree with you. \nI don’t like the ones that feel like they’re purposeless and I don’t like the ones that feel like it’s just forced interaction\, versus something that can be joyful and fun. The example I was giving you was\, it’s my preference to not show up to a venue and be given a card with a question on it\, and then ask to go and talk to people about that question. I would rather\, but some people are not feeling like this\, I would rather just go and talk with people. If I needed to go talk to people\, I’d rather go talk to people. \nBut a lot of people really like that game\, and so it’s really kind of\, you know\, personal\, I guess\, how you might feel about things like that. But I do think purposeless is difficult\, and I would not say that a game or an activity that asks you to discuss a [00:09:00] question on a card\, I wouldn’t say that that’s purposeless\, but – \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: But maybe you think the question’s boring? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Hmm\, maybe. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Do you like small talk\, like typical small talk\, or do you tend to like asking people small talky questions that really dig in deeper? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, that’s a really good question\, because I tend to have the ability to be able to go deeper with someone really fast\, if that’s where they want to go to. And so\, I have no problem just going and talking to people\, but I know that that’s not easy for a lot of people. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. Hmm. I think another thing that I see sometimes as a reason why people dislike doing icebreakers is when you have an icebreaker that’s effective at letting people share something personal about themselves\, or you start a meeting with a\, “How’s everybody doing?” check-in\, and then nothing that happens in that section impacts the rest of the meeting. \nLike you do the little icebreaker because you’re [00:10:00] supposed to do a community building bit\, and then you end in immediately your business. But if you spent the first 10 minutes of the meeting where everybody is saying they’re tired\, they’re burnt out\, they’re overwhelmed\, and you don’t do anything to address that whatsoever and you’re just like\, “Okay\, thank you for sharing. Moving on.” You know? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: It can even be a simple\, like\, “Okay\, is there anything we should change on our agenda based on what we just heard just now?” \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Or like at one point I was facilitating a meeting and I had everybody do a check-in\, and half of the room hadn’t gotten to eat lunch and/or they had like physical pain in their body. \nAnd I just said\, “Okay\, before we move on to the content of our meeting\, I would like to take a five-minute break at the top of this meeting so everybody can go get some food and water and take care of their body. I will see you in five minutes.” \nLike\, “Get out of here\, come back in five minutes.” Or just message me if you really need to go take care of your migraine and leave the meeting. [00:11:00] And that’s where even that’s an example that makes me look really good\, but also it’s an example of what it means if you’re going to do a check-in and ask people how they are\, don’t just ignore that and move on. \nLike integrate your icebreaker into a meeting. And I think more broadly too\, I’m curious if you have any thoughts about if so many people dislike icebreakers and they’re so awkward\, what can they do for us? Why is it worth still doing them? Why is it worth participating even if somebody gives you something and you’re like\, “This is the worst.” \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: That’s a really good question. I mean\, I always like to tell people that every single element of your meeting\, including your icebreakers\, if you’re planning icebreakers\, needs to have a purpose. You can even write down at the beginning\, maybe after a while you don’t need to write it down anymore\, but I’m going to do this activity with them\, and I think I’ve told you in the past that I don’t tend to use the term icebreaker anymore because so many people hate [00:12:00] it. \nI just say\, “activity.” But\, you know\, “Here’s the activity that I’m planning.” Well\, what do I hope it will do for people? \nSo what do I hope it’ll do for them and what do I hope it will contribute to the meeting? So not just that it’ll loosen people up\, right? I mean\, that’s not necessarily a bad purpose\, especially if your meeting is going to have a lot of participation\, but\, also\, like\, what will it do to help contribute to the meeting? \nAnd I’m\, by the way\, I’m not saying that I think that your icebreakers also need to have some sort of output for the meeting. I’m just saying think about the purpose\, and have a purpose for it. And so I think what they can do for us are many different things. If you’ve thought about the purpose\, like maybe this group\, it’s the first time they’re getting together\, so they need to get to know each other. Maybe it’s a team that’s going to have to have high trust. \nSo maybe you want to think about\, well\, maybe it’s too soon [00:13:00] for the story of your name\, like what we were talking about a little bit ago\, but maybe what we could do is\, another type of icebreaker that will get them smiling with each other\, right? \n‘Cause we know laughter is one way that people connect and start to build some trust. So\, I think that they can do many things and I feel like that’s just sidestepping the answer\, Erin\, and I don’t mean to do that\, but because I can’t list out all the things they can do for us because you need to have a purpose for it\, and once you figure out that purpose\, then you can match it up with an icebreaker that will fit that purpose. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. I get why your answer is your answer\, and I agree with it. I also think that icebreakers are sneaky ways to that – sneaky is such a malicious sounding word\, but an obtrusive way for a facilitator to get a read of the room\, \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: [00:14:00] Yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Who’s comfortable talking\, who’s not comfortable talking\, who is new\, who knows people\, \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Who’s seeing through your efforts. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Who needs to move their body. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Right? Oh yeah\, right. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yes. And so\, I think when I’m thinking about facilitating\, I’m thinking of icebreakers as\, “Here’s a beat where I can check in on the room\, give people an opportunity to move or stretch\, or like a brain break.” \nWe’ve talked about needing to change modalities so that your brain doesn’t get fatigued before\, and I think icebreakers can do that when they’re implemented well. \nI think also that\, if you’re not the facilitator\, if you’re just a participant\, and you’re asked to do an icebreaker and internally there’s a part of you that just says\, “Ugh\, I hate this\,” it’s worth doing it anyway\, especially if you trust the facilitator. Because there’s [00:15:00] probably a reason why they’re doing it. \nSo it’s a little bit of a trust the process\, and it’s also a relational building thing to respond yes to somebody else’s bid. Are you familiar with the idea of a bid? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Like a bid for connection? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. So someone is offering you an opportunity\, and I will confess that I don’t always love small talk. I love talking with people\, but if we’re only talking about the weather and sports teams\, that is not my favorite kind of conversation. \nAt one point I used to work at a front desk and I would have the same conversation with every single person who walked in the front door. They all wanted to ask me how I was doing and\, you know\, that was a struggle. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I always felt bad for people that asked me that question because I will tell them I’m not just fine. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: But a lot of what I was realizing is\, oh\, this is a way that people build a sense of [00:16:00] safety. And while it may feel rote and boring to me on occasion\, it’s worth doing because for that other person\, it helps them feel safe to have a different conversation with me later\, and the later conversations are the ones that I like. \nSo this is the thing that I can do in order to help people feel comfortable with me. So I think icebreakers are often that same kind of thing. I often\, you know\, I think people who don’t like icebreakers might also be people who don’t like small talk\, because it feels purposeless and meaningless. Anyway\, I think you should try to do it because it’s a way to engage in the community and say\, “Yes\, I’m here\, I’m here to participate.” \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. We should in the future think about doing an episode about small talk\, because I think it’s not as small as people think it is. Maybe that’ll be the title. So what do you think makes a good icebreaker from your perspective? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. I like icebreakers that are interesting. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: But interesting [00:17:00] according to you. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah\, so I’m torn because I think there’s part of me that’s like\, I like a good juicy question or a playful question or something that brings a little bit of joy or whimsy\, or something that isn’t just getting immediately to business. \nI recognize that it’s not everybody’s thing. But from a more serious like facilitator mindset\, I think what makes a good icebreaker is having the thing that you’re doing tied in either with meeting the needs of the people in the room\, or helping people feel more connected with the purpose of the gathering. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yes. That’s close to the answer I was thinking of. So when I think about what makes a good icebreaker\, because they can fill so many different purposes\, and if you’ve really thought about the purpose\, then that’s a good icebreaker. \nA good icebreaker is one that meets the [00:18:00] purpose that you intended\, or\, look\, you can plan for an icebreaker to meet a purpose or to meet the needs of a group and maybe it doesn’t always work out\, but to me\, what makes a good icebreaker is just one that is either meeting the needs of the people\, or meeting the intended purpose. \nAnd when it goes wrong\, it’s okay. Learn from it\, right? Do it differently next time. \nSo\, what practice are you bringing today? I’m excited about this because I had a little clue as to what you were working on and I’m really excited. I think this is a great practice. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. So I’m going to walk us through how to write a magic question. \nHave you heard of a magic question before? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yes\, I read the book you were telling me about. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Oh\, great. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: the Art of Gathering\, I think\, right. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah\, I learned about magic questions from Priya Parker and I know that she wrote the book\, The Art of Gathering. I don’t know if I read this in her book or if I read it in her newsletter\, but – \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Got it. Yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: It comes from Priya Parker\, and she describes a magic question as [00:19:00] a “Question that everyone in the group is excited to answer\, and everyone is interested in hearing each other’s answers.” It has to be both. \nSo some examples are\, ‘what’s the last time you cheered so loudly you lost your voice?’ ‘What’s a live performance you wish you could see again for the first time?’ ‘What do you own that you’re pretty sure nobody else in this group owns?’ \nI’ve done that one before. It’s very fun. And then\, ‘if someone named a menu item after you at a restaurant\, what would it be?’ \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Grilled cheese sandwich. \nNo\, I love these questions so much. I’m often asking one that’s very similar to the live performance one. I usually ask people\, ‘what’s the first live performance they went to?’ ‘Where was it?’ \nAnd there’s all kinds of follow-up questions you can ask with that as well\, and people love telling the story of their first live performance\, [00:20:00] or the first one that they really loved or whatever. \nSo I love these questions. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. And what I like about magic questions in general is they’re a really easy icebreaker to implement. They don’t need materials. You can do them a lot of different ways. They work in a big group or a small group. You can have people split into small groups. If you know that your group needs to move around\, you can have everybody stand up and go talk to a person and answer this question and then switch people. \nThere’s a lot of different ways you can use it. You can use it on Zoom\, you can have people drop their answers in the chat\, you can have people journal about it. So it’s a really\, I think\, useful way to come up with one question or a couple of questions that you can use a bunch of different ways\, depending on who’s in the room and what the room feels like. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I’ve sometimes just put it on\, like\, a big easel\, or on a slide\, and I tell people as they’re walking in\, like\, “find someone that they can share that answer with\,” which I know is opposite of what I told you\, that I don’t [00:21:00] like to do that\, but these questions to me are ones that I do want to answer and I do want to hear other people’s answers. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yes. And I have found one of the common threads in these questions is they’re questions that promote people telling a story about something they’ve experienced. They’re almost always questions that inspire people to share something that you had no idea about\, and it’s usually something that they’re very interested in or passionate about. So it’s a very compelling story a lot of the time. \nAnd that I think is also why magic questions are really good for getting to know people\, finding shared values\, finding shared experience. They’re really good at community building and also bringing the energy of the room up. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Right. And even if you’re not finding the shared values\, just the practice of sharing values is really important. \nSo you’ve [00:22:00] given us some really great examples. Let’s talk about how to write a good magic question. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yes. Okay. So I have a four-step process\, and this does require a little bit of creativity because – \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: A big process\, four steps? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: I promise it’s not as hard as you make it sound\, Jessica. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, I know. It’s not hard. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: So one of the reasons magic questions take a little bit of intentional thought is because different groups of people are going to need a different question. Different situations are going to need a different question. So I’ve set up a series of questions that I use to figure out the qualities of the room\, so that you can then write the question that’s going to work for the group and the setting and the purpose. \nSo step one is to think about who is going to be at your meeting or gathering. Do you know how many people are going to be there? Do they know each other? \nDo they trust each other? is it a formal setting? Is it an informal setting? \nJust think a little bit about [00:23:00] what is the room and who are the people who are going to be there. \nStep two is to think about what are you trying to accomplish at this gathering? Some examples might be building connection and trust\, brainstorming an idea\, making a decision\, working on a project together. Those are all common things. \nAnd then step three is what tone will best serve the purpose of your meeting? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: This is such a good one. I love that you have this tone question\, or this tone planning in here. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yes\, because the difference between something that has people tell humorous stories and something that has people tell sincere stories is big. \nSo figuring out\, what emotional atmosphere do I want people to be in? And I think this is also helpful because I’ve used this before in a partner meeting\, where we had two people coming and there was some tension in the group about what is our purpose. And we were [00:24:00] making really important decisions about the future of the program. \nAnd so I wanted us to think through\, how do I ramp down the animosity intention and ramp up this sense of connection and conviction in the work that we were doing? And so that was kind of the tone I was going for\, right? \nOkay. So once you’ve figured out who’s going to be there\, what you’re trying to accomplish and the tone\, what question could you ask that would encourage people to share a story? \nThat’s a broad question\, so I’ll give you a bit of an example. So\, one time – actually I just told you about this. There were groups of people coming together to talk about a project\, and it was contentious and we were talking about how we were going to facilitate a learning experience for people. And there were a lot of different organizations who were doing it together\, and they all had very different cultures. \nAnd so the question that we started the gathering with was\, “What is something that a teacher taught you that you still think about today?” And it was [00:25:00] so good. People were thinking about this teacher\, and it was very much more sincere than funny most of the time. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: It helped people think about\, “Oh\, why was this such an impactful experience for me? \nAnd then it helped us look at what are our values for providing educational experiences for people and how do we provide good ones? And then that started to guide our decisions around how we were going to implement educational programming\, because people were thinking about their own experience in an educational program. It worked so well. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I love that. \nI really love this process\, and you are right. It wasn’t nearly as complex as I was making it sound like with four steps. It’s actually really\, really simple. And so I wonder though\, if you wouldn’t mind just briefly going over the four steps one more time before we close out because yeah\, I do think it’s nice and simple. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Step one\, think about who is going to be at your meeting or gathering. Step two\, what are you trying to [00:26:00] accomplish with your meeting? Step three\, what tone will best serve the purpose of the meeting? And then step four\, what question could you ask that would encourage people to share a story? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Love it. Thank you so much for guiding us through that\, Erin\, I really appreciate this thinking on the magic questions. I’m always encouraging people to ask more questions of each other\, and to go much beyond\, “how’s the weather?” \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. And if you end up doing this and coming up with questions\, I would love to hear them. I keep a little list on my phone of good questions\, so if you come up with some\, please email us\, or leave us a voicemail. I would love to hear. There are links in the show notes if you want to do either one. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Well\, that’s it for this episode. Thanks so much for joining us. \nIf you enjoyed this episode\, click the share button in your podcast app to share it with a friend. We’ll be back next week. Until then\, keep practicing. \n[00:27:00]\nCREDITS: The Practicing Connection Podcast is a production of One-Op and is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture\, US Department of Agriculture and the Office of Military Family Readiness Policy\, US Department of Defense under award number 2 0 2 3 4 8 7 74 3 3.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/putting-your-icebreakers-to-work/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Practicing-Connection_Podcast-graphic-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260618T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260618T123000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260415T184851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260714T165828Z
UID:10001737-1781780400-1781785800@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Coping with Client Loss: Professional Approaches for Service Providers
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/5I0SLGYPu38″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”20″ constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Webinar” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Client loss — whether through suicide\, combat-related death\, illness\, or other traumatic circumstances — carries profound implications for those who serve military-connected populations. This webinar explores the historical\, clinical\, and systemic realities surrounding client death\, particularly within high-stakes\, high-responsibility roles such as counseling\, advocacy\, chaplaincy\, and case management. \nParticipants will examine the personal\, professional\, and spiritual dimensions of grief that arise when a client dies\, including secondhand trauma\, moral distress\, and the often-silenced grief of providers. We will explore how organizational culture\, role expectations\, and systemic pressures shape the experience of loss — and why this topic deserves greater attention in military-serving communities. \nThis session lays the foundation for Part 2\, which will focus on coping strategies\, healing practices\, and post-crisis growth. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nDescribe the historical and systemic context of client loss in military-connected care settings.\nDifferentiate personal\, professional\, and spiritual grief responses to client death among service providers.\nIdentify indicators of secondary traumatic stress\, moral injury\, and disenfranchised grief following client loss.\nExplain the rationale for and core elements of organizational postvention and structured support for providers following a client’s death.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Presenter” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”224468″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Dr. Nici Richardson McFarland” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Dr. Richardson McFarland is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor\, Board Certified Chaplain\, and Board Certified Telemental Health Provider. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Houston\, an M.A. in Biblical Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary\, and a Ph.D. in Advanced Studies of Human Behavior from Capella University. In addition to her clinical work\, she serves as an adjunct professor in the counseling ministries department at Dallas Theological Seminary. She specializes in grief and loss\, trauma\, compassion fatigue\, burnout\, chronic illness\, stress management\, and spiritual distress.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”40″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Continuing Education (CE) Credit” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][nectar_btn size=”jumbo” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” el_class=”Continuing Education Survey” button_id=”Continuing Education Survey” text=”Continuing Education Survey” url=”https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6EbKL5SWEpMsLki”][vc_column_text]\n\nCertified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close June 18\, 2028.\nBoard Certified Patient Advocates (BCPA): This webinar is approved for 1.5 CE contact hours by The Patient Advocate Certification Board. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close June 18\, 2028. \nBoard Certified Case Managers: This webinar is approved for 1.5 CE clock hours from the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close June 18\, 2027.\nSexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARC) and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocates (VA): This webinar is approved for 1.5 CE credits from D-SAACP Credentialing. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close June 18\, 2029.\nCertified Family Life Educators (CFLE): This webinar is approved for 1.5 CE credits from the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close June 18\, 2029.\nCertified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES): This webinar is approved for 1.5 CE credit from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close June 18\, 2028.\nDomestic Abuse Victim Advocates: This webinar is approved for 1.5 CE credits from the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close June 18\, 2026.\nSocial Workers\, Licensed Professional Counselors\, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists: This webinar is approved for 1.5 CE credits from the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. Check with your state licensing agency for reciprocity and/or credit approval if licensed for other professions or in one of the following states: CO\, FL\, HI\, IA\, KS\, KY\, MI\, NY\, ND\, OH\, OK. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close June 18\, 2029.\nOneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\nIf the button above does not appear\, please access the continuing education survey through this link: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6EbKL5SWEpMsLki. If you have any questions\, please email ce@oneop.org.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_2=”yes” right_margin=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_color=”#f7f7f7″ column_border_style=”solid” enable_border_animation=”true” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Materials” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1689369183150{padding-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1781710687614{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]\n\nWebinar Slides\nWebinar Resources\n\n\n\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Photo Credit: From Adobe Stock by NanSan\, file #: 89942899 [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160139/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AdobeStock_899428992-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260618T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260618T170000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260618T100047Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260624T211007Z
UID:10001777-1781762400-1781802000@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Navigating Tricky Partnership Problems (Listener Q&A)
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”50px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”column_reverse” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” el_class=”podcast-sidebar” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”147768″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][nectar_btn size=”large” constrain_group_1=”yes” open_new_tab=”true” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” solid_text_color_override=”#ffffff” icon_family=”none” text=”Subscribe Now” url=”https://www.buzzsprout.com/2099983/share” margin_top=”30″ margin_bottom=”30″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the “Practicing Connection” monthly email to keep up to date on our latest podcasts\, blog posts and workshops. \nJoin the “Practicing Connection Community” on LinkedIn. The community is designed for people who support military families in a variety of settings both on installations and in our communities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Listen” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTM1NTM1MCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmJ1enpzcHJvdXQuY29tJTJGMjA5OTk4MyUyRmVwaXNvZGVzJTJGMTkzNTUzNTAtbmF2aWdhdGluZy10cmlja3ktcGFydG5lcnNoaXAtcHJvYmxlbXMtbGlzdGVuZXItcS1hLmpzJTNGY29udGFpbmVyX2lkJTNEYnV6enNwcm91dC1wbGF5ZXItMTkzNTUzNTAlMjZwbGF5ZXIlM0RzbWFsbCUyMiUyMHR5cGUlM0QlMjJ0ZXh0JTJGamF2YXNjcmlwdCUyMiUyMGNoYXJzZXQlM0QlMjJ1dGYtOCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRnNjcmlwdCUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Episode” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_column_text](Season 7\, Episode 25) \nHow do you build community connections that actually work? \nHave you ever gotten stuck as you try to build community partnerships? \nIn this month’s Listener Q&A\, Erin and Jessica answer questions about classic partnership problems: \n\nWhat do you do if you can’t find time to build connections during work time\nHow do you navigate miscommunication years into a partnership?\nIf I can only do one thing\, what should I focus on?\n\nLinks and resources from this episode: \n\nSign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter\nJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/\nSend us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org \n\n  \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” el_id=”trans”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” el_class=”entry” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Transcript” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” nofollow=”true” el_class=”read-it” button_id=”read-it” text=”Read More” url=”#trans”][vc_column_text el_class=”pod-trans”]ERIN CARLSON RIVERA: [00:00:00] Hi\, thanks for listening to the Practicing Connection Podcast. I’m Erin. My co-host\, Jessica\, is here as well. Today\, we’ll be answering listener questions about partnerships. Hi\, Jessica. How are you feeling about today’s questions? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: They’re all terrible. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yikes. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: No\, of course I them. I love any questions that get you and I talking and commiserating on solutions. I’m excited to get to it. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah\, me too. We had several that I’ve kind of saved up over time that are specifically about partnership building that I think are\, like\, complimentary with each other. So I’m excited to dig into that today. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I love that that was an intentional theming on your part. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. Are you ready for our first question? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Absolutely. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: All right\, here we go. [00:01:00]\n“Hi. I’ve been listening to a lot of your interviews about partnerships. I work one-on-one with military spouses. I know that building community connections or maybe even strategic partnerships would help me do a better job of supporting them\, but I am booked all day with client meetings and my performance is measured by how quickly I can help my clients go through our program. How do I make time for community outreach when it isn’t supported by the way my job is set up. I don’t want to have to use all of my personal time to do it\, but I’m starting to think it isn’t possible any other way with my workload. Should I just ignore my work-life boundaries and do outreach on my personal time?” \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: No\, full stop. That is\, well\, it’s no – and absolutely not. I mean\, it is really important to you know\, maintain some separation\, right\, in your life. I remember a long time ago\, way back when I was a city planner\, I was really interested – I was a [00:02:00] city planner in another city from the one that I lived in\, and I was really interested in being on the planning commission at the city that I was living in. \nAnd through a series of circumstances that got put on pause and frankly\, the more and more I thought about it\, when the mayor of the city I live in reached out to me and said\, “Hey\, I’d encourage you to\, you know\, apply to be on our plan commission\,” I was like\, “Wait\, I’m going to go to work all day and do city planning stuff\, and then I’m going to come home and do city planning stuff: I might want to rethink this. There are other ways to give back to my community.” \nAnd so\, it is really important to kind of maintain some sort of boundary between your work and your personal time. My suggestions in this situation\, I can not only relate to it\, but understand the difficulties\, especially when I think in this case you said that performance is measured [00:03:00] by how quickly you can kind of get the clients through. \nI would actually start maybe with your supervisor and\, you know\, sharing a little bit that you have a goal to connect with other people in the community who are working on issues of importance to your clients\, so that you can actually serve your clients better. They may be able to then support you in finding some relief somehow in your schedule and maybe not. \nAnd if there’s no way to fold this kind of partnership work into work hours\, maybe there’s a way to make it kind of fun and pleasurable related to\, you know\, your personal time. So maybe there’s a coalition that you’re really interested in connecting with people on but you just don’t have the space to go to their meetings and to support them in any other way. \nMaybe they’re having a fundraiser and you can just show up at that fundraiser and just contribute to it somehow or\, you [00:04:00] can just kind of be part of the fun parts of it. That might be one thing you can do\, and then you’re not giving all of your personal time away to that\, right? \nAn example I have is I know someone who their thing is throwing darts. Like they compete in dart tournaments all the time\, and they’re putting together a charity dart tournament for a charity that they support. And so perhaps there are things like that. If your thing is\, fill in the blank\, you know\, then maybe that’s something that you could kind of combine it into something pleasurable. \nBut I would start with your supervisor and make the case that this is something that could actually help you move your clients through the process. Or it could help you with your client work and perhaps there can be some relief there. \nErin\, what do you think? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. I think you made a lot of good points. I don’t have a hard no\, which is shocking to me. I’m like somewhat [00:05:00] notorious in my workplace for being like\, “Do you need help with boundaries? Go talk to Erin. She’s got the best ones.” And I was like\, “Wow\, that’s so nice of you to say. I’ve worked hard on them.” \nI think specifically to the question about\, “Should I ignore my work-life boundaries and do outreach on my personal time?” My answer is\, you shouldn’t ignore your boundaries\, but if after you’ve talked to your supervisor\, it’s clear you won’t be able to get work time to do it\, can you shift them? Like\, don’t throw your boundaries completely out the window. \nYou’re like\, “Okay\, I don’t like it\, but the reality is I will not be able to do this during my work time\, and I can’t use my breaks or my lunch to do it because I need those for my brain.” \nEspecially if you’re in client meetings all day long\, do not use your breaks to have more meetings. Go rest your brain. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: So glad you brought that up\, Erin. That was on my mind too. It’s like\, don’t use your breaks to do that. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Like\, maybe if you’re extroverted and it’s refreshing to talk casually with a person\, you [00:06:00] could have a lunch with someone\, maybe\, but genuinely don’t try to shove this into your breaks because it’s not enough time\, you’ll be stressed out and you won’t get the brain break that you need to not completely burn yourself out. \nBut if you are going to do it after work\, I think it’s really helpful to kind of pause and ask yourself\, “What limits am I going to put on the time and money and energy that I’m going to expend on this?” And so I think it’s really helpful\, if you have to use your personal time\, be the most strategic you’ve ever been. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yes. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Think about\, okay\, what connections are going to most serve me\, and how do I build those? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: That’s one option. The other option is be very unstrategic and go for what is going to be the most fun thing\, because genuinely some of the most interesting networking that I have done is when I’ve just gone to do something fun that I wanted to [00:07:00] do\, and I was like\, “Okay\, I’m networking with people in my community by going to this free salsa class.” \nAnd then I met people and had these really interesting conversations about the work that I was doing and the work they were doing. And\, you know\, obviously\, we make a podcast for our job that’s not everybody’s life\, but I think sometimes\, especially if you’re just trying to get to know people in your community\, you can go to a community event that is going to be fun. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Go have fun and just talk to people and intentionally make friendships with people who you don’t know. \nSo if you’re going to go do a fun thing\, don’t just go with your best friend who you’ve already met and don’t talk to anybody else. Go and talk to other people. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I would say things like chambers of commerce and Rotary clubs. I know a lot of people think\, I mean\, yes\, they’re focused on business for sure\, but there’s a lot of nonprofits that belong to them as well\, certainly they’re a more formalized sort of way\, but they’re always having events. \nI’ve [00:08:00] heard really great things about Rotary clubs in particular\, and I used to work for a Chamber of Commerce\, so I know what those events are like and they can be a whole lot of fun. \nA lot of people don’t like them because of the networking aspect and\, you know\, we talk a lot about how to have those conversations and how to talk with people\, how to start relationships with people through conversations\, \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yes. I will also add one last thing\, which is one of the things I’ve really learned about work-life balance is that in order to have balance\, when you leave work\, you can’t just do nothing. Find a way to do something in your off time. I think that may also help it feel less like it’s stealing from you to do this in your off work time\, if you also make time when you’re out of work to do something you care about. \nAnd\, like\, obviously capacity is a real [00:09:00] issue. I’m not saying burn yourself out. I’m not saying hurt yourself or stop sleeping. I’ve seen people really burn themselves out by like going really hard on networking\, and going really hard on everything and then never sleeping. And I would never say do that because that’s miserable. \nLike\, long-term\, it’s very miserable. But I do think if you are spending\, say you’re committing to a half an hour a week of non-work time doing intentional networking – that’s just a really arbitrary number. Also commit 30 minutes of time to doing something that you absolutely love doing\, not chores not taking – \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Not games on your phone\, unless you truly enjoy that\, I guess. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: I\, you know\, save games on your phone for your 15-minute break in between client meetings and your lunch. Like\, that’s when your brain needs a break\, and you need to just play those games on your phone. Because I have found it’s so much easier to not resent the amount of time I’m networking outside of work [00:10:00] if I’m also doing fun stuff outside of work. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: That’s great. Let’s go to the next question. Okay\, so I’ve got this one: \n‘“What do you do when you’re already into a partnership and you realize you aren’t aligned on core values like you thought? My team recently started having conflict with a partner org we’ve had for two years\, when we realized we’ve been using the same words to mean different things. Now things are tense as we started having convos about it\, conversations\, and we can see the partner org withdrawing and thinking of us more and more as outsiders\, to save face with than collaborators. Is this a trust thing? Is this something else? How do we tell if we should push through or let the partnership die?” \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Wow. Okay. A lot to unpack there. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Is it a trust thing? I mean\, probably a little bit if they’re drawing away. [00:11:00] If you can tell that they’re starting to treat you as outsiders\, something is hard there. \nI think it’s possible it might also be a process thing. I find in partnerships it’s rarely just one thing that makes it hard especially\, you know\, you didn’t say what words you have different definitions for. \nSo I feel a little bad because I don’t have specifics to get into\, but I think often what I see in collaborations is there’s different communication norms\, or there’s different decision making norms and then you think you’re going along together\, but then suddenly there’s tension. \nYeah\, wow. Okay. I think you might have more advice on that\, so I’m gonna let you dig into those things. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I appreciate what you were saying though\, because this is the stuff that\, these norms and coming to like a shared purpose\, some shared values\, these are the [00:12:00] things that consistently I’ve seen groups want to skip. They’re like\, “Hey\, we’re adults. We can handle this.” And even if they do\, even if you’ve got – I saw a reaction. Did you want to react? Did you want to share something about that? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Okay. I just … Yes\, you’re totally right. People want to skip the\, like\, “What is our purpose? What are our norms? How do we collaborate with each other?” \nNobody ever wants to have the\, “How do we have conflict” conversation at the beginning of the relationship. Both personal relationships and professional relationships. And then\, people have breakdowns of communication and then they fight and they don’t have an understanding of\, “Okay\, how are we going to do this though?” \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Right. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: So that was my reaction. I was just like\, “Oh man\, you’re so right. People don’t think about how to fight before they have fights.” \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. I mean\, look\, even if you went through the work\, and I’ve seen a lot of groups\, they’re willing to go through the work of talking [00:13:00] about\, “What’s our shared purpose going to be? What’s our shared goals\, our even values?” Like some of them are willing to have those conversations\, but they don’t often get into the weeds of defining them. \nThey’ll be like\, “Okay\, you know\, our values are … ” And they’ll kind of have\, you know\, three words separated by periods\, right? Like it’ll be almost more like a tagline\, right? You know\, trust – \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Confidentiality. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Right? “These are our values.” And then there’s no like definition\, a clear cut definition of like\, I mean\, team values are literally how internally you are going to act so that you are living your values and moving toward your purpose. \nSo not only are they internally how you’re going to act with each other\, but they’re also values that can be acted upon in a way that the external world can see that you’re living your values\, that [00:14:00] you’re working toward a shared purpose. \nAnd so my advice is to at the outset\, right from the beginning\, define\, define\, define. Define shared definition\, shared agreement on what the definitions are\, define what the words mean and what they don’t mean\, right? Not just\, “This is what it means\,” but also\, “Here’s what we’re leaving out.” \nLike\, “These are the things that we don’t mean by this term or by this word\,” right? What’s included? What’s not included? This is really a classic issue\, and so I said define this at the outset. That is the ideal\, of course and not only define it at the outset\, but also keep revisiting\, like\, “Do we still mean this? Does this still match what we mean?” \nAnd at the beginning\, it can feel a little repetitive and weird to keep revisiting it\, but it is still important\, and at some point a new person [00:15:00] is going to join. They’re going to be like\, “Whoa\, wait a second\, that’s not how I would think of that term.” And so then you can invite conversation about\, “Okay\, is this still what we mean?” \nSo\, defining at the outset\, that’s ideal. I think it is never too late though to redefine your group principles\, or to define\, to say\, “Hey\, wait a second\, we’re having some problems here. Maybe we need to actually come up with a set of principles.” \nAnd in fact\, I would say that you should\, if you’ve got group principles\, you should review them regularly together. If you don’t have them\, you can define it now. Unless things have gotten toxic in your relationship with this other organization\, right? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. Okay. So I think you raised some really good points\, and just this question was a great question\, and also there were\, like\, four questions in it. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, I know. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: So I kind of talked about\, like\, realizing your values don’t align\, and [00:16:00] reopening the conversation\, and I would encourage in most cases to be more direct in your communication than you would maybe be comfortable with. \nOf course\, that is not appropriate in all contexts. Your mileage may vary if you’re from – I have heard that if you’re from the South\, sometimes really direct communication is not responded too well. I’ve found sometimes in the Midwest\, really direct communication has not responded too well. My family was not from the Midwest\, we moved here\, we learned the hard way. \nAnd also I have found sometimes that in this situation where it’s clear that there’s tension\, being the person who’s willing to take on\, like\, the shame of naming the tension and just being like\, “Hey\, I’m noticing we’re having tension around this. I think we need to have a conversation. I know it’s probably gonna be a little uncomfortable\, but I think it’s going to be easier to tell how to move forward if we actually talk about it. ” \nAnd then actually talk about it and don’t dance around it and just say\, [00:17:00] “Hey\, we think this word means this. It seems to us like you mean this. Are we correct in that? Are we getting it right?” And then give them space to communicate what’s happening with them. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Even say it\, like\, “Here’s how we look at this word or this term\, and you find out how they’re looking at it now the conversation\,” I think can become\, in the context of us working together\, “Are these at all compatible and how can we define this together?” \nLike\, “How can we come to a shared understanding of what this means?” \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yes. I think especially in the question they said something about like\, “Viewing us as outsiders to save face with.” \nSo that tells me they feel like they need to perform a kind of way or like they can’t be imperfect. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Hmm. Yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: And so I think that’s part of why that direct conversation will really help\, because [00:18:00] then you say\, “Okay let’s just figure it out\, because there’s no shame if we need to pivot how we’re working together\, or if we want to change what our collaboration looks like. We just want us to be on the same page.” \nAnd so I want to quickly just address the very last question\, “How do we tell if we should push through or let the partnership die?” And I think for me\, the answer to that is there’s no one single thing that’s going to automatically tell you. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: If you haven’t directly addressed\, “Hey\, I’m noticing a conflict\, can we talk about it?” try that first\, you know? \nLike don’t just let a partnership die or ghost on a partnership before you have the challenging\, slightly uncomfortable\, direct conversation about\, “Hey\, it seems like we’re miscommunicating. It seems like maybe we need to renegotiate how we want to collaborate with each other. Are you open to having that conversation with us? The work that we do is important and making sure that [00:19:00] our partnership is working for both of us is also important to us.” \nAnd I think being willing to have that conversation should be your first approach. And then if in that conversation you’re realizing\, “Oh\, we aren’t compatible\,” is there a way you can coordinate with each other if you’re not collaborating? Is there a way you can stay in contact and like\, do parallel work\, maybe not collaborating on things but referring people to each other?” \nThere are ways you can work with people that aren’t directly collaborating on projects\, and maybe that’s a better fit for your organizational structures and your values and how you have to use money. \nAnd we work at Extension\, which is like this really interesting combination of university bureaucracy and county government system. We work with nonprofits and we work with businesses \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Local governments too. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Everybody has different timelines. Everybody has different ways of dealing with money\, and sometimes it’s just not super [00:20:00] compatible. And that doesn’t mean it’s wrong\, it just means that you have to maybe pivot how you’re working with each other. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. For someone who thought that you weren’t going to have as much to say on this\, I think you contributed such a rich answer. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Okay\, great. Final question: \n“If I only have time to do one thing to upskill my collaboration\, what should I focus on?” \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I think the single best thing that we can do is sort of\, like\, step zero instead of\, like\, step one\, which is knowing yourself about as well as you can. Because you’re always changing. \nSo that means continually learning about yourself. Like\, for example\, what from your past or your present influences how you think and act? What are your preferences? What are your triggers? How do you trust? Do you trust immediately until someone has broken that trust\, or do you trust not at [00:21:00] all until someone has earned it? Right. \nWhat are your boundaries? Learn them and communicate them when necessary. I think that if you only have time to do that\, get to know yourself: make it a thing that you do\, continually be curious about yourself. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. Well\, that’s a good answer. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. Like\, “This person said this and it made me feel something.” Well\, what did it make you feel? Why do you think it made you feel that way? Really think about that. \nThe more you do that\, the faster that thinking about yourself happens\, the faster your kind of reflections happen\, and yeah\, that’s my answer. \nWhat do you think? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Oh\, I have two that are tied and I’m having a hard time picking which one is the one you should really do. I think I’m going to cheat and say that they’re combined. \nOkay. So I think\, and I’m very biased\, but I think the most important thing you can do is practice communication skills\, [00:22:00] specifically how to be direct and kind. I think there is so much room for miscommunication\, especially if you’re collaborating with people who are different than you\, and learning to express yourself clearly. \nAnd especially\, expressing complex ideas simply and directly can go such a huge way. It can take you so far in terms of being able to collaborate with different kinds of people\, people who don’t already know your field and the jargon of your field. \nAnd I think if you’re like\, “Communication skills are just so broad\, that’s too broad of a category\, Erin. Narrow it down for me.” I specifically want you to think about power dynamics and how you communicate across them. So what power do you have\, are you wielding it on purpose and how do you communicate? \nAnd that means sometimes you need to pause [00:23:00] before you talk in this space\, because you have a lot of power and you’ll shut down the conversation if you jump in too soon. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: And in those situations\, Erin\, I just want to quickly add\, because I’ve been in a room before and I’ve talked about this here\, where a question was asked and everybody in the room looked to this one person who didn’t have any positional power in the room but had\, like\, monetary and political capital in that community. And everyone wanted that person to answer. \nThey were afraid to say anything until that person answered\, not because this person was particularly threatening or anything. And as that person\, not just holding back but maybe inviting and saying\, like\, “I would love to hear from a couple of other folks on this. I appreciate everything you bring as well.” \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: That’s a great example. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Holding back and/or inviting\, yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: I think too\, it’s really easy to feel in some situations that you don’t have power. But if you’re in a collaboration with other [00:24:00] people and you’re serving the same clients\, that’s a weird term for it\, maybe not everybody uses the word clients\, but we’ll use that one because it’s pretty clear. \nSo if you’re trying to collaborate\, to offer services to the same group of people\, you also have power in that situation because you know that audience\, you work with that audience\, you can’t speak fully to their experience because you maybe are not a part of that audience. But I think it’s important to know that if you are going to collaborate with someone\, you will be bringing something to the collaboration and with that comes power. \nAnd so noticing\, “How do people respond to me when I’m in a room? How do I make sure I’m both participating and leaving space for others to participate?” \nI personally get a lot of feedback that I’m intimidating. Because I’m very confident and I’m very comfortable saying what I think. So when I am walking into a room\, I’m thinking a lot about\, “Am I leaving space for other people? Am [00:25:00] I leaving space for people to disagree with me\, without being afraid?” \nWhich feels like\, I mean\, I think I’m a really cheerful\, jolly person. And so I don’t think of myself as being intimidating. People are like\, “Well\, Erin\, you’re just so confident and you aren’t afraid to be called out. You’re not afraid to publicly change your mind if someone brings up a good point.” \nAnd I was like\, “Oh\, okay. That’s intimida-” like it wouldn’t have occurred to me that that was intimidating. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: That’s really interesting. I’ve not had that feedback\, but I’ve never been the one in the room who – I’ve never been afraid. I’m not necessarily confident\, I don’t come off as confident\, but I’m not afraid to ask questions or to say\, “Well\, what if this\, or what if that?” \nAnd the thing is\, in the moment\, I think I often have seen the feedback has been a lot of silence\, or maybe it’s like\, “Well\, we’ll get to that later\, whatever.” But then after the meeting is when I have people reaching out to me and thanking me for\, like\, [00:26:00] saying what I said\, for naming whatever it was that I was noticing. \nThe thing is\, I’m doing it in a way where that’s just part of what I feel I think I need to do in the moment\, but I’m not\, like\, super confident when I do it. But what I’m trying to say here is that those skills maybe will look little bit different to other people\, or people will see them differently\, or receive them differently. \nI am someone who learning to be more direct is a challenge for me\, and it’s one that I’m interested in learning more about. So I’m glad that we are partnered up\, Erin\, because I can learn a lot from you! \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Wonderful. All right. Any other thoughts before I – we’ve had a good convo\, so I don’t want to – \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: This is great. Thank you so much for having this conversation with me\, and for putting the questions together in such a great themed way. I appreciate it. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. All right. Well\, that’s it for this episode. Thank you for joining us. \nIf you have a question or a hot take\, or you disagree [00:27:00] with any of our advice\, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts. \nYou can email us at practicingconnection@onop.org. We would love to hear from you. We see and respond to every message\, and we promise not to share anything without your permission. \nWe’ll be back next week. Until then\, keep practicing. \nCREDITS: The Practicing Connection Podcast is a production of One-Op and is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture\, US Department of Agriculture and the Office of Military Family Readiness Policy\, US Department of Defense under award number 2 0 2 3 4 8 7 74 3 3.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/navigating-tricky-partnership-problems/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Practicing-Connection_Podcast-graphic-2.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260612T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260612T090000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260611T183541Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T173007Z
UID:10001740-1781251200-1781254800@oneop.org
SUMMARY:A 360 View of the Spouse Employment Environment
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”column_reverse” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”3%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”3%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” el_class=”course-sidebar” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Want to take a course?” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:22|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]OneOp courses are available for free through Thinkific. Get started by registering for a free account on Thinkific.[/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=”large” open_new_tab=”true” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” solid_text_color_override=”#ffffff” icon_family=”none” text=”Register Now” url=”https://oneop.thinkific.com/”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-3-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”225999″ image_size=”large” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text]This interactive\, 90-minute course is designed to help military and civilian service providers level up in their roles\, strengthen systems awareness\, and approach spouse employment work with clarity\, confidence\, and a strengths-based mindset.[/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=”jumbo” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” el_class=”Begin the Course” button_id=”Begin the Course” url=”https://oneop.thinkific.com/courses/SpouseEmployment” text=”Begin the Course”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Course Details” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]This course is an applied\, interactive learning opportunity providing a foundation for military and civilian service providers. Participants will gain a clear understanding of who military spouses are and the barriers that impact career continuity — including relocation cycles\, licensure portability\, childcare access\, and policy considerations. \nWith that foundation in place\, participants will build a practical toolkit for identifying spouse needs\, responding with a strengths-based approach\, and making informed referrals that improve employment stability and long-term career outcomes. \nEstimated time to complete: 90 minutes[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\nLearning Objectives\nAfter engaging in this course\, learners will be able to: \n\nIdentify common barriers that military spouses face when seeking and maintaining employment.\nDescribe employer policies and workplace actions that can promote spouse employment\, hiring\, and retention.\nRecognize prominent policies that influence military spouse employment and address common misconceptions.\nSummarize key Department of War and civilian programs that support military spouse employment.\nConnect military spouses experiencing unemployment or underemployment to appropriate support services.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Using Thinkific” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2333004d” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]\n\n\nRegister and enroll on Thinkific.com\, the platform used to host OneOp courses\, for free! For help getting started on Thinkific email us at contact@oneop.org  \n\n\n\nInteractive components and links to videos are included\, so make sure you have a strong internet connection.\nUnits and resources will open in a new window be sure to turn your pop-up blocker off.\nThe content includes audio and video\, ensure your computer can play audio and video files\, and open PDF files.\nTo ensure progress is saved\, please pause and resume learning between units.\nIn order to receive certain continuing education credits and/or a certificate of completion for general use\, some users may be required to take a cumulative post-test at the end of the entire course. You will have five attempts to pass the final post-test at 80% or better.\nIt is expected that students will view all materials\, engage with the activities\, and complete reflections.\nFor information about this course or assistance with completion please email contact@oneop.org \n\n  \n\n\n\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”3%” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Course Authors” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2333004d” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Chengfei Jiao serves as a Postdoctoral Scholar for OneOp and in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at East Carolina University. She will begin her position as an Assistant Professor at Lamar University in August 2026. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology (Honours) and Organizational Psychology from the University of Cape Town (South Africa)\, a Master of Arts in Child and Family Education from the Education University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong SAR)\, and a doctorate in Human Development and Family Science from Florida State University (USA). Her research focuses on interpersonal relationships and relational well-being among young adults and couples across various social contexts. \nKayla Reed-Fitzke serves as the Primary Investigator of the Spouse Employment Collaboration team with OneOp and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at East Carolina University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science from Virginia Tech\, a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Kentucky\, and a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Florida State University. Her research centers on promoting health and well-being among military families\, with a focus on translating research to real-world practical tools practitioners can use in support of their work with military families. \nKim Smith serves as the Spouse Employment Program Coordinator with OneOp and is a Research Associate in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at East Carolina University. With more than 25 years of experience in higher education\, she has devoted her career to supporting individuals in their academic and professional growth. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Education and a Master of Science in Technology Management\, leveraging this foundation to connect education and innovation in ways that create meaningful opportunities for students and professionals. Kim designs professional development for those serving military families and brings extensive experience supporting service members and their families through research\, innovation\, and a strong commitment to access and opportunity. \nThe authors would like to give special thanks to Josie Beets\, Abby Keeler\, Kristy Kibler\, and Jenny Rea for their contributions to the development of this course.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”3%” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Instructional Designers” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2333004d” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Jennifer Chilek\, M.Ed.\, is an instructional designer and online course developer with more than 20 years of experience creating accessible\, learner-centered online education for higher education\, outreach\, and professional development audiences. Jen has developed and taught online courses for LoneStar Community College and Colorado State University Global and has created digital learning content for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension\, OneOp\, Texas A&M School of Law\, and other academic and nonprofit initiatives. Her work focuses on transforming complex subject matter into engaging digital learning experiences that support practical application\, meaningful learner engagement\, and real-world impact. \nMolly Herndon is the Director of Programming for OneOp. Since 2011\, she has shaped innovative programming. She advances OneOp’s mission by leading the annual Academy. She holds degrees from Appalachian State University and North Carolina State University.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”3%” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Continuing Education Credit” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2333004d” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]This course has been approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits for many different professionals accredited through the credentialing agencies listed below. \n\nCertified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close June 11\, 2028.\nBoard Certified Patient Advocates (BCPA): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) contact hours by The Patient Advocate Certification Board. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close June 11\, 2028.\nBoard Certified Case Managers: This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) clock hours from the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close June 11\, 2027.\nCertified Family Life Educators (CFLE): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close June 11\, 2029.\nHuman Resource Professionals: This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close August 31\, 2028.\nSocial Workers\, Licensed Professional Counselors\, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists: This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. Check with your state licensing agency for reciprocity and/or credit approval if licensed for other professions or in one of the following states: CO\, FL\, HI\, IA\, KS\, KY\, MI\, NY\, ND\, OH\, OK. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close June 11\, 2028.\nCertificates of Attendance: OneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\nFurther details on requirements for obtaining continuing education credits or a certificate of completion are available at the conclusion of the course. For help with the continuing education process\, please email ce@oneop.org \nPhoto Credit: crizzystudio | Adobe Stock 819585491[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/spouse-employment/
CATEGORIES:Military Service and Family Life
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AdobeStock_819585491-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260611T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260611T123000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260416T202719Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T134318Z
UID:10001715-1781175600-1781181000@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Insights and Best Practices from the USDA Summer Meal Programs
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/qefo82n2vTg”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”20″ constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Webinar” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]The Summer Meal Programs are USDA-funded\, state-administered programs providing free\, nutritious meals and snacks to children 18 and younger in low-income areas during the summer\, when school is not in session. Join experts from the USDA Food and Nutrition Administration and leaders from a summer site near Fort Bragg for a professional development webinar focused on expanding access to nutritious summer meals for children. This session will provide an overview of federal program priorities\, highlight practical strategies from a successful summer meal site\, and discuss opportunities to strengthen community partnerships and program operations. Participants will gain both policy insights and on-the-ground perspectives to support effective planning and implementation of summer meal programs. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nExplain the goals\, structure\, and key requirements of the Summer Meal Programs as administered by the USDA Food and Nutrition Administration.\nIdentify effective strategies used by summer meal sites to increase participation\, improve meal service\, and reach children in underserved communities.\nDiscuss opportunities for collaboration among schools\, community organizations\, and local partners to strengthen summer nutrition programs and improve nutrition readiness.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Presenters” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”224770″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Eric Marshall\, JD\, MBA” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Program Analyst\nSummer Policy and Demonstrations Branch\nCommunity Meals Policy Division\nUSDA Food and Nutrition Administration[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”224769″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Danielle Thompson\, MPP” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]\nProgram Analyst\nSummer Policy and Demonstrations Branch\nCommunity Meals Policy Division\nUSDA Food and Nutrition Administration \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” 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phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”C. Beth Maynard\, MBA” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]\nExecutive Director\nChild Nutrition Services\nCumberland County Schools\nFayetteville\, North Carolina \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”40″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Continuing Education (CE) Credit” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][nectar_btn size=”jumbo” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” el_class=”Continuing Education Survey” button_id=”Continuing Education Survey” text=”Continuing Education Survey” url=”https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7W1uKLMfPUzB4q2″][vc_column_text]\n\nCertified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close June 11\, 2028.\nCertified Nutrition and Wellness Educator (CNWE): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close June 11\, 2028.\nRegistered Dietitian Nutritionists (RD/RDN) and Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians\, Registered (NDTR): This webinar awards 1.5 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s CPEU Prior Approval Program. Note: Eligibility for CPEU credit will close on May 18\, 2029.\nCertified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education credit from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close June 11\, 2028.\nCertificates of Attendance: OneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\nIf the button above does not appear\, please access the continuing education survey through this link: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7W1uKLMfPUzB4q2. If you have any other questions\, please email ce@oneop.org. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_2=”yes” right_margin=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_color=”#f7f7f7″ column_border_style=”solid” enable_border_animation=”true” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Materials” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1689369183150{padding-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1784295796940{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Webinar Slides \nWebinar Resources[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Photo Credit: Storyblocks[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160129/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/diverse-boys-and-girls-of-primary-school-age-sitting-on-bench-in-the-park-eating-sandw-SBI-350058862-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260611T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260611T170000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260611T100024Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260625T164609Z
UID:10001776-1781157600-1781197200@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Do you see yourself as a generous collaborator?
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”50px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”column_reverse” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” el_class=”podcast-sidebar” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”147768″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][nectar_btn size=”large” constrain_group_1=”yes” open_new_tab=”true” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” solid_text_color_override=”#ffffff” icon_family=”none” text=”Subscribe Now” url=”https://www.buzzsprout.com/2099983/share” margin_top=”30″ margin_bottom=”30″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the “Practicing Connection” monthly email to keep up to date on our latest podcasts\, blog posts and workshops. \nJoin the “Practicing Connection Community” on LinkedIn. The community is designed for people who support military families in a variety of settings both on installations and in our communities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Listen” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTMwNDQ4NiUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmJ1enpzcHJvdXQuY29tJTJGMjA5OTk4MyUyRmVwaXNvZGVzJTJGMTkzMDQ0ODYtZG8teW91LXNlZS15b3Vyc2VsZi1hcy1hLWdlbmVyb3VzLWNvbGxhYm9yYXRvci5qcyUzRmNvbnRhaW5lcl9pZCUzRGJ1enpzcHJvdXQtcGxheWVyLTE5MzA0NDg2JTI2cGxheWVyJTNEc21hbGwlMjIlMjB0eXBlJTNEJTIydGV4dCUyRmphdmFzY3JpcHQlMjIlMjBjaGFyc2V0JTNEJTIydXRmLTglMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Episode” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_column_text](Season 7\, Episode 24) \nDo you see yourself as a generous collaborator? Have you ever been generous with a collaborator\, only to leave disappointed?  \nThis week’s practice is all about unpacking generosity. Making time for generosity can build trust\, which is a key ingredient to collaborative relationships. \nIn this episode from the archives\, Bob and Jessica discuss what generosity can do for you in your relationships and why it can be challenging to offer generosity to new people. Then Bob guides us through a simple reflection to dig into your motivations and align with your values. \nLinks and resources from this episode: \n\nGenuine Generosity: https://randomactsofleadership.com/genuine-generosity\nSign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter\nJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/\nSend us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org\n\n  \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” el_id=”trans”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” el_class=”entry” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Transcript” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” nofollow=”true” el_class=”read-it” button_id=”read-it” text=”Read More” url=”#trans”][vc_column_text el_class=”pod-trans”]ERIN CARLSON RIVERA: [00:00:00] Welcome to Practicing Connection. I’m Erin\, and today we are talking about practicing generosity in our relationships. \nThis episode is part of our From The Archive series\, so you’ll be hearing Jessica and Bob dive into this topic later in the episode. I’ve really enjoyed listening to our archives and selecting episodes to share with you all. \nOften I will pitch Jessica an idea for a Practicast only to find out it’s something we already have a recording of in our archives. This is one of those episodes. \nEvery time I go and listen thinking\, “Well\, maybe I can just rewrite it.” But honestly\, the episodes are so thoughtfully put together\, and the practices are so helpful to me personally that I find myself wanting to just pass them right along to you. \nIn the spirit of that\, I want to just provide a little bit of framework for you guys before we dig in. We often talk a lot about what it takes to collaborate with new people\, and sometimes our tools can get really complicated. [00:01:00] figuring out how to be generous in your relationships is one of those basic things that is simple\, if not easy\, but it can make such a big difference. \nI love the reflection that Bob guides us through in this episode. It is not complicated\, but the questions are really good at challenging us to be honest with ourselves about what our expectations actually are and how we’re showing up in our relationships. I hope you enjoy this episode and I’ll see you on the other side. \n– break – \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yourself as a generous collaborator\, research consistently points to the power of generosity in building trustful long-term working relationships. Yet we are often hesitant to risk leading with generosity. Hi everyone. This is Jessica\, and welcome to this week’s Practicing Connection podcast\, where we highlight a specific practice you can use in your life and work. \nThis week’s practice is [00:02:00] all about generosity. Making time for generosity can build trust\, which is a key ingredient to collaborative relationships. While engaging in acts of generosity can be vulnerable\, the benefits are too big to ignore. My practicing connection co-host Bob Bertsch\, will be guiding you through a practice related to generosity later in this episode. \nBut first\, we’ll learn a little more about generosity in general. Hi\, Bob. \nBOB BERTSCH: Hey Jessica\, I’m looking forward to this conversation. Generosity is one of those pillars of the working out loud process\, which was important process to both of us. I know. So I’m anxious to talk about it. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Well\, I’d like to start with connecting generosity to collaboration. \nHow does generosity play a role in collaborative efforts? \nBOB BERTSCH: Well\, I think there are a couple of ways generosity plays a role in collaboration. The first is in its role in building trust. In order for people to cooperate\, they have to have some level of trust in each other. [00:03:00] So when we first encounter someone new\, there’s often uncertainty because we can’t predict how that person will behave\, and as a result\, we don’t know how to behave in that person’s presence. \nSo approaching that first interaction with generosity provides a foundation for trust. It demonstrates a view of others that’s giving and assumes positive intent on their part. We’re social creatures\, so that generosity that you extend is likely to be reciprocated. Research has shown people very precisely reciprocate the degree of cooperation that they received from the other in the past interaction. \nSo with a giving attitude and an assumption in favor of positive intent\, as the basis of the relationship\, trust is more likely to be developed because that generosity is likely to be reciprocated. So the second role generosity plays in collaboration is in [00:04:00] mediating social dilemmas\, like when there is uncertainty\, disagreement\, or maybe a perceived gap in reciprocity. \nThe social dilemmas are gonna be part of any collaboration at some point\, or any relationship really at some point. Research by Clap Wick and Van Lang has shown these social dilemmas can be challenged by what they call negative noise. And what they mean by that are mistakes that cause actual outcomes to be worse than they were intended to be. \nAnd an example would be like accidentally saying the wrong thing. Many of us have done that before\, or forgetting to respond to an email\, right? Those are just mistakes\, but they impact\, you know\, the outcome. They found that this negative noise is more challenging if you’re in a transactional or tit for tat strategy in terms of the relationship\, and it was less challenging in relationships\, [00:05:00] grounded in generosity. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: That is so interesting and I definitely have been the person who has forgotten to get back to emails and\, and things like that. So I’m curious to learn more about why it’s helpful to understand our motivations behind our acts of generosity. Can you share a little bit about that? \nBOB BERTSCH: Sure. So that research that I just mentioned about negative noise\, being a bigger challenge in transactional or tit for tat strategies than in those grounded in generosity. \nIf we’re going to take advantage of knowing that we need to know which strategy we’re using\, and we think we do. But the problem is sometimes we think we’re being generous. But we actually have expectations we would associate with a tit for tat strategy. John Stepper wrote about a wonderful example we can use to try and think about this and examine it\, and the example is holding the door open for [00:06:00] someone. \nSo on the surface\, it seems like a completely generous strategy. But when you think about it more deeply\, we often find that we have expectations of that being a transaction. For instance\, like how do you feel when you hold the door for someone\, but they don’t acknowledge you at all? They don’t say thanks. \nThey don’t smile. They don’t make eye contact. Do you feel differently about the action? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Isn’t it? Isn’t that them just being a jerk? I’m just kidding. \nBOB BERTSCH: That could be too. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: No\, no\, no\, no! \nBOB BERTSCH: Or if you hold the door for someone upon entering a building and then you end up\, you know\, coincidentally exiting together and they don’t hold the door for you. \nIf you find that you are expecting some kind of reciprocation\, then you might not have had a completely generous strategy in mind\, and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s just a different strategy\, right? Holding the door is just a helpful example. Sometimes we think we’re being generous with others in our [00:07:00] work. \nWhen we’re really expecting reciprocity\, right? And if we aren’t clear with ourselves about our expectations\, then we can’t be clear with our coworkers and let them know that\, hey\, we’re expecting some kind of. Reciprocity\, especially if we’re presenting our actions as being completely generous\, right? So that lack of clarity can have a really negative impact on trust and in turn cooperation. \nSo I think that’s why it’s important to kind of know\, are we motivated here purely by generosity or are we expecting some kind of transaction? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: What are the things that can get in the way of having a generous strategy? Why is it sometimes difficult to be generous or to lead with that strategy versus thinking in a reciprocal way? \nAgain\, like you said\, there’s\, it’s nothing\, not\, it’s not that there’s anything wrong with thinking in a reciprocal way\, but\, you know\, [00:08:00] what gets in the way of us leading with that generosity instead? \nBOB BERTSCH: So a few things come to mind for that. One is relevant past experience. Note ‘relevant.’ So we might not be generous with someone because we have kind of learned not to. \nThey’ve taken advantage of our generosity in the past\, so we might be able to be generous with that person again\, if something has changed for them or maybe something’s changed for us or the context is different. Or we could try being generous with them in kind of lower risk ways to see if we can find our way back to trust. \nBut that’s just based on a\, you know\, past experience. So sometimes we find ourselves not being generous because\, you know\, we got burned by that person. That’s what makes it relevant\, by the way. And then finally\, another reason that it can be hard is that we often misapply past experience. \nYou know\, we have had\, many of us have had previous experiences of being hurt by those that we [00:09:00] trusted\, and that can make it difficult to be generous with someone new. So I think that’s misapplied. I think because we’re not basing that on someone new. We’re basing it on somebody who did it before. \nRight. That’s why I called it misapplication. So I think practicing generosity and reflecting on our acts of generosity can be helpful in overcoming those kinds of barriers that you asked about. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Thank you. I think it’s time for us to practice this and I think this is a reflective practice. \nSo could you please walk us through that? \nBOB BERTSCH: So I’ve adapted this practice from questions shared by Susan Mazza in her blog post\, Genuine Generosity\, and we’ll link that from the show notes and from the words of many other teachers over the years. I’m grateful for their generosity in sharing their wisdom with me\, and I’m glad to share this with you. \nSo. Let’s start by recalling a time when [00:10:00] you believed you had acted generously and found you were less than satisfied with the outcome. Try to bring to mind the place you were\, the action you took\, the other person or people involved\, and the feeling of dissatisfaction. \nSo now that you’ve brought that to mind\, think about what you really wanted or expected in return for your generosity. Be honest with yourself here. This is an opportunity to consider what motivates your generosity and why this particular situation left you feeling unsatisfied. Now with that experience still firmly in mind\, consider how it would’ve been different if you had gotten what you wanted.[00:11:00]\nWhat would that have looked like? How would it have been different for you and how do you think it would’ve been different for the recipient of your generosity? \nNext. Think about the beliefs and values that you hold that contributed to this experience. If your experience does not match what you consciously think you believe\, then you’ll know there’s work to be done to align your beliefs and values with your actions. And finally\, now that we’ve kind of considered that situation\, think about one way that you can be genuinely generous this week. \nHow can you let go of your expectations for reciprocity of any kind and just be generous. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: [00:12:00] Wow. Thanks so much for guiding us through that practice. I actually practiced it while you were saying it. I really appreciate that\, Bob. Thank you so much. \nBOB BERTSCH: You’re welcome. I really enjoy talking about generosity and these kinds of ideas and it was my pleasure to share that. \n– outro – \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: That’s it for this Practicast. Thank you for joining us for the simple but challenging reflection. I hope it helps you be more generous\, not only with others\, but also with yourself. \nIf you enjoyed this episode\, please consider sharing it with a friend or a colleague. We’ll be back next week. Until then\, keep practicing. \n[00:13:00]\nCREDITS: The Practicing Connection Podcast is a production of One-Op and is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture\, US Department of Agriculture and the Office of Military Family Readiness Policy\, US Department of Defense under award number 2 0 2 3 4 8 7 74 3 3.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/do-you-see-your-self-as-a-generous-collaborator/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Practicing-Connection_Podcast-graphic-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260609T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260609T150000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260514T185643Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260714T165822Z
UID:10001757-1781013600-1781017200@oneop.org
SUMMARY:OneOp’s Impact on Military Family Readiness
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/t42oN0FGxQ8″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”20″ constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Webinar” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]\nThis presentation will highlight findings from OneOp’s 2025 Impact Evaluation. The data shows that providers are applying what they learn to make meaningful changes in their work. Reflections from OneOp learners bring that data to life\, demonstrating how professional development is leading providers to improve their practice and better support the Military Family Readiness System. \nBuilt on a powerful partnership between the Land Grant University System\, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture\, and the War Department\, OneOp was created to fill a gap that no other organization had addressed: the ongoing\, specialized professional development needs of every service provider working across the Military Family Readiness System. \nOneOp is the only entity of its kind. Open to all and at no cost\, OneOp brings together distinguished professionals and War Department subject-matter experts to deliver research-based\, evidence-informed programming that reflects the existing and emerging needs of military families and the professionals who serve them. \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Presenters” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”212571″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Kyle Kostelecky\, Ph.D.” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Dr. Kostelecky is the National Project Director and Principal Investigator for OneOp. He is also an Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Science at Auburn University. Kyle has been with the project since its inception.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”212460″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Bob Bertsch” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Bob Bertsch is OneOp’s National Project Leader and Co-Principal Investigator. Bertsch\, an Extension Specialist at North Dakota State University\, has been an integral part of OneOp since 2011. He oversees strategic initiatives to enhance OneOp’s ability to support military family service providers and strengthen the Military Family Readiness System.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”211941″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Kathleen Hlavaty\, Ph.D.” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Dr. Hlavaty is responsible for leading OneOp’s programming evaluation efforts to measure the impact of our programming. Utilizing mixed-methods approaches\, She provides data-driven insights that inform strategic decision-making and drives continuous improvement. She earned her PhD in Human Development and Family Science from Auburn University.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”40″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text]Photo Credit: south_agency[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner disable_element=”yes” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Continuing Education (CE) Credit” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]please use expiration: 2 years as a back-end tool to help with date expiration\, do NOT add that verbiage to the webinar page. 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Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close [Enter Date expiration: 3 years].\n\nSHRM: \n\nHuman Resource Professionals: This webinar is pending approval for 1.0 continuing education (CE) credit from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close [Enter Date expiration: 1 year].\n\nUTSW: \n\nSocial Workers\, Licensed Professional Counselors\, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists: This webinar is pending approval for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. Check with your state licensing agency for reciprocity and/or credit approval if licensed for other professions or in one of the following states: CO\, FL\, HI\, IA\, KS\, KY\, MI\, NY\, ND\, OH\, OK. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close [Enter Date expiration: 3 years].\n\nCertificates of Attendance: \n\nOneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_2=”yes” right_margin=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_color=”#f7f7f7″ column_border_style=”solid” enable_border_animation=”true” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Materials” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1689369183150{padding-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1780946166419{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]2025 Impact Report and Methodology[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160149/
CATEGORIES:Military Service and Family Life
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/iStock-2164329044.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260604T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260604T170000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260604T100021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T211024Z
UID:10001773-1780552800-1780592400@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Why Community Engagement Efforts Fall Flat
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”50px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”column_reverse” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” el_class=”podcast-sidebar” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”147768″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][nectar_btn size=”large” constrain_group_1=”yes” open_new_tab=”true” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” solid_text_color_override=”#ffffff” icon_family=”none” text=”Subscribe Now” url=”https://www.buzzsprout.com/2099983/share” margin_top=”30″ margin_bottom=”30″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the “Practicing Connection” monthly email to keep up to date on our latest podcasts\, blog posts and workshops. \nJoin the “Practicing Connection Community” on LinkedIn. The community is designed for people who support military families in a variety of settings both on installations and in our communities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Listen” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTI3OTk0NSUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmJ1enpzcHJvdXQuY29tJTJGMjA5OTk4MyUyRmVwaXNvZGVzJTJGMTkyNzk5NDUtd2h5LWNvbW11bml0eS1lbmdhZ2VtZW50LWVmZm9ydHMtZmFsbC1mbGF0LmpzJTNGY29udGFpbmVyX2lkJTNEYnV6enNwcm91dC1wbGF5ZXItMTkyNzk5NDUlMjZwbGF5ZXIlM0RzbWFsbCUyMiUyMHR5cGUlM0QlMjJ0ZXh0JTJGamF2YXNjcmlwdCUyMiUyMGNoYXJzZXQlM0QlMjJ1dGYtOCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRnNjcmlwdCUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Episode” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_column_text](Season 7\, Episode 23) \nMost of us don’t ignore input – we just ask for it too late. And by then\, the decisions are already made. \nWhat if the biggest issue with community engagement isn’t whether you do it – but when and how? \nIn this episode\, Jessica and Erin explore a simple but powerful two-part practice that can transform how collaborative work unfolds: engaging with people before decisions are made\, and closing the loop afterward by showing how their input shaped the outcome. \nThey unpack why even well-intentioned teams often bring in community voice too late\, how that affects trust and participation\, and what it looks like to embed engagement into the way you work – not just treat it as a final step. \nIf you’ve ever wondered why engagement efforts fall flat – or how to make them more meaningful – this episode offers a small shift that can make a big difference. \nLinks and resources from this episode: \n\nEpisode: “What the Room is Telling You: How to Read the Room”\nSign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter\nJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/\nSend us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org\n\n  \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” el_id=”trans”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” el_class=”entry” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Transcript” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” nofollow=”true” el_class=”read-it” button_id=”read-it” text=”Read More” url=”#trans”][vc_column_text el_class=”pod-trans”]ERIN CARLSON RIVERA: [00:00:00] I feel like this is something we do all of the time. We bring really smart people together to address a big important community issue. We have great conversations. We design something really thoughtful\, and then we ask for community input after every decision is already made. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: It’s like\, “Here’s what we’re thinking. Any feedback?” \nAnd really I want to be clear that I think we mean it sincerely. And most of the time\, all the groups I’ve worked with\, they mean it sincerely. But by that point\, even if the group doesn’t think this is the case\, a lot of the big choices have actually already been made. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yes\, I agree that it usually comes from a really good place. It’s usually\, “Oh\, we don’t have time\,” or\, “This is so important\, we have to be moving on it. We have to get something done.” \nBut then they put all this energy and effort into it\, and they’re surprised when people push back or when they get no engagement at all. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Right. Or\, people show up and it feels like they’re reacting to what you’re saying instead of helping to shape the project. When maybe your intent was\, you were hoping people would come and [00:01:00] help shape the project\, but they seem to be reacting. Yeah. It’s an issue. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Mm-hmm. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: So let’s explore a small shift that can make a really big difference in how all of this plays out\, especially in collaborative work. \n​- intro music – \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Today we’re talking about a practice that connects really closely to the kinds of collaboration we often focus on in this podcast\, it’s this idea of engaging with people before decisions are made and then closing the loop on it\, showing your work and sharing it back with the people you engaged with. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yes. I love that you’re saying both of those things\, because you really need both. You need to ask for input and then close the loop or else it isn’t effective. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: We talk a lot about cross-sector collaboration\, like bringing together different organizations\, different perspectives\, different kinds of expertise\, but one thing we haven’t really focused on as much is [00:02:00] what it looks like to fully include community voice in that work\, not as a separate step so much as part of the collaborative work itself. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah\, that makes sense. Because it’s really possible to have a strong collaboration across organizations and still not be meaningfully engaged with the people most impacted or affected by an issue. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, and pretty often when engagement does happen\, it happens later than we think it does\, like later in the process. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Hmm. Or later than it should happen. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. Yeah\, exactly. Which brings us to the first part of this practice: Engage before you decide. \nThe first part of this practice is really about timing. It’s about bringing people in when things are still open\, when there’s still real opportunity to shape what happens next. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: So I think one thing that’s helpful to say here is that we’re bringing them in at the beginning\, because part of the community voice that you need is having the community shape how the problem is defined\, not [00:03:00] just responding to a proposed solution. \nAnd I think that’s so important because sometimes your solution doesn’t hit what the community needs because you aren’t aware of what they need. \nRight? You don’t know their side of the problem. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Or you’re not aware of all the perspectives\, because once a group has spent time developing a plan\, even if it’s informally\, right\, you’ve just kind of gotten together and you’re like\, “Hey\, wouldn’t it be cool if we were addressing this issue?” \nIt becomes much harder to change direction\, there’s already momentum and some of those on the planning team might even become defensive of the plan\, even if they truly do want to hear feedback. \nLike we said\, we think people genuinely do want to hear feedback most of the time. And when it’s gotten to the point where you’re like\, you crafted something and you’re like\, “okay\, what does everyone think?” It’s already a little bit too late because there’s a plan in place\, right? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yes\, and people can tell\, people know when you’re railroading them. If you’ve already put down the tracks and there’s already a car on the tracks and you’re like\, “See\, we’re [00:04:00] going to the zoo\,” or whatever\, and you’re like\, what is happening? The zoo is maybe a bad example\, but you know\, people can feel when you actually are willing to change things or when you’re just performing. \n“Oh yeah\, we care about your opinion\,” and it can really be demoralizing and just kind of like stop things before they get started. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, and I mean\, in all the reading I’ve done on this topic\, one thing that really stands out to me is that engagement isn’t just a set of tactics. I think a lot of times it’s how are you going to do your engagement? How are you going to do that? Is it going to be through surveys? \nAre you going to have community forums? Are you going to have a booth at the local fair where you\, you know\, have a clipboard and you’re asking people at the fair their opinion on things. \nIt’s more than that. This is something that needs to be embedded in how you work\, and timing is a really big part of building that embeddedness. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: So in practice\, this could be a pretty simple shift. Like before you move forward with a plan or a [00:05:00] decision\, you pause and ask who or who else has direct actual experience with this issue? And have we talked with them yet? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. And\, have we talked to them in a real way\, right? Like that old 80/20 rule. You should be doing only 20% of the talking and the rest is all listening. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah\, I think those percentages are probably imaginary\, but I think the point behind them is so true because when you’re engaging the community\, you need to listen to what’s being said and also to what’s not being said. \nAnd small plug for our own podcast: we have a great episode called How to Read the Room. If you feel like you need more help figuring out what the community’s not saying\, you can check that out. We’ll put it in the show notes. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: All right. So the second part of this practice is called Closing the Loop\, this is also though where a lot of engagement efforts can break down. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah\, that makes sense. Imagine if people are asked for their input\, and then never hear what [00:06:00] happens or what decisions were made\, or they listened to the input session and absolutely none of it makes it into the final progress or project. \nAnd then they don’t explain why. Like there’s nothing at all about why the decisions were made the way they were made. Oof. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. And that’s a good way to put it. When there’s no clear connection between what they shared and the decisions that were ultimately made over time\, that makes it a lot harder to sustain engagement. So if you need to go back and get more engagement in the future\, they’re not sure that their input’s actually gonna be making a difference. \nSo the trust breaks down\, and engagement is ultimately about building trust. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. I think that that’s such an important thing to keep in mind as you’re deciding how you do engagement\, is that trust aspect because it’s easy to think\, “Oh\, they’re gonna be disappointed that we’re not doing what they asked us to do.” \nAnd the answer is like\, yeah\, they [00:07:00] probably might be disappointed. And that doesn’t inherently mean that you’re going to break trust. If you can explain\, “Here’s our reasoning\, here’s why we made the choice that we made. We understand you might be disappointed and we feel like this is the best path forward to meet x\, y\, z things.” \nAnd just even communicating an acknowledgement of\, “We know this isn’t what you expected\,” can leave space for trust to not be broken and completely destroyed. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, I love that. You know\, really taking what they said and sharing out ‘here’s what we heard.’ \nAnd not only that\, but having a little bit of sharing or sharing your work about how the input was not used\, right? Because both of those things matter. So sharing back about “Here’s how your input was used\, and oh\, we also have this input and we weren’t able to use it\,” because\, you know\, fill in the blank. \nClosing the loop tells people what you heard\, [00:08:00] what changed because of what you heard from them and what you couldn’t change and why you couldn’t change it? I cannot tell you how many times I’ve seen decisions that were made\, like new policies created\, things like that\, and they don’t share why they made the final decisions or what all went into those final decisions. \nThey don’t show their work\, but they expect everyone to get on board. It’s just so frustrating. And you know\, they don’t understand why people either reacted\, like we said earlier\, reacted to it\, or why they’re just not engaging with it. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah\, sorry\, I’m having flashbacks here. Sounds like that hit on some reality with you. There are many times where I wished that people just hadn’t even asked for my opinion because they didn’t even address it. And I was like\, “Well\, why did I waste my time with this? Right.” Oh\, ooh. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Not that you need more examples\, [00:09:00] I’m sure people have had a similar experience at some point\, so I am so on board with the showing your work. \nEven if you can just tell me why you made a different choice\, that is so helpful to me. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, even if I don’t agree with that\, like there have been times when someone did share with me why they didn’t go a certain direction\, it was a direction that they were just kind of showing their work about it in this way that we’re talking about. And I was able to disagree with the direction they went in\, yet I could go along with and support what was being done in the end because I understood\, I at least understood. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. Okay. So we just had a great long conversation. Can we just\, like\, in the shortest way possible\, can we just re-talk about the two components together? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. Absolutely. \nSo I mean\, really what we talked about today was concepts that can be turned into practices\, right? So the first one is\, engaging with people before you [00:10:00] make any decisions. This is front loaded listening or front loaded co-creation\, whatever you want to call it. \nThis is about just taking that moment to pause when you’re in a collaborative effort\, especially one that calls for some community engagement and you say\, “What kind of engagement do we need? Who needs to be here? And\, “How can we engage with them? \nAnd then once you’ve done that\, do not forget to go back after the final decisions have been made. You’ve chosen a direction\, your project is going to go one direction or another. You need to go back then and say\, “Hey\, thank you so much. Here’s how your input is making a difference\, and here’s what we weren’t able to address and here’s why we weren’t able to address it.” \nThose are the two things that we’re asking you to do. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Beautiful. Thank you so much for that summary. \nSo I imagine that not every collaboration you work on will require community [00:11:00] engagement\, but those that do would benefit a lot from both of these strategies being used\, and specifically these two pieces being used together\, because they really do reinforce each other. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, you could think of them as bookends in a way. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: I like that. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. They really do reinforce each other\, and when you engage with people before you make any decisions about the direction you’re going to go in\, you get better input and better alignment right from the start. \nAnd then when you close the loop\, you build the trust that makes future engagement stronger. \nIf we’re thinking about collaboration as a system\, working toward addressing important issues\, community voice has to be part of that system\, not something that sits outside of it. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yes. While community engagement can feel like one more thing and you don’t have time for it\, folding it into your process can help you build trust for the implementation [00:12:00] phases for future projects. \nAnd it’s so worth giving it a shot\, because if you think you don’t have time to do community engagement\, you don’t have time to do this project three or four times. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. Love that. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: I mean\, three or four is maybe not every project\, but if you think you don’t have time for engagement\, you definitely don’t have time to have to start all over two years from now. So just a little plug\, try it out. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: That’s it for today’s episode. We’d love to hear what you thought about this episode. Send us your thoughts and questions at Practicing Connection@oneop.org. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: You can click the like or share button in your podcast app to share this with a friend or a coworker. \nWe’ll be back next week with a new episode. Until then\, keep practicing. \n[00:13:00]\nCREDITS: The Practicing Connection Podcast is a production of One-Op and is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture\, US Department of Agriculture and the Office of Military Family Readiness Policy\, US Department of Defense under award number 2 0 2 3 4 8 7 74 3 3.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/why-community-engagement-efforts-fall-flat/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Practicing-Connection_Podcast-graphic-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260603T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260603T123000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260216T170733Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260714T165732Z
UID:10001732-1780484400-1780489800@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Helping Preteens Thrive Through Change
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/jTol_ajEH2Y”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”20″ constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Webinar” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Middle schoolers face big changes in identity\, independence\, and peer relationships. These challenges that can be made harder by deployments and relocations. This session will equip professionals to help students advocate for themselves\, keep friendships across distance\, and access extracurricular activities soon after a move. We’ll highlight the role of caregivers as steady anchors and professionals as guides through unfamiliar school cultures. Participants will learn approaches that build confidence\, adaptability\, and leadership in preteens navigating changing environments. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nApply two techniques to build self-advocacy skills in new school contexts.\nIdentify two ways to maintain friendships during transitions.\nDevelop a plan to connect preteens to extracurricular activities within 60 days of relocation.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Presenters” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”220506″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Brent Edwards” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Brent Edwards serves as the Youth Programs Coordinator for Commander\, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Navy Child and Youth Programs\, where he leads the development of Navy-wide policies and supports the operational and professional needs of 104 Youth Centers across 71 installations worldwide. Since joining CNIC in 2010\, he has strengthened the quality and consistency of School Age Care\, Teen\, and Youth Sports and Fitness programs\, helping ensure military and DoD families have access to safe\, high-quality youth experiences that support overall family readiness. A graduate of Oregon State University\, Mr. Edwards began his career in military youth programming in 2004 and has held leadership roles at installations around the globe.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”220513″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”LTC Elisha Dansby” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]LTC Elisha Dansby serves as the Child and Youth Services Program Manager at Headquarters\, United States Army Reserve\, where she leverages military\, community\, and national partnerships to ensure Army Families have access to essential supports and services wherever they reside. In this role\, she coordinates directly with the Department of Defense and Army youth-serving organizations to strengthen service delivery and family readiness. A board-certified nurse practitioner since 2012 with more than 30 years in nursing\, LTC Dansby began her career as an LPN in the U.S. Army Reserve and earned her AASN\, BSN\, and MSN degrees before assuming her current position in October 2023.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”40″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Continuing Education (CE) Credit” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][nectar_btn size=”jumbo” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” text=”Continuing Education Survey” url=”https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0BViR8U4HgcmeHQ”][vc_column_text]\n\nCertified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 6/3/2028.\nBoard Certified Disability Management Specialists: This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) clock hour from The Commission for Case Manager Certification. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 6/3/2026.\nCertified Family Life Educators (CFLE): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 6/3/2029.\nCertified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education credit from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 6/3/2029.\nMichigan Certified Teachers: This webinar has been approved for 1.5 SCECH from the Michigan Education Association’s Center for Leadership and Learning. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 6/3/2029.\nSocial Workers\, Licensed Professional Counselors\, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists: This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. Check with your state licensing agency for reciprocity and/or credit approval if licensed for other professions or in one of the following states: CO\, FL\, HI\, IA\, KS\, KY\, MI\, NY\, ND\, OH\, OK. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 6/3/2029.\nOneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_2=”yes” right_margin=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_color=”#f7f7f7″ column_border_style=”solid” enable_border_animation=”true” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Materials” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1689369183150{padding-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1782332564610{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Additional Resources  \nWebinar Slides[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Photo Credit: Adobe Stock 423742895[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160136/
CATEGORIES:Health and Well-Being
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AdobeStock_423742895-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260601T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260601T170000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260605T145645Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260803T122356Z
UID:10001765-1780300800-1780333200@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Understanding Service Animal Rights When the Law Gets Ruff
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”20″ constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiVs1pN1ZAI”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”20″ constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Webinar” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]\nService animals play an important role in supporting individuals with disabilities\, yet confusion surrounding service animal laws remains common across workplaces\, housing\, schools\, healthcare settings\, restaurants\, transportation\, and public accommodations. This direct-to-learning session provides an overview of federal laws governing service animals\, emotional support animals (ESAs)\, and assistance animals\, while clarifying the rights and responsibilities of handlers\, businesses\, employers\, housing providers\, educators\, and service professionals. \nParticipants will explore the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)\, Fair Housing Act (FHA)\, Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)\, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act\, and relevant state laws through practical examples and recent legal cases. The session also addresses common misconceptions\, permissible questions\, direct threat considerations\, service animals in training\, and best practices for navigating accommodation requests in real-world settings. \nThis learning opportunity is ideal for professionals working in education\, healthcare\, housing\, disability services\, human resources\, law enforcement\, transportation\, hospitality\, and community-based organizations seeking to better understand disability rights and service animal accommodations. \nLearning Objectives \n\nDifferentiate between service animals\, emotional support animals (ESAs)\, and assistance animals under federal law.\nIdentify key federal laws that govern service animal access in public accommodations\, housing\, employment\, transportation\, and educational settings.\nExplain the rights and responsibilities of individuals\, businesses\, employers\, and housing providers regarding service animal accommodations.\nRecognize permissible and impermissible questions related to service animals under the ADA.\nApply legal principles and best practices to real-world scenarios involving service animal access and accommodation requests.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Presenter” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”226550″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Denette Vaughn” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Senior Attorney\nDisability Rights Texas \nDenette Vaughn joined Disability Rights Texas (formerly Advocacy\, Inc.)\, in 1998\, and is currently assigned as a Senior Attorney on the CAPE team which handles disability issues in employment and accessibility. Since 2012\, Ms. Vaughn has handled cases involving discrimination against service animal handlers beginning with a case involving a combat veteran who was denied access to a local business. \nBefore joining DRTX\, Ms. Vaughn was the Civil Division Chief\, Juvenile Division Chief\, and Narcotics Prosecutor for the Lubbock District Attorney’s office. Subsequent to her time as an Assistant District Attorney\, she was in private practice for 12 years working primarily in the areas of criminal\, family\, employment and civil service law. Much of her practice involved representing police officers and firefighters in employment disputes\, including the case memorialized in a book called Substantial Evidence. She has also been an adjunct professor for Texas Tech School of Law\, Wayland Baptist University\, Lubbock Christian University and South Plains College\, teaching courses in law\, sociology and communications. She has a BA degree in Communications and a BS degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Arlington. She obtained her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree (JD)  from Texas Tech University School of Law. \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”40″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” disable_element=”yes” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Continuing Education (CE) Credit” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]\n\nBoard Certified Patient Advocates (BCPA): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) contact hours by The Patient Advocate Certification Board. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 8/1/28.\nCertified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 8/1/28.\nBoard Certified Case Managers: This webinar is approved  for 1.5 continuing education (CE) clock hours from the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 8/1/27.\nBoard Certified Disability Management Specialists: This webinar is approved  for 1.5 continuing education (CE) clock hour from The Commission for Case Manager Certification. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 8/1/27.\nCertified Family Life Educators (CFLE): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 8/1/29.\nCertified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES): This webinar is approved  for 1.5 continuing education credit from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 8/1/28.\nSocial Workers\, Licensed Professional Counselors\, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists: This webinar is approved  for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. Check with your state licensing agency for reciprocity and/or credit approval if licensed for other professions or in one of the following states: CO\, FL\, HI\, IA\, KS\, KY\, MI\, NY\, ND\, OH\, OK. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 8/1/29.\nOneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_2=”yes” right_margin=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_color=”#f7f7f7″ column_border_style=”solid” enable_border_animation=”true” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Materials” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1689369183150{padding-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1691082428112{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Webinar slides and resources will be added the day prior to the live session.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”40″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Continuing Education (CE) Credit” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]\n\nBoard Certified Patient Advocates (BCPA): This webinar is pending approval for 1.5 continuing education (CE) contact hours by The Patient Advocate Certification Board. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 8/1/28.\nCertified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS): This webinar is pending approval for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 8/1/28.\nBoard Certified Case Managers: This webinar is pending approval for 1.5 continuing education (CE) clock hours from the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 8/1/27.\nBoard Certified Disability Management Specialists: This webinar is pending approval for 1.5 continuing education (CE) clock hour from The Commission for Case Manager Certification. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 8/1/27.\nCertified Family Life Educators (CFLE): This webinar is pending approval for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 8/1/29.\nCertified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES): This webinar is pending approval for 1.5 continuing education credit from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 8/1/28.\nSocial Workers\, Licensed Professional Counselors\, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists: This webinar is pending approval for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. Check with your state licensing agency for reciprocity and/or credit approval if licensed for other professions or in one of the following states: CO\, FL\, HI\, IA\, KS\, KY\, MI\, NY\, ND\, OH\, OK. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 8/1/29.\nOneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\n[/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=”jumbo” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” el_class=”Continuing Education Survey” button_id=”Continuing Education Survey” text=”Continuing Education Survey” url=”https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3gQEhO21JcNxFrM”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_2=”yes” right_margin=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_color=”#f7f7f7″ column_border_style=”solid” enable_border_animation=”true” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Materials” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1689369183150{padding-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1691082428112{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Webinar slides and resources will be added the day prior to the live session.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Photo Credit: iStockphoto ID 2260040738; 24K-Production[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160152/
CATEGORIES:Military Service and Family Life
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/iStock-2260040738.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260528T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260528T123000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260413T175820Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260714T165748Z
UID:10001745-1779966000-1779971400@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Early Intervention Support for a Unique Population: Serving Those Who Serve
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/tIHvcrDPOdI”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”20″ constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Webinar” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]This presentation will inform practitioners about challenges unique to children in the military population. Additionally\, it will inform and bring awareness as to how these challenges can affect the acquisition of developmental milestones. It will examine how early interventionists utilize the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) recommended practices to achieve improved outcomes for children and their families who are impacted by these challenges. Lastly\, it will educate on how the Educational and Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS) early intervention coaching framework is utilized to empower families to help their children develop. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nDescribe challenges unique to children in military families and how these experiences may influence the acquisition of developmental milestones\nExplain how early interventionists use the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) Recommended Practices to support positive outcomes for children and families impacted by military-related transitions and stressors\nSummarize how the Educational and Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS) coaching framework supports family empowerment and promotes child development within everyday routines\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Presenters” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”224106″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Antoinette McAllister-Blyden\, M.S.\, CCC-SLP” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Ms. Antoinette McAllister-Blyden is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with 18 years of experience and currently serves as a Training Specialist and Early Intervention Provider at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. With extensive experience in Educational and Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS)\, she supports developmentally delayed and medically fragile children and trains providers to implement evidence-based practices. As the spouse of a U.S. Army veteran\, she brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work with military-connected families.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”224107″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Ashley Simpson\, M.A.\, M.Ed.” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Ms. Ashley Simpson has over 20 years of experience in Special Education and serves as a Program Manager and Early Intervention provider with Educational and Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS) at Vicenza Army Health Clinic in Italy. She holds master’s degrees in Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution and English as a Second Language and has extensive experience supporting at-risk\, developmentally delayed\, and medically fragile children across early childhood and school-age settings. Ms. Simpson is passionate about supporting military families and collaborating with programs such as New Parent Support and Child and Youth Services.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”40″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Continuing Education (CE) Credit” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][nectar_btn size=”jumbo” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” el_class=”Continuing Education Survey” button_id=”Continuing Education Survey” text=”Continuing Education Survey” url=”https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3TSCTpiTgYXTJ8a”][vc_column_text]\n\nBoard Certified Disability Management Specialists: This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) clock hour from The Commission for Case Manager Certification. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 5/28/2027.\nCertified Family Life Educators (CFLE): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 5/28/2029.\nEarly Interventionists and Early Childhood Educators: This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the Early Intervention Training Program (EITP) at the University of Illinois. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 6/30/2027.\nIllinois Early Care & Education Providers: This webinar is approved as a Gateways to Opportunity Registry-approved Training for early care and education professionals in Illinois through 6/30/2027.\nCertified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education credit from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 5/28/2029.\nMichigan Certified Teachers: This webinar has been approved for 1.5 SCECH from the Michigan Education Association’s Center for Leadership and Learning. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 5/28/2029.\nSocial Workers\, Licensed Professional Counselors\, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists: This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. Check with your state licensing agency for reciprocity and/or credit approval if licensed for other professions or in one of the following states: CO\, FL\, HI\, IA\, KS\, KY\, MI\, NY\, ND\, OH\, OK. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 5/28/2029.\nOneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\nIf the button above does not appear\, please access the survey through this link: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3TSCTpiTgYXTJ8a. If you have any questions email ce@oneop.org.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_2=”yes” right_margin=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_color=”#f7f7f7″ column_border_style=”solid” enable_border_animation=”true” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Materials” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1689369183150{padding-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1781630720243{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Additional Resources \nWebinar Slides[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Photo Credit: Adobe Firefly[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160144/
CATEGORIES:Military Service and Family Life
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/CoverPhoto-May-28-e1775602443247.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260528T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260528T170000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260528T100055Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260608T153632Z
UID:10001772-1779948000-1779987600@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Empathy in Action: Going Beyond Surface-Level Interactions
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”50px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”column_reverse” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” el_class=”podcast-sidebar” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”147768″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][nectar_btn size=”large” constrain_group_1=”yes” open_new_tab=”true” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” solid_text_color_override=”#ffffff” icon_family=”none” text=”Subscribe Now” url=”https://www.buzzsprout.com/2099983/share” margin_top=”30″ margin_bottom=”30″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the “Practicing Connection” monthly email to keep up to date on our latest podcasts\, blog posts and workshops. \nJoin the “Practicing Connection Community” on LinkedIn. The community is designed for people who support military families in a variety of settings both on installations and in our communities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Listen” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTI1MTc2NSUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmJ1enpzcHJvdXQuY29tJTJGMjA5OTk4MyUyRmVwaXNvZGVzJTJGMTkyNTE3NjUtZW1wYXRoeS1pbi1hY3Rpb24tZ29pbmctYmV5b25kLXN1cmZhY2UtbGV2ZWwtaW50ZXJhY3Rpb25zLmpzJTNGY29udGFpbmVyX2lkJTNEYnV6enNwcm91dC1wbGF5ZXItMTkyNTE3NjUlMjZwbGF5ZXIlM0RzbWFsbCUyMiUyMHR5cGUlM0QlMjJ0ZXh0JTJGamF2YXNjcmlwdCUyMiUyMGNoYXJzZXQlM0QlMjJ1dGYtOCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRnNjcmlwdCUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Episode” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_column_text](Season 7\, Episode 22) \nEmpathy mapping is a simple tool for helping you imagine someone else and their experience. \nIn this From the Archive episode\, Bob and Jessica explore a powerful tool designed to deepen your connection with others—empathy mapping. \nWhether you’re working with military families\, service members\, or anyone navigating life’s challenges\, this practice can help you step into their shoes and understand their experiences on a whole new level. \nJessica shares her insights on how empathy mapping can move us beyond surface-level interactions\, offering practical steps to apply this tool in your work or personal life. \nLinks and resources from this episode: \n\nEmpathy Map Activity\nOpening to Joy and Love by Sebene Selassie\nSign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter\nJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/\nSend us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” el_id=”trans”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” el_class=”entry” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Transcript” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” nofollow=”true” el_class=”read-it” button_id=”read-it” text=”Read More” url=”#trans”][vc_column_text el_class=”pod-trans”]ERIN CARLSON RIVERA: [00:00:00] Welcome to Practicing Connection. I’m Erin\, and today we’re diving into empathy mapping as part of our From the Archive series. \nIn this series\, we’re updating and re-releasing retired content that we feel is still relevant today. I picked this episode for two reasons. One is in the first half\, Bob and Jessica have a short discussion about Joy that I absolutely love. \nI’ve been on the “work should be more joyful” train since my very first episode. So anytime I can bring joy into the conversation\, you know I’m going to do it. \nThe second reason is that empathy mapping is a really simple tool for a thing that we all need to do all of the time\, and that’s imagining someone else and their experience more complexly. \nA huge part of being a service provider or even just being a part of a community is working with people who are different from you. This is a nice tool to have in your back pocket for when you get stuck. \nI hope it’s as helpful to you as it is to me. \nBOB BERTSCH: [00:01:00] Thanks for listening to the Practicing Connection Podcast. I’m Bob\, my co-host\, Jessica is here as well. And today we’ll be diving into a tool that can really enhance our ability to connect with the people we serve. And Jessica will be sharing a practice with us related to that. Hi\, Jessica. First of all\, happy birthday. \nDid you have a good birthday? How was it? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I did. It was actually exactly what I needed several years ago. It kind of happened quite by accident. I started to take the day off from work\, which that part’s not an accident\, but I started to take the day off from work\, and that first year I just kind of tooled around town. \nI just went where I felt like going. And it felt so freeing and it reminded me of how much I enjoy an adventure\, even though\, you know\, I was really just kind of going around town. But I was going to different places and that I don’t normally go to\, and I was spending\, you know\, two hours in a bookstore just kind of [00:02:00] looking at books and\, you know\, looking at all the possibilities. \nSo yeah\, that’s what I did this year. I took the day off\, you know\, I went to some thrift stores. I enjoy the adventure of finding interesting\, odd antique pieces and I didn’t really find anything though. Yeah\, I just did a\, a few things like that. \nBOB BERTSCH: Well\, that’s awesome. It’s not about what you find\, right? It’s the journey \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Exactly. \nBOB BERTSCH: Looking for. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: That’s exactly what it was for me. And I just kept gut checking\, like\, just because last year I went to a yarn store doesn’t mean this year I need to go to one. And\, uh\, just because in the past I’ve gone to a bookstore\, didn’t mean this year I needed to go to one and I didn’t. Even though that’s one of my favorite things to do on my birthdays to go to a bookstore. \nBut you know\, last year I bought two books and I am three quarters of the way through one of them at this point. So I’m like\, I don’t want any more books. Let me get through the ones I have. So \nBOB BERTSCH: well\, that sounds You doing awesome? I’m doing great. Yeah. I’ve been thinking about [00:03:00] joy\, \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: ah\, \nBOB BERTSCH: because of some meditations that I’ve been listening to. \nThe Zen teacher\, Charlotte Jo Beck has a quote and she said\, joy is exactly what is happening\, minus our opinion of it. And the. Recorded meditation I was listening to and she shared that quote\, which I hadn’t heard before. And seven A said that Charlotte Jo Beck was trying to get at the distinction between happiness and joy. \nAnd that’s something I really hadn’t. Thought about and one distinction that seven A shared was like\, happiness has an opposite\, right? Unhappiness\, but what’s the opposite of joy? And that was pretty thought provoking for me. Seven A describes joy as the capacity to appreciate the good in each moment without pushing away what might be unpleasant. \nSo I’ve been thinking about that a lot. Trying to get in touch with that feeling of joy in that sense that I’m willing to take things [00:04:00] as they are willing to let things be as they are\, and not confusing joy with happiness. So that’s not super inspirational or anything like that\, but it’s what I’ve been thinking about. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Oh\, that’s really interesting. And Snet is actually one of my favorite meditation people. I feel like anything she says\, I get some sort of inspiration out of this idea that it’s a joyful act to appreciate the good in the moment\, even when there might be some unpleasantness going on that is really thought provoking. \nI’m really glad you shared that. I’m\, I’m gonna have to think on it a little bit. \nBOB BERTSCH: So Jessica\, I know you’ve chosen to talk about empathy mapping today\, so could you share a little bit more about the activity and why you thought it was important to highlight it? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, absolutely. Um\, I’ve used [00:05:00] this activity quite a lot for developing communication strategies. Um\, so when we first talked about the idea of perspective taking\, um\, this of course kind of leapt to my mind. \nI pulled up my empathy mapping activities and started pouring over them and remembering really the successes I’ve seen people have as they’ve used it. So empathy mapping is often used in the context of marketing to design customer profiles. Communication strategy\, but I’ve also seen empathy mapping work really well as a tool for building understanding of a person. \nOr a group as we’ll talk about later. It’s not a perfect tool. It should be one of several tools\, but we’ll\, we’ll talk a little bit about that later. But for example\, I’ve used it to help community members get a better sense of where county board members are coming from. Recognizing that these officials really want to be good stewards of public dollars\, even when it might seem like they’re just kind of focused on the budget\, and that’s it. \nJust the dollars. It’s meant to help you [00:06:00] get past your assumptions and begin to understand someone else’s perspective. Um\, which is really important when working with military families and service members. \nBOB BERTSCH: Yeah\, that’s a great point. This idea of perspective taking is important to understand\, uh\, the unique challenges that military connected individuals face\, especially during transitions like deployment\, relocation or reintegration into civilian life. \nAnd really just to\, you know\, try and understand better everybody’s experience. ’cause we all come from different experiences and bring. Our experiences to whatever we’re dealing with in that moment. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, I appreciate that you put it that way. And you know\, this also ties into\, um\, something that we’ve talked briefly about called the Military Transitions Theory\, which provides a framework for understanding the various phases that military personnel and their families go through during their transitions. \nThe theory highlights the importance of understanding\, not just the physical changes [00:07:00] like moving to a new duty station\, but also the psychological and social adjustments that come with those changes. By taking the time to kind of see the world from a different perspective\, we can better support military families through these transitions and well\, that’s kind of why I thought of this activity. \nBOB BERTSCH: So how does it help us apply sort of our understanding of different perspectives in\, in practice\, in a practical way? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. Um\, because it’s structured as a way to step into someone else’s shoes\, it can help us move beyond the surface level observations and really dig into what a person is experiencing. \nAgain\, we’ll go into this in a minute. This is one tool of many\, right? You are using your own knowledge of that person. To fill this out. So unless you’re ground truthing it\, you’re not really digging into what they’re experiencing. But it’s a way for you to start to see the perspective\, the different perspective. \nSo for military families\, this means understanding not just what they’re [00:08:00] doing or saying\, but also what they’re thinking and feeling as they navigate these transitions. Right? You might be hearing what they’re saying and seeing a little bit of what they’re doing\, but this really helps you dig a little bit into what they might be thinking and feeling as well. \nBOB BERTSCH: This is really interesting. I’m excited to learn how to use this. Could you walk us through how to put empathy mapping into practice? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Absolutely. So we’ve provided a link in the show notes where you can download the template. This template has kind of a goofy looking individual in the middle of the paper and around this individual are some different areas for you to focus on. \nAnd\, um\, add your notes too. So in the first box\, you’re gonna wanna start with defining who you’re focusing on. It’s often really\, really helpful to think of someone specific. So even if you are trying to think of a group of people\, try to think of someone specific. A military spouse who’s just relocated\, perhaps a veteran transitioning to civilian life\, or a kid [00:09:00] coping with a parent’s deployment. \nDepending on what your role is\, think about a person. Then consider their goal something that they need to do. So for example\, maybe a military spouse needs to build a new support network after a move\, depending on what your role is\, figure out what kind of goal they’ve come to you for. This goal should be something observable\, something you can see them trying to achieve. \nThen you’re gonna move on to thinking about what they see around them. So there’s another box there that says\, what do they see? What’s their environment like? Are they surrounded by new places\, unfamiliar faces\, or challenging situations? So understanding what they see can give us insight into their daily reality. \nAnd then move on to looking at what they might be saying to others. So what are they communicating about their experiences? This can reveal a lot about their mindset and what’s important to them\, which will be really helpful to you later. And then after you move on to thinking about what they’re [00:10:00] doing to reach their goal. \nSo are they already taking steps to connect with others? Are they seeking out resources? Are they trying to maintain their routines and trying to maintain some structure in their lives? Finally\, you would listen to what they are hearing. So this sounds kind of confusing because I said we’ve gone through. \nUh\, what are they seeing\, saying\, doing\, but what are they hearing? What are the advice\, the opinions and expectations that they might be hearing from those around them? And then finally\, look inward after considering these external experiences. So what they’re seeing\, saying\, doing\, and hearing\, we shift to their internal world. \nThis is where you can focus on their thoughts and feelings. So what emotions might they be dealing with? I think there’s a lot of information out there for some of these transitions about the typical emotions that people go through as they’re experiencing things like deployment\, for example. So what emotions are they dealing with? \nWhat worries or hopes might they be carrying? And [00:11:00] this part of the empathy map helps us connect with their experience on a deeper level. All of that said\, I have some tips. I’ve alluded to it a couple of times already. I really want you to consider a tool like this to be one tool among many\, and the practice should really be approached with care\, using it together with other methods and feedback mechanisms. \nSo what I mean by that\, for example. Keep in mind that empathy mapping starts with what you know of a person you can\, and you should find ways to ground truth your map\, or you could end up with superficial insights. Um\, you could also end up with some stereotyping. And things like that. Another tip I have is just like any activity\, try to go into it with an awareness of the biases and assumptions that you have that may affect the results. \nSo for example\, with financial clients\, you could do the financial genogram activity we talked about some weeks ago on this podcast. Um\, that could help widen your awareness of your biases and [00:12:00] assumptions when it comes to financial applications. Otherwise\, the process could end up being more of a reflection of your views than the actual experiences of the person being mapped. \nAnd then lastly. Consider the systemic or structural factors that affect people when completing your map. The empathy map activity often focuses on individual experiences\, so definitely keep those other things in mind. So I know that those are three really big tips\, but I would not let that scare you away from going through this activity ’cause I’ve gone through it many\, many times with people and it is really a helpful tool. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: That’s it for this episode. Thank you for joining us. If you do this empathy mapping exercise\, we would love to hear how it went. You can email us at practicingconnection@oneop.org or use the link in the show notes. \nWe’ll be back next week. Until then\, keep practicing. \n[00:13:00]\nCREDITS: The Practicing Connection Podcast is a production of One-Op and is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture\, US Department of Agriculture and the Office of Military Family Readiness Policy\, US Department of Defense under award number 2 0 2 3 4 8 7 74 3 3.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/empathy-in-action/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Practicing-Connection_Podcast-graphic-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260522T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260522T170000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260527T105910Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260714T164042Z
UID:10001744-1779436800-1779469200@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Sunrise to Sunset: Supporting Children with Autism Throughout Their Day
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”column_reverse” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”3%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”3%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” el_class=”course-sidebar” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Want to take a course?” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:22|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]OneOp courses are available for free through Thinkific. Get started by registering for a free account on Thinkific.[/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=”large” open_new_tab=”true” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” solid_text_color_override=”#ffffff” icon_family=”none” text=”Register Now” url=”https://oneop.thinkific.com/”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-3-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left-right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”3%” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”-50″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Course Details” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]This course builds service providers’ understanding of autism in early childhood and equips them with practical\, family-centered strategies for supporting military-connected and civilian families across home\, community\, and educational settings. Emphasis is placed on continuity of care\, collaboration across systems\, and practices that promote inclusion\, resilience\, and positive developmental outcomes.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Learning Objectives: \nParticipants will be able to: \n\nDescribe autism in early childhood\, including key characteristics\, prevalence\, variability\, and early developmental indicators that may prompt further evaluation.\nDiscuss screening\, diagnosis\, and service eligibility processes\, and examine how military-related factors may impact identification and continuity of care.\nDemonstrate family-centered\, culturally responsive practices to support children and caregivers following identification\, with attention to transitions\, routines\, and service coordination.\nDiscuss and design inclusive\, strengths-based strategies that support daily routines\, nutrition\, participation\, and peer engagement across home\, community\, and early learning environments.\n\n[/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=”jumbo” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” el_class=”Enroll in the Course” button_id=”Enroll in the Course” text=”Enroll in the Course” url=”https://oneop.thinkific.com/courses/Autism”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”3%” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Course Authors” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2333004d” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]The material presented in this course is adapted from the work of Professors Hedda Meadan\, Jamie Pearson\, Katie Wolfe and Mandy Rispoli. It has been updated and converted into this course by Michaelene Ostrosky\, Ph.D.\, Celest Austin\, M.D.\, Ph.D.\, Robyn DiPietro\, Ed.M.\, Misty Krippel\, Ed.M.\, and Crystal Williams\, Ph.D. Instructional and program design was completed by Jen Chilek. M.Ed. and Molly Herndon\, M.S..[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”3%” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Continuing Education Credit” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2333004d” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]\n\nCertified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS): This course is approved for 2.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 5/22/2028.\nBoard Certified Patient Advocates (BCPA): This course is approved for 2.5 continuing education (CE) contact hours by The Patient Advocate Certification Board. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 5/22/2028.\nBoard Certified Case Managers: This course is approved for 2.5 continuing education (CE) clock hours from the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 5/22/2027.\nBoard Certified Disability Management Specialists: This course is approved for 2.5 continuing education (CE) clock hour from The Commission for Case Manager Certification. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 5/22/2027.\nCertified Family Life Educators (CFLE): This course is approved for 2.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 5/22/2029.\nEarly Interventionists and Early Childhood Educators: This course is approved for 2.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the Early Intervention Training Program (EITP) at the University of Illinois. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 6/30/2027.\nIllinois Early Care & Education Providers: This course is approved as a Gateways to Opportunity Registry-approved Training for early care and education professionals in Illinois through 6/30/2027.\nCertified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES): This course is approved for 2.5 continuing education credit from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 5/22/2029.\nMichigan Certified Teachers: This course has been approved for 2.5 SCECH from the Michigan Education Association’s Center for Leadership and Learning. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 5/22/2029.\nSocial Workers\, Licensed Professional Counselors\, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists: This course is approved for 2.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. Check with your state licensing agency for reciprocity and/or credit approval if licensed for other professions or in one of the following states: CO\, FL\, HI\, IA\, KS\, KY\, MI\, NY\, ND\, OH\, OK. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 5/22/2029.\nOneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Photo Credit: iStock-1918838267[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/autism/
CATEGORIES:Health and Well-Being
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/iStock-1918838267.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260521T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260521T170000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260521T100054Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260608T155008Z
UID:10001771-1779343200-1779382800@oneop.org
SUMMARY:School Liaisons and Extension: A Network of Support for Military Youth
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”50px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”column_reverse” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” el_class=”podcast-sidebar” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”147768″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][nectar_btn size=”large” constrain_group_1=”yes” open_new_tab=”true” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” solid_text_color_override=”#ffffff” icon_family=”none” text=”Subscribe Now” url=”https://www.buzzsprout.com/2099983/share” margin_top=”30″ margin_bottom=”30″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the “Practicing Connection” monthly email to keep up to date on our latest podcasts\, blog posts and workshops. \nJoin the “Practicing Connection Community” on LinkedIn. The community is designed for people who support military families in a variety of settings both on installations and in our communities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Listen” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTE4NzU5OCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmJ1enpzcHJvdXQuY29tJTJGMjA5OTk4MyUyRmVwaXNvZGVzJTJGMTkxODc1OTgtc2Nob29sLWxpYWlzb25zLWFuZC1leHRlbnNpb24tYS1uZXR3b3JrLW9mLXN1cHBvcnQtZm9yLW1pbGl0YXJ5LXlvdXRoLmpzJTNGY29udGFpbmVyX2lkJTNEYnV6enNwcm91dC1wbGF5ZXItMTkxODc1OTglMjZwbGF5ZXIlM0RzbWFsbCUyMiUyMHR5cGUlM0QlMjJ0ZXh0JTJGamF2YXNjcmlwdCUyMiUyMGNoYXJzZXQlM0QlMjJ1dGYtOCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRnNjcmlwdCUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Episode” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_column_text](Season 7\, Episode 21) \nWhen military kids move\, their whole world shifts—schools\, friends\, routines\, and support systems.  \nIn this episode of Practicing Connection\, school liaison Karen Watkins-Diouf and 4-H educator Jeremiah Johnson share how they work together across military and civilian systems to make sure those kids don’t fall through the cracks. \nMilitary-connected kids move more often than most of their peers\, and every move disrupts their relationships\, routines\, and sense of belonging at school and in the community. In this episode of Practicing Connection\, we talk with Karen Watkins-Diouf\, Army School Liaison at Fort Campbell’s Army Child & Youth Services\, and Jeremiah Johnson\, Christian County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development at the University of Kentucky. \nKaren and Jeremiah describe what school liaisons and county Extension educators actually do\, how their roles intersect\, and how their partnership creates a wider network of support for military families—on and off the installation. They share practical stories about bridging military and civilian systems\, navigating “two languages\,” and keeping families at the center when youth are dealing with repeated transitions. \nYou’ll hear concrete ideas for connecting with school liaisons and 4-H in your own area\, and a simple first step any school\, organization\, or community leader can take to start building similar collaborations to support military-connected youth. \nLinks and resources from this episode: \n\nLook up the 4-H military liaison in your state: https://www.4-hmilitarypartnership.org/find-your-liaison.html\nFind a Military School Liaison near you: https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/search?program-service=12/view-by=ALL\nSign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter\nJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/\nSend us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org\n\n  \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” el_id=”trans”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” el_class=”entry” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Transcript” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” nofollow=”true” el_class=”read-it” button_id=”read-it” text=”Read More” url=”#trans”][vc_column_text el_class=”pod-trans”]ERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Hi\, welcome to the Practicing Connection Podcast. I’m Erin Carlson Rivera. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: And I am Jessica Beckendorf. I’m really excited for this episode because I’ve been learning a bit about the important role of school liaisons\, as a hub and a connector in the networks of support for military families\, and I’m looking forward to diving into this conversation to learn more. \nOur guests today are Karen Watkins-Diouf\, Army-School Liaison at Fort Campbell’s Army Child and Youth Services\, and Jeremiah Johnson\, Christian County Extension agent for 4-H Youth Development at the University of Kentucky. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Karen has been a dedicated Army school liaison for four years now with the Army Child and Youth Services\, to expand over 25 years of CYS experience to her mission of supporting military connected families. Her journey includes roles as a teacher\, curriculum specialist\, and a director within Army childcare programs\, when she isn’t serving military families. \nKaren is a published children’s book author [00:01:00] and currently working on her second book. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: That’s so cool. And with over a decade of experience in 4-H youth development\, Jeremiah focuses on leadership\, agriculture\, and supporting military connected youth through programs in STEM\, financial literacy and civic engagement. \nHe’s also a published author and a nationally recognized leader in 4-H\, including receiving the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents. \nHi\, Karen and Jeremiah. Thank you so much for joining us on Practicing Connection. \nKAREN WATKINS: Good morning. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: So Karen I’d love to start with you. Could you walk us through what a school liaison actually does\, day to day? Because I think a lot of people might not fully understand the scope of your role\, or maybe I should just speak for myself\, because I don’t fully understand the scope of your role. And the more I learn\, the more I want to learn. \nWhat does it look like? \nKAREN WATKINS: A pretty large scope. School liaisons are located at each installation\, and we are the [00:02:00] main contact for military families\, local school systems. And we also work hand in hand with our command team\, the installation leadership on the installation\, so we work with our top commanders on the installation for school related matters. \nWe’re their subject matter experts for school related matters\, pre-K through 12th grade. We also build partnerships with the civilian and military community to help address common education challenges that military families have. We help with school transitions\, when military families are moving stateside or overseas to other schools. We contact other school liaisons to help with that school transition process. \nAnd we do so many other things\, but school transitions are our main job. We help with deployment support\, college and career readiness. We do parent and educator workshops\, me and the other school liaison that I work with here. It’s two of us\, and I work with Laquvia Garrett. We are both Certified Master [00:03:00] Resiliency trainers. \nSo we do a lot of resiliency training for military students in the schools. We work closely with counselors – military life consultants. We also work closely with the military interstate compact\, the Mik 3\, to make sure that schools are in compliance with military children. \nIt’s a lot. We do a lot every day\, all day\, and we work all summer. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Oh\, you work all summer? \nKAREN WATKINS: Yes\, planning for the next school year. And we’re also before and after school programs\, doing workshops and things like that for the youth. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: So Jeremiah\, for listeners who might not know what a county extension educator does\, can you give us a quick picture of your role in general\, and then share how 4-H youth development fits into supporting the military community? \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: Yeah\, definitely. So as a county extension agent for 4-H here in Kentucky\, our role is to\, in short\, [00:04:00] take research-based practices and educational opportunities for families and youth in our counties from that university. And using a list of needs that our county has identified\, we take those back to the county so that we’re able to have the most impact and meet the needs of our county. \nWe cover a ton of different areas ranging from agriculture\, natural resources\, communications\, expressive arts\, healthy living\, leadership\, civic engagement\, the list goes on. But we have a ton of different opportunities. \nAt the end of the day though\, it’s all about that research based curriculum and resources that we have. I think that sets us apart. And allows us to have the greatest impact for families in our community when it comes to military audiences. \nWe add another level to that in that you look at military families\, oftentimes they’re very transient\, so they’re moving all over all the [00:05:00] time. And extension is national. \nWe exist all across the country\, and we are that consistency for families\, for youth\, so that whenever you move and you’ve got a kid that maybe they’re in Georgia a week ago and now they’re in Kentucky\, 4-H can be that consistency. \nSo it’s a lot of similar programs. Maybe not exactly a mirror of each other\, but it’s a lot of similar programs for those families\, and it creates that sense of consistency and belonging for those youth. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Wow\, I hadn’t thought about that. I’ve worked at Extension for a long time myself\, but I can see that kind of continuity piece being really impactful\, especially for young people. \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: Yeah\, definitely. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I wish I had known about 4-H when I was a military kid. It’s funny though because my mom was really involved in 4- in Wisconsin\, before she met my dad when she was a kid\, [00:06:00] and when I started working for Extension and I saw all the things that 4-H does\, I was like\, “Mom\, it’s not just animals! It’s all these other things. I could have joined that.” And she was like\, ‘Oh yeah\, I know. I used to do sewing all the time.” \nAnd I’m like\, why didn’t you tell me?! \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: Right. 4-H has grown so far beyond what you traditionally expect. One of our largest areas in our county is consumer and financial education. Just basic finance for families\, and who doesn’t need that\, whether you’re a kid or an adult\, like that is something that we have found that transcends generations. \nBut also it doesn’t matter your background and which installation you’re transferring from or anything like that. Like that is something that is needed. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Just before this meeting\, Jeremiah\, you and I talked a little bit or we were all talking a little bit about how your collaboration with Karen\, or Karen\, your collaboration with Jeremiah\, has been [00:07:00] ongoing since you guys met on different projects. \nSo how did the two of you first connect\, what was that initial spark that kind of brought a school liaison and an extension educator together? I mean\, already we see all of the reasons why you should connect\, but tell us your story. \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: So I think what’s that saying? ‘Hindsight’s 2020.’ When I first started this journey\, trying to find ways to partner with military youth\, I didn’t really know where to go. I didn’t know I guess where that door was to walk in. \nAnd it all happened by accident. Karen and I just happened to be on a Zoom call that was talking about 4-H programs and resources that were coming out\, and a new curriculum that was coming out\, and it was one of those\, I mean\, we’ve all been on those Zoom calls. \nIntroduce yourself in the chat. And I saw her name pop up and it said\, Fort Campbell\, Kentucky. \nAnd I said\, hold on a minute. So I’m immediately chatting over here\, “Hey uh\, Ms. Karen\,[00:08:00] let’s set up a meeting and talk. I’m in Christian County\, I’m right here with you.” \nThat’s really how we met the first time. \nKAREN WATKINS: Yep. And the rest is history. \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: Right. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Well\, and I think\, Jeremiah\, you were mentioning that one of the things Karen was working on at the time was homeschool kids. And I guess\, how did you start realizing that there’s a potentially great partnership here? \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: I think it was after that call. I emailed Karen\, we chatted\, we sat down and had a meeting\, and then it was one of those we already had some programming going on at Fort Campbell. It wasn’t to the level it is now by any means. \nAnd so we talked about that\, and that’s when I learned a lot about what Karen’s job is and how she is extremely connected with every aspect of the installation. And she had that pulse on what was going on and what was needed. And so Karen brought up the idea of homeschool [00:09:00] groups and how we serve that population. \nKAREN WATKINS: Yeah. Because one of the services to include what a school liaison does is non-traditional homeschooling options for families and including homeschooling. We have a large population of homeschool families on the installation. \nAnd most people don’t think of military families as homeschooling because we have schools on the installation. If we have an installation that has schools\, you know\, civilians assume\, Oh\, they don’t do that. But no\, we have a large population of homeschool families. \nBut the other school liaison that I worked for\, me and Mr. Revia\, we were in the process of rebuilding our homeschool program to offer lots of options. And I was getting a lot of questions from parents. They would call the office and they would want resources\, but the parents were asking the same questions. It was like different parents with same questions. And I’m a data person\, so I’m like writing this down and I’m putting little check marks by the questions that were asked again. \nAnd [00:10:00] so I went to my coworker and I was like\, “Hey. I’ve got a lot of homeschool parents asking a lot of the same questions\, wanting resources. They want different things just for homeschool families.” \nBecause you know\, home school families can feel isolated\, because they’re kind of set apart. And so I went to her and I was like\, “Why don’t we have a meet and greet or something?” So then I started asking parents what they would like to have for their children? And they were like “Well\, can’t we have some of the same things that the schools have and things like that.’ \nSo I start researching\, and I’m a 4-H kid\, I grew up in a rural town\, and I was like\, man\, we should try to get some 4-H programming in. And then that’s when Jeremiah\, I was talking to him about it and then when he reached out to me and I was like\, “Hey\, how can we incorporate 4-H into our homeschool program?” \nSo that’s how we like really got that started because I started asking the parents and pulling the parents\, “Hey\, [00:11:00] would you like 4-H?” And again\, that continuity of care with 4-H\, it’s national. Then parents were like\, “Oh my gosh\, I was a 4-H kid and I did this. Yes\, we would love to have that.” And we didn’t have that here\, in our homeschool program. \nSo Jeremiah and I got together and we started building it in our program. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Wow. That’s great. So it sounds like you guys work pretty closely together. What do you think is the thing that really makes collaborating work for the two of you? \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: We talked a lot about this the other day. I think it’s just open and consistent communication. \nKAREN WATKINS: Mm-hmm. I think a lot of times whenever you’re trying to partner with folks\, like\, we both ask a lot of questions to each other about the program. You name it\, we’ve talked about it. And it has really blown my mind. \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: I’ve learned a lot about Karen’s job through that\, but I’ve also learned a lot about the installation and what things there are. And so it’s just those open lines of communication with each other [00:12:00] to better understand what all we can each offer and through discussions we were like\, oh\, we can join together on this project. \nAnd so we’ve found some other avenues of involvement with the installation now too\, because of that. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, the more you’re in contact with someone\, the more opportunities and the more you think of them too\, when you’re like\, “Oh\, I wonder if Karen’s thought about this before\,” and then you just keep the conversation going. \nIt sounds like you guys have done that really well. Cross sector partnerships\, and this is one of them I think\, even though you guys have a lot in common\, but cross-sector partnerships can be really tricky. Military and civilian organizations don’t always speak the same language. What’s been your approach to bridging that gap? \nI hear this\, by the way\, from all of the cross-sector folks that I’ve talked to that ended up collaborating. I think this was one of the biggest things they had to overcome. “Sometimes I don’t know that it was yours\,” but yeah. What’s your approach to bridging that? \nKAREN WATKINS: So one of the things\, [00:13:00] me being on the military side\, there are lots of regulations. Okay. So there are lots of regulations\, acronyms\, you know\, limits to things that I explained to Jeremiah. \nHe’ll say\, “Karen\, what about this?” And I’ll be like\, “Oh\, well\, according to article so and so regulation this\, we can’t do that.” So me understanding the military side of what can be done\, what can’t\, as far as military children and installations\, that helps us a lot. \nAnd me explaining acronyms to him\, “Hey\, Karen\, what does that mean?” And blah\, blah\, blah. And then I’ll explain to him. So on my side\, that helps us a lot. \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: Yeah\, I was definitely going to say both the military and extension love some acronyms\, and none of them makes sense to anybody if you’re not in that circle. \nKAREN WATKINS: Exactly. \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: So it was like\, we have had to sit down and be like\, “What are you talking about? I don’t know what this is..” or\, “Oh\, [00:14:00] that means this for us.” \nKAREN WATKINS: Yeah. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: And then even within organizations\, and Karen\, I’m not sure if this is true for the military\, but within Extension\, like I don’t know what 4-H acronyms are and Jeremiah\, I’m sure that if I told you some of the acronyms from\, you know\, community and economic development\, you’d be like\, “What?” \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: Right\, right. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Does that happen in the military as well\, like across the silos? The acronyms are difficult. \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: I would say so. We talked the other day because we work with a lot of other 4-H agents that are working with other installations\, and even from the different branches\, school liaisons sometimes are called different titles\, or they’ve got just school liaison officer or school liaison. So it’s really knowing that branch of the military and how those positions work. \nBecause I’m telling you\, we love some acronyms. They love some acronyms. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: What about\, I want to take this in a different way [00:15:00] as well\, there’s the language\, there’s the literal language\, but what about ways of working also\, did you find anything that you had to navigate there? \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: I think it’s more of a reporting piece on the backside\, but again\, we just call them different things. \nKAREN WATKINS: Mm-hmm. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Got it. \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: Where the army might call it a storyboard\, I’m calling it a success story. Like it’s the same thing. We’re highlighting what all we’ve done and the statistics and all that. \nKAREN WATKINS: Yeah. And we do have to report that. Because the army\, yeah\, we have 4-H and BGCA programming in our programs\, our youth programs. So it’s expected of us\, and then we have to show\, “Okay\, you’re utilizing this\, is it useful for you?” And things like that. \nBecause the Army wants to make sure that the programming is very useful for youth. So the more we use it\, the more the Army is looking into it. Like Jeremiah and I with this homeschool [00:16:00] programming\, it’s like it got recognized at the top\, “Wow\, look at what Fort Campbell’s doing with homeschool.” \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Oh. \nKAREN WATKINS: So that data is important. Yeah. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: That’s great to hear. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: So this is either\, one of you can answer or both if you both feel passionate about it\, can you share a specific moment or story where you saw that your collaboration made a real difference for a military family? \nKAREN WATKINS: We were talking yesterday\, but I did\, ’cause I have to\, again\, data with the Army\, I have to write everything down. \nBut I have a family that came for – we have to send homeschool resources. There’s a process. If they’re on the installation\, they send a letter of intent to the superintendent. Then the superintendent just sends their name to our office and we supply them with tutor.com resources\, and other things that parents are asking about. \nAnd I had this one parent\, and Jeremiah\, I don’t know if you remember her\, but she was at the homeschool meet and greet last September. And she sat in on the session that [00:17:00] you gave for the parents\, the workshops\, and she was a 4-H kid herself and things like that. \nAnd she sent me what we call an ice comment\, where parents or patrons\, on the military base\, they can gripe or they can brag about an experience they had\, and she put in an ice comment and it was a good one. And she was so excited about homeschool program and how helpful we were to her. \nAnd then she just went on and on about 4-H\, and she says\, “My children are going to get to experience 4-H\,” you know\, like she did\, as a youth. So I thought that was really cool. I can think of it yesterday\, Jeremiah\, but yeah\, she put in an ice comment. \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: I love it. \nKAREN WATKINS: Really cool. You know you’re doing the right thing when those simple things like that\, when parents let you know that it was an asset to them. \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: I think even that day at the kickoff for homeschool families\, we received a lot of comments that were [00:18:00] like\, “We finally have something that we can do with our kids\, and we’re not left in the dark\,” because so many things are just tied directly to the schools or the centers. This was something that we could just make happen. \nAnd I will say\, go back to partnerships. And those communications. When Karen came to me with the idea or the need of homeschool programming\, she had already found a partnership on the installation where we were going to have access to a facility. It had gymnasiums in it. It had a computer lab\, it had a kitchen. \nSo we could do all the things that a traditional club would do\, and have the resources there available with staff that were ready to help make it happen. \nKAREN WATKINS: Yeah\, our CYS sports program\, shout out to Ms. Page. And she was excited about it because years ago\, you know\, they had some 4-H\, activities going on in the building and then she was [00:19:00] like\, “Oh my gosh\, this would be great.” \nAnd so when we all met\, then we just started expounding on stuff. We knew that we were having our homeschool PE. Because we have homeschool PE there\, and so when we have our homeschool meet and greet on the day of the meet and greet\, they sign up for homeschool PE. They get to meet the staff that’s going to be working with their child. Then of course they get to meet Jeremiah and get to have a parent workshop\, a 4-H parent workshop\, and then they get to see my face. \nIt’s so funny when we have the meet and greets because I only connect with them through email. So when they come to the meet and greet\, they go and then they’re hugging me. So the whole school is like this little\, this one little community. So it’s like really cool when they see me\, and Ms. We are face to face\, when they know us over email  all year and they finally get to see us. \nAnd Jeremiah and I\, we’re planning more things to do for the homeschool families. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: That’s awesome. \nKAREN WATKINS: Yeah. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: So I know that Fort Campbell spans multiple counties and [00:20:00] states. I’m wondering\, do the extension educators from those other counties\, and the others in Tennessee as well\, do you all get together and coordinate? \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: So I’ve met with some of them a few separate times. So as you all are aware\, every state has different extension resources. So there are some things that I do not have as much of that Tennessee might have. So they’re helping out with some of those things. \nThey’re also doing a lot of military programs for those families that live off the installation in their community\, and we keep\, again\, open communication with them\, because we have some families that are homeschooled associated with Fort Campbell\, but maybe live on the Tennessee side. \nSo we still have those conversations with those agents to keep them in the loop and work with them on providing opportunities for their families regardless of what their zip code is or where they live. \nKAREN WATKINS: And [00:21:00] we make sure we invite them to the meet and greet. And we had a lot more this last time from the Montgomery County area that came to the meet and greet. Some of them come on the installation for their homeschool PE requirement and things like that. And because we have the 4-H\, we’re getting a lot more families coming to do the enrichment programming. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: That’s great. \nKAREN WATKINS: Yeah\, it is. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Let’s talk a little bit about the off-installation stuff. So Karen\, you are available to work with any school or organization in the state that wants to support military kids. And maybe I should say military school liaisons or school liaisons are available to work with any school or organization in the state that wants to support military kids\, not just those that are near the installation. \nDo you get a sense that like everyone knows that\, I mean\, how do you get the word out about that? Because that’s something that I had not heard and I had no idea. \nKAREN WATKINS: We not only serve the schools wherever there are military [00:22:00] connected students\, we are there for everyone. We not only serve the M post schools\, but we have Clarksville\, Montgomery County\, and she and I split the county because it’s a large county. \nAnd then we have Stewart County\, Tri County\, Todd County. So we have surrounding counties\, wherever there are military connected students\, we are there to offer services. So we are in those schools. \nAnd we really had to introduce ourselves\, reintroduce ourselves when we got this job to the schools again: who we were\, let them know what school we are assigned to and that we are here to assist you. And once those principals and assistant principals and counselors realize who we are and what we can offer them\, but we had to put ourselves out to let them know that it’s\, “Wow they utilize our service.” \nAnd then we’re in a community. We’re at the autism walk. We set up information booths. We have the gold star wives festival\, we set up a table there. So we are [00:23:00] out there in the community. We just finished our month of the military child fest last weekend\, and Jeremiah was there. And he and I set up a table together\, and there were so many parents coming in when they saw the 4-H. \nSo that’s how we get that word out\, we have to put ourselves out there. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. Wow. \nKAREN WATKINS: We get out\, and then we get invited to a lot of different things. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: If there’s a school across the state that has a few military connected kids in it and they’re like\, “Hey\, we’d like to know how we can make sure these kids feel welcomed and stuff\,” is that something they can call you about? \nKAREN WATKINS: Yes\, because we have a program called Army Youth Sponsorship\, and just like years ago\, soldiers\, when they would go to installation stateside or overseas\, they would be assigned a sponsor for that family\, and that sponsor would help that family get acclimated to the area. Help them with where to go to register for school\, basic things when you move to a new place\, you want to know [00:24:00]. \nThe Army had sponsors\, well now we have Army Youth Sponsorship\, so we have youth sponsors for the children\, yes. We train the counselors and the administration on Army Youth Sponsorship Training\, explain to them how it works. They get a banner for their school. So they know that they get excited for being an Army Youth Sponsorship School\, they get this big Army youth sponsorship banner. \nSo when military families move and they come to a civilian school and they walk in\, they go\, “Oh\, wow. They have an Army Youth Sponsorship program for my youth.” And it is youth driven. We train the staff and then they incorporate it in their programs. We have Purpose Star schools. Purpose Star schools are schools that are in the state that are recognized as military-friendly. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mm-hmm. \nKAREN WATKINS:So we have Army Youth Sponsorship and we have purple star schools\, and we let the administration know\, “Hey\, this is what we can do for you.” \n[00:25:00] The training is free. This is part of our job that we have to do. And they get recognized. We get proclamations from the mayors in Christian County and Montgomery County every year to be recognized as purple star schools and purple up day. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: It’s a whole community of support. \nYou know\, I ask that partly because I think not a lot of people realize that military families are more spread out than we think they are. A lot of times they’re not just on or right next to the installation. \nKAREN WATKINS: Right. Because they may be in a reserve unit\, yeah. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yes. Reserve guard and active duty. They’re more spread out than we often think. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Okay. I think this one is for Jeremiah\, so extension educators are in nearly every county\, and school liaisons are positioned near every installation. That’s a really powerful alignment as you’ve talked about earlier. \nDo you see potential for [00:26:00] that to be leveraged more broadly outside of the two of you across Kentucky\, or in other places nationally? Do you think this is a type of partnership that could be duplicated in other places? \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: Definitely. That was something we talked about the other day. When Karen and I first met\, it was just by happenstance. I did not know what her role was. I didn’t know how it fit in\, and I’m gonna be honest\, the school liaison officer is\, I don’t want to say the gatekeeper\, but they’re the front door to the installation. They know all the connections. \nAnd I think if there are other extension educators out there that don’t know that\, it’s going to be more difficult for them to build those partnerships with the installation\, it’s going to be more difficult for them to find those connections. And I think if they start with school liaison or school liaison officers\, it opens a lot of doors for them. \nAnd it also helps create partnerships that are meaningful because like I said earlier\, Karen [00:27:00] has a pulse on the needs of Fort Campbell\, so she knows where we need to help as far as programming and curriculum and specific things. And if she doesn’t know\, she knows who to talk to to get that answer. \nSo this partnership has been very good\, and it is something that can be replicated very easily elsewhere in the country. Even in Kentucky\, we’ve got folks with our other installation\, there’s some active duty soldiers that are at that installation\, but their kids are located four or five counties away. Because when they came back to Kentucky\, the mom wanted to live with a grandparent\, and it just made it simpler for the family. \nYou know what I mean? But the school liaison folks are still able to help that family out\, even though they’re not really right there next to the installation. So I think just recognizing that partnership and then on the extension side\, I’m able to communicate that with some of the other extension agents so that they know that that’s a good resource for them and that they can continue to build [00:28:00] partnerships there to support all kids. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. Thank you so much for sharing that\, Jeremiah\, it sounds like the two of you\, like you said\, it was a happenstance kind of meeting. But in a way\, you know\, Karen\, you chose to be at that meeting that day. Jeremiah\, you chose to be there also. I have meetings that\, or I should say Erin and I have meetings now\, that we go to in our state where we get the word out about even just OneOp. \nAnd I’ve been carting around some 4-H cars\, because Wisconsin 4-H has had some activities going on for military families\, and so I’ve been carting around some slides for them\, and so I make sure that this information’s being shared. And we’ve had people come up to us after meetings saying\, “How have I never heard of you?” \nIf we don’t get out there\, that’s not going to happen\, or people aren’t going to know. And so I guess where I’d like to go next with this is\, maybe Karen\, I’ll start with you. And Jeremiah\, please chime in as well. [00:29:00]\nYou guys met by chance. And it’s great. And now you both know so much more about the work that you all do and you can build off of that. So keeping that in mind\, what do you wish more community organizations understood about how to support military families? \nKAREN WATKINS: I wish they understood\, first of all\, that it’s possible\, and then the possibilities. Utilize the resources that we have. \nA lot of times when we go to schools and we tell them what’s available to them\, just like you said\, they’ll say\, “Oh\, I didn’t know you existed!” Or they don’t really take on the opportunity of utilizing the resources that we have. \nAnd in schools we are assigned at\, I wish that schools knew to utilize\, when we make our visits\, we have mandated visits that we have to make. So when we come in and do a visit and we say\, “How can we help you? Could we help with this? Could we do this?” [00:30:00] Take advantage of that. \nI just don’t think schools realize the advantages and the bridge that school liaisons have. We don’t want to come in just when there’s issues or problems\, or when a parent comes in and wants us to help resolve an issue with their child’s education. \nSo we really want them to know that we are there to help with other things too. Really positive things\, yeah. \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: Yeah\, and I\, backing that up\, honestly simply put\, it’s easy to partner. I think as a community partner\, sometimes when you think of military installations\, you know\, there’s regulations\, there’s rules\, there’s specific things you have to follow. And I think for some partners they think about that and they’re like\, “I just don’t have time. I can’t make this work.” \nAnd that’s where Karen comes in. She already knows those policies\, she knows the connection\, she knows all of that. So [00:31:00] Karen and school liaison officers are able to put your fears at ease\, but also say\, “Here’s the things\, here’s the areas we can focus on. Here’s the resources we need\,” and really open those doors. \nKAREN WATKINS: Yeah\, the support is easy. I really want them to know that it’s simple. The support is so easy and we’re so willing. Our command team on the installation\, our garrison commander\, our command Sergeant Major\, they want to help. \nWe have a meeting every year called the start meeting. It’s a strategic meeting where all of the local superintendents and school directors come in and they express the needs that they have\, and they talk about what’s going good and what’s not going good in the schools. \nSo our command\, our Army command is very interested\, and want to help support not only our military connected students\, but our military community\, our community as a whole. They just need to see how easy it could be and how helpful it could be\, that’s what I wish they [00:32:00] knew. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Well\, at the end of the day\, it’s about supporting kids and the families\, and so how awesome it is that there are so many people out there that want to do this. And I would say extension and the school liaisons\, the more I learn about the school liaisons\, you guys both make it easy to partner. \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: We try to. The CYS folks at Fort Campbell are absolutely amazing\, and Karen has been that gateway to make it happen and just to have those open discussions about partnerships and things\, it’s been wonderful. \nKAREN WATKINS: Fort Campbell is pretty cool. \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: I agree. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: You’re not at all biased though! \nKAREN WATKINS: Great leadership. We have great leadership though\, you know\, our leadership is awesome\, \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. \nOkay. I have one final question. I often hear this idea\, and I think probably both of you can answer this\, but I’ll probably start with Jeremiah and then Karen\, you can do the follow up. But I often hear this [00:33:00] idea that the military takes care of their own\, and then there’s this silent addendum of\, “Oh\, so we don’t have to care about it.” \nAnd I am curious what would you say to people who don’t conceptualize military families as being a part of their community? \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: I look at it as I serve everyone in my community\, period. It doesn’t matter about background or anything like that. We’re here to serve our entire community\, and I do think the military provides a lot of wonderful resources for their families\, but we also have additional resources for them. \nBut part like Ms. Karen said earlier\, part of some of the requirements for the installation is they have to have extension and 4-H programming there. So yes\, they provide for families\, but we are part of that. We’re providing that piece for them\, I guess is what I’m trying to say. And it helps us serve all youth\, period. \nKAREN WATKINS: And like our youth\, like you said\, the programming is through that programming. \nWhen me and Ms. Laquvia\, when we go [00:34:00] into public schools and we do resiliency programming\, that’s not just for military connected students. So we touch everyone. Yes\, it’s for everyone. \nSo when we do these things\, just like youth sponsorship\, when we go in and we train counselors and administrators in schools on youth sponsorship\, that programming\, it touches every student. So it doesn’t matter who moves to that new school\, they’re still going to have a youth sponsorship team of youth welcoming them and something like that. So our programming\, what we do\, our services\, what we do for the military community\, it serves all youth. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mm-hmm. \nKAREN WATKINS: We happen to be there because of the military\, but our programming and what’s so awesome about it\, it spills over into the community. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: That’s wonderful. That’s wonderful. I mean\, creating places that people can feel like they [00:35:00] belong includes\, you know\, including everyone in that discussion. \nIf there’s an organization or a school that wanted to make sure they were supporting their military families\, whether that school is\, across the state from the nearest installation or right next to the nearest installation\, what’s the first step you would tell them to take? \nAnd this could be for either one of you. Maybe I’ll start with you\, Karen. Of course. \nKAREN WATKINS: Start with me. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Start with the – so even if they’re across the state\, they should contact the liaison at the nearest installation. Okay. \nKAREN WATKINS: Because even if they contact me from another state\, I can contact another school liaison in that state. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: So everyone contact Karen! \nKAREN WATKINS: Yeah\, Yeah. You know\, I can connect them with the school leads. And that’s what we do for our soldiers when they’re moving and they fill out paperwork and say\, “Hey\, I’m moving to Alabama.” And we’re [00:36:00] like\, “Oh\, okay\, I got that.” They fill out paperwork\, I get all their information. I send that transition referral to the school liaison in Alabama\, and that’s how that works. \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: Yeah\, definitely your first stop should be to call your school liaison office. I will add that is one area that we communicate the same on. There is a national network of 4-H military liaisons\, and every state has one point of contact. So if you’re on the school liaison side and you’re wondering how to get in touch with 4-H and you don’t have that local connection yet\, simply do an internet search and you will find a searchable database by state of 4-H liaisons\, and they can connect you with the local folks or they can help you work through that and how to have that partnership. \nSo the word of the day is liaison\, whether it’s school liaison or the 4-H one\, but it will get you to the right direction. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: [00:37:00] Thank you so much for joining us\, Karen and Jeremiah. I have really learned a lot about the school liaisons\, and I would love to talk with more of them. So\, Karen\, I’m going to call you since you’re the first point of contact for school liaisons. \nThank you so much for joining us\, both of you. \nJEREMIAH JOHNSON: Thank you for having us. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: That’s it for this episode. Thank you so much for joining us. If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode\, click the share button in your podcast app to share it with a friend. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: We’d like to thank our announcer Kaylyn Gobel\, Maggie Lucas\, and Joyce Fond for their help marketing and Nathan Grim\, who composed and performed all the music you hear on the podcast. We hope you’ll listen again soon. \nUntil then\, keep practicing. \n[00:38:00]\nCREDITS: The Practicing Connection Podcast is a production of One-Op and is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture\, US Department of Agriculture and the Office of Military Family Readiness Policy\, US Department of Defense under award number 2 0 2 3 4 8 7 74 3 3.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/school-liaisons-and-extension-a-network-of-support/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Practicing-Connection_Podcast-graphic-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260520T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260520T123000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20250929T164203Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T134313Z
UID:10001594-1779274800-1779280200@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Innovative Strategies for Stronger Military Nutrition Environments
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/buRPXQQRDoo”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”20″ constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Webinar” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]The War Department is continuing to pursue six lines of effort to strengthen nutrition readiness for military service members and their families\, and the first line of effort involves increasing access to healthy food. The military nutrition environment includes all foods\, drinks\, and dietary supplements available on military installations and ships\, thereby creating the food environment where service members live\, work\, and train. Improvements to the food environment start with the Military Nutrition Environment Assessment Tool (mNEAT)\, a standardized War Department web-based app to assess the nutrition environment of military settings. mNEAT scores healthy food policy\, availability\, and behavioral design across a variety of food service venues. This webinar will describe research efforts to improve the nutrition environment at Camp Lejeune\, North Carolina\, as well as outside the continental U.S. (OCONUS) installations. Attend this webinar to learn how nutrition and health promotion experts and leaders can improve the food environment using tools\, including mNEAT\, to strengthen nutritional readiness for service members and their families.  \nLearning Objectives: \n\nDescribe how the nutrition environment impacts nutrition security for military service members and their families. \nIllustrate how the Military Nutrition Environment Assessment Tool (mNEAT) can be used by public health professionals\, registered dietitians\, food service leaders\, health promotion specialists\, and providers to assess the food environment.\nIdentify practical ways to improve the nutrition environment at your installation or workplace.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Presenters” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”226420″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Capt. Amanda Diaz\, MS\, RD\, LD” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]\nHealth Promotion Element Chief\nRegistered Dietitian\nRamstein AB\, Germany \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”212526″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Ms. Katie Kirkpatrick\, MS\, RD\, CSSD” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]\nMilitary Nutrition Environment Project Manager\nHJF employee collaborating with the USU Consortium for Health and Military Performance (CHAMP) \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”212525″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Jonathan Scott\, PhD\, RD\, CSSD\, LD\, FAND” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]\nAssociate Professor\nDepartment of Military and Emergency Medicine\nUniformed Services University \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”212524″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Maj. Carrissa Thomas\, MS\, RD\, CSSD” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]\nHealth Promotion Element Chief\nRegistered Dietitian\nNellis AB\, Las Vegas \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”40″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Continuing Education (CE) Credit” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][nectar_btn size=”jumbo” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” el_class=”Continuing Education Survey” button_id=”Continuing Education Survey” text=”Continuing Education Survey” url=”https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ehuqSOlyDlf4iH4″][vc_column_text]\n\nCertified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close May 20\, 2028.\nCertified Nutrition and Wellness Educator (CNWE): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close May 20\, 2028.\nRegistered Dietitian Nutritionists (RD/RDN) and Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians\, Registered (NDTR): This webinar awards 1.5 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s CPEU Prior Approval Program. Note: Eligibility for CPEU credit will close on May 11\, 2029.\nCertified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education credit from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close May 20\, 2028.\nOneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\nIf the button above does not appear\, please access the survey through this link: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ehuqSOlyDlf4iH4. If you have any questions\, please email CE@oneop.org.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_2=”yes” right_margin=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_color=”#f7f7f7″ column_border_style=”solid” enable_border_animation=”true” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Materials” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1689369183150{padding-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1784295743085{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Webinar Slides \nWebinar resources[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Photo Credit: AdobeStock_1411905923.jpeg[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160108/
CATEGORIES:Health and Well-Being
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Commissary-Tray-Line-December-2025-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260514T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260514T123000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260210T180654Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260714T165721Z
UID:10001725-1778756400-1778761800@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Supporting Academic and Social Continuity for Mobile Elementary Students
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/s97U_YSOI6I”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”20″ constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Webinar” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]When elementary students change schools\, even motivated students can struggle. They may lose interest in learning\, miss their old friends\, and not get the help they need right away. This webinar provides practical strategies to keep children engaged\, connected\, and successful through relocation and other school transitions.\n \nLearning Objectives: \n\nIdentify strategies to promote and maintain academic continuity for mobile students\, including timely transfer of IEP and 504 plans.\nApply practices that support social integration with peers and teachers during school transitions.\nRecognize and address the unique educational needs of mobile and homeschooling families.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Presenter” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”5″ top_margin=”0″ constrain_group_7=”yes” bottom_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_8=”yes” right_margin=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”220138″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Natasha J. Cabrera\, Ph.D.” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Dr. Cabrera is a Professor of Human Development at the University of Maryland whose research centers on father involvement\, parenting\, and the social and cognitive development of children—particularly within low-income and ethnically diverse families. She is a widely published scholar and editor\, has held national and international leadership and visiting scholar roles\, and currently co-leads fatherhood and healthy marriage research at the National Center for Research on Hispanic Families and Children.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”40″ bottom_padding=”20″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”5px” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Continuing Education (CE) Credit” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][nectar_btn size=”jumbo” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” text=”Continuing Education Survey” url=”https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eFCaj0nRgaLcpqm”][vc_column_text]\n\nCertified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 5/14/2028.\nBoard Certified Disability Management Specialists: This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) clock hour from The Commission for Case Manager Certification. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 5/14/2026.\nCertified Family Life Educators (CFLE): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 5/14/2029.\nCertified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education credit from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 5/14/2029.\nMichigan Certified Teachers: This webinar is approved for 1.5 SCECH from the Michigan Education Association’s Center for Leadership and Learning. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 5/14/2029.\nSocial Workers\, Licensed Professional Counselors\, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists: This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. Check with your state licensing agency for reciprocity and/or credit approval if licensed for other professions or in one of the following states: CO\, FL\, HI\, IA\, KS\, KY\, MI\, NY\, ND\, OH\, OK. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 5/14/2029.\nOneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\nIf the button above does not appear\, please access the continuing education survey at this link: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eFCaj0nRgaLcpqm. If you have any questions\, please email ce@oneop.org.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”0″ left_margin=”0″ constrain_group_2=”yes” right_margin=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_color=”#f7f7f7″ column_border_style=”solid” enable_border_animation=”true” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Event Materials” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1689369183150{padding-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1781628311963{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Additional Resources \nWebinar Slides[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Photo Credit: AdobeStock 82811999[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160133/
CATEGORIES:Health and Well-Being
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AdobeStock_82811999-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260514T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260514T170000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260514T100007Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T201036Z
UID:10001770-1778738400-1778778000@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Who's Missing From Your Network?
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”50px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”column_reverse” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” el_class=”podcast-sidebar” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”147768″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][nectar_btn size=”large” constrain_group_1=”yes” open_new_tab=”true” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” solid_text_color_override=”#ffffff” icon_family=”none” text=”Subscribe Now” url=”https://www.buzzsprout.com/2099983/share” margin_top=”30″ margin_bottom=”30″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the “Practicing Connection” monthly email to keep up to date on our latest podcasts\, blog posts and workshops. \nJoin the “Practicing Connection Community” on LinkedIn. The community is designed for people who support military families in a variety of settings both on installations and in our communities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Listen” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTE2ODA3MiUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmJ1enpzcHJvdXQuY29tJTJGMjA5OTk4MyUyRmVwaXNvZGVzJTJGMTkxNjgwNzItd2hvLXMtbWlzc2luZy1mcm9tLXlvdXItbmV0d29yay5qcyUzRmNvbnRhaW5lcl9pZCUzRGJ1enpzcHJvdXQtcGxheWVyLTE5MTY4MDcyJTI2cGxheWVyJTNEc21hbGwlMjIlMjB0eXBlJTNEJTIydGV4dCUyRmphdmFzY3JpcHQlMjIlMjBjaGFyc2V0JTNEJTIydXRmLTglMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Episode” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_column_text](Season 7\, Episode 20) \nMost of us don’t mean to work in silos – but our calendars and inboxes quietly build them for us.  \nIn this episode\, Jessica and Erin guide you through a five-minute exercise to map your work relationships\, notice who’s missing\, and take one small step outside your silo this month. \nWe get busy\, go to the people we already know\, and stay in our lanes. In this episode of Practicing Connection\, hosts Jessica and Erin walk you through a simple\, five-minute exercise to map your work network and make the invisible visible. \nYou’ll list the people you’ve talked with about work over the past month\, then explore patterns across sectors\, roles\, geography\, and experience. Along the way\, you’ll surface quiet assumptions\, notice who’s overrepresented\, and identify whose voices are missing from your conversations. \nFinally\, Jessica and Erin invite you to choose just one gap to focus on this month—and to reach out for one conversation that takes you a step outside your silo. It’s a gentle\, practical way to start building a more intentional\, inclusive network that strengthens your work and your community. \nLinks and resources from this episode: \n\nSign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter\nJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/\nSend us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” el_id=”trans”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” el_class=”entry” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Transcript” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” nofollow=”true” el_class=”read-it” button_id=”read-it” text=”Read More” url=”#trans”][vc_column_text el_class=”pod-trans”]JESSICA BECKENDORF: [00:00:00] Think about the last five people you talked to or collaborated with on your work. \nYou’ve got them in mind? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Now ask yourself\, do they all work in the same sector as you\, the same organization\, same type of role? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: If the answer is yes\, you might be working in more of a silo than you know. \n– intro – \nWelcome to Practicing Connection. I’m Jessica. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: And I’m Erin. Today we’re giving you a short practice-based episode\, where we give you something you can actually do to strengthen connections in your work and in your community. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: And today we’re talking about something that sounds kind of obvious\, but can actually be really hard: to see the shape of your network. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Ooh. I’m gonna be honest. I don’t even think about the shape of my network at all\, so I’m glad you’re bringing this forward. Because I don’t conceptualize it as a shape at all. So that’s [00:01:00] super fun. But I’m guessing that we’re talking also about the kinds of people who are in our network? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. It’s like\, is it lopsided in ways that we don’t want it to be lopsided? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Okay. Sure. That makes sense. You know\, I think most of the time you don’t wake up and say to yourself\, “Well\, I’m only going to talk to people who already do exactly what I do\, and think exactly what I think.” But I imagine that happens pretty easily. It certainly has with me in the past\, where you get busy and it feels good to have somebody agree with you. And maybe you’re avoiding conflict if you’re a mid-westerner. \nAnd then you just kind of stay in your lane. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. Yeah. And sometimes we stay in our lanes because of that time issue\, like you were saying. And before you know it\, you are operating in a silo\, right. And being in Wisconsin\, I guess\, many of us operate in silos naturally. \nI’m just kidding. Terrible joke. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Nah\, we love farmers. Don’t fret. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: We do\, we do. But [00:02:00] seriously\, before you know it\, you’re operating in a silo\, right? You’re solving problems with the same few people. \nYou’re hearing the same perspectives\, and you might be missing entire groups of people who are working on the same issues that you are\, but they’re working on it from a different lens or a different experience\, or different part of the community or state. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Okay\, so today’s practice is about making the invisible visible. We’re going to walk you through a simple exercise to map your network and spot the gaps. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: And then we’ll talk about what to do with that information\, because awareness without action is just\, I guess\, it’s just sort of interesting. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: That’s nicer than I would’ve said. Sure. A very diplomatic action is good. All right. How do we get to the action? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Okay\, here’s what you’ll need: \nA piece of paper\, a pen\, and if you’re MacGyver\, maybe a rubber band and a nail. No\, I’m kidding. \n[00:03:00] You need a piece of paper\, a pen\, and about five minutes of uninterrupted time\, maybe 10 at the most. You could do this right now if you want to pause us along the way\, or you can do it later. It’s totally up to you. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: And full transparency\, this might feel a little uncomfortable. You might notice things that you wish were different. That’s okay. And that’s actually the point. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, we’re not here to judge your network\, and you shouldn’t either. Just be open to seeing it more clearly so that you can be more intentional about where you build your network in the future. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: All right\, let’s walk through it. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: All right. \nFirst step\, make a list of the people you’ve talked to about work in the last month. The people that you’ve talked to substantially\, right? Maybe you’ve even collaborated with them on something. \nIt’s not just meetings. Include things like emails\, phone calls\, coffee conversations\, text threads\, anyone that you’ve engaged with about your work. \nSo you’re making this list. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: [00:04:00] And you don’t need to overthink it. Just write down the names that come up for you\, and aim for at least 10 to 15 people if you can. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Once you’ve got your list\, move to step two. This is where you’re going to look at patterns. If it’s easier\, you could\, if you’re like me\, you could find a way to visually see these patterns by using color coding or symbols. But if you do that\, just make sure that you create a key\, so that you know what it all means later on. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Are you speaking from practice\, Jessica? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I am speaking from experience. Yes. But you don’t have to do it that way. You can really just consider our questions while you’re looking at your list. That’s totally fine too. And write down your observations\, on the side. \nSo we’ll start by posing some questions\, and I want you to just look at your list of names that you just came up with\, and just notice what comes up as we ask these questions. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Okay. The first question\, “What sectors or fields are [00:05:00] represented?” Are they mostly nonprofits? Government education\, private sector\, faith-based\, military connected. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: – Not military connected. \nSo just look at your list and consider what’s overrepresented for your context. What’s overrepresented\, and what might be missing entirely. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: And the next question\, “What roles do these people have?” Are they mostly peers or people who do similar work to you\, or are there supervisors\, funders\, directors\, community members\, frontline staff\, people with direct experience of the issues you’re working on? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Again\, just notice\, who’s on the list? Who’s not on the list? Whatever matters for your context\, for the work you do\, who’s there\, and who should be there but isn’t. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Third question. “What about [00:06:00] geography?” Are you talking to people mostly in your town\, in your county\, in your state? Are there rural voices? Are there urban voices? Are there suburban voices? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Here’s a big one: “Are you talking to people most impacted by the issues you’re working on\, or are you mostly talking to other professionals about them?” What’s important for your role and for the people you serve? Just notice what you notice. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Okay. Now take a breath and look at your list again. What stands out to you? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Maybe you’re really connected across sectors\, but everyone’s in leadership roles. Maybe you talk to lots of peers\, but no one from the communities you serve. Maybe your network is geographically narrow for the work you do. Where is your network rich and where might it be homogenous? \nThere’s no perfect network\, but there are intentional networks\, and that’s what we’re aiming for. \nSo now that you’ve mapped [00:07:00] it\, here are a few reflection questions for you to sit with a bit. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Question one. Where are my silos invisible to me? What perspectives am I not hearing from? Because I’m not in a relationship with people who hold them. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Question two\, if I’m trying to solve a problem or serve a community whose voice is missing from my network and how does that limit my effectiveness? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: On question three\, what’s the gap? I could start to close this month? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: And I want to emphasize: one gap\, just one\, Not\, what are all the gaps that I could start to close this month? One gap. \nYou know\, that’s all we’re asking for. I really don’t want to overwhelm anyone who are trying to develop the perfect network\, because they notice that there’s a whole bunch of gaps in their network. \nThe perfect network doesn’t exist\, like I already said. So choose one gap that you noticed. Maybe it’s a sector you don’t know [00:08:00] well. Maybe it’s a type of role you don’t usually engage with. Maybe it’s a community you serve\, but you don’t have many relationships in. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: And then reach out to one person in that gap just to learn. You could say something like\, “I realized I don’t know much about the work that you do\, and I’d love to understand it better. Would you be up for that conversation sometime?” \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: And that’s it. I mean\, I’ve said this before\, that change happens one conversation at a time\, and I really do believe that. \nBut in this case\, in this context\, one conversation can mean one step outside your silo. And what I think is most exciting about this is that when you start to step out of your silo like this\, you’re not just expanding your network. You’re sowing the seeds of becoming a network weaver\, and making collaboration and resource sharing easier and more possible. \nIt’s not going to make your work harder\, but it does take these moments of stepping out. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah\, I can [00:09:00] see that. I think this also can help you model something to other people on your team\, or maybe in your circle that you collaborate with\, that it’s worth the effort to reach out and learn from each other. \nI don’t know how much we’ve touched on it here\, but part of the goal of helping you to notice where the gaps are in your network\, it’s not just to give you more work to do\, right? We’re not here trying to make your life harder. \nBut because genuinely hearing more perspectives helps you be better at your work\, and sometimes it makes your work easier\, and sometimes you can solve problems that you didn’t think could ever be solved when you start talking with new kinds of people about it. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. So their needs stay close to the top of your mind. Your needs stay close to the top of their mind. \nYou might meet someone else\, and you realize\, “Oh\, I know just the person to connect you with and you close that triangle.” \nAnd you introduce people\, and that’s sort of how all of this\, you know\, grows. And [00:10:00] it’s how our jobs can be made easier\, by spending a little bit of upfront time to get to know each other\, and find out where those resources are. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: I love that. Okay. I know\, I know\, we’re trying to be very on track. And also if you have never had the high of connecting two people who don’t know each other and having them be a perfect fit\, and then them doing really cool stuff\, you’ve never worked for extension as a community educator! But like you just don’t know that professional high. \nIt is so satisfying. Whether it’s like connecting someone with a mentor\, or a project partner\, or helping somebody get a job\, it is so satisfying. This is what makes networking worth it. \nFor me\, I’m not a big small talk person necessarily. I love talking about weird stuff and deep stuff\, but small talk is sometimes not my favorite. \nAnd I can see how having the kind of small talk\, “What’s going on with you\,” conversations have led [00:11:00] to some of the most interesting deep conversations. But you’ve got to know where the deep waters are before you can dive into ’em. Right? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Right. And you know what\, I do think in a future episode\, we should talk about the difference between network building and networking\, because those are two different things. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: So\, yeah. We’ll handle that in a future episode. \nBut that’s it for today’s episode\, and we’d really love to hear from you\, about how this went. \nWhat did you notice when you mapped your network? What gaps maybe surprised you? You can reach us at practicingconnection@oneop.org. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: And you can click the share button in your podcast app to share this with a friend or a coworker. \nWe’ll be back next week. Until then\, keep practicing. \n[00:12:00]\nCREDITS: The Practicing Connection Podcast is a production of One-Op and is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture\, US Department of Agriculture and the Office of Military Family Readiness Policy\, US Department of Defense under award number 2 0 2 3 4 8 7 74 3 3.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/whos-missing-from-your-network/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Practicing-Connection_Podcast-graphic-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T170000
DTSTAMP:20260805T145605
CREATED:20260507T100032Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260608T155035Z
UID:10001769-1778133600-1778173200@oneop.org
SUMMARY:How to Handle Workplace Expectations and Other Listener Q&A
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The community is designed for people who support military families in a variety of settings both on installations and in our communities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” 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use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTEzMjAxMCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmJ1enpzcHJvdXQuY29tJTJGMjA5OTk4MyUyRmVwaXNvZGVzJTJGMTkxMzIwMTAtaG93LXRvLWhhbmRsZS13b3JrcGxhY2UtZXhwZWN0YXRpb25zLWFuZC1vdGhlci1saXN0ZW5lci1xLWEuanMlM0Zjb250YWluZXJfaWQlM0RidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTEzMjAxMCUyNnBsYXllciUzRHNtYWxsJTIyJTIwdHlwZSUzRCUyMnRleHQlMkZqYXZhc2NyaXB0JTIyJTIwY2hhcnNldCUzRCUyMnV0Zi04JTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNF[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Episode” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_column_text](Season 7\, Episode 19) \nThis month’s listener Q&A gives us three juicy areas to cover: struggling with frequent task switching\, dealing with burnout and unachievable workloads (and the expectations associated with this)\, and how our practices integrate with personal reflections. \nErin and Jessica respond to your questions with insight\, experience and resources\, to give you some great\, actionable steps in your daily life. \nEpisodes referenced in this episode: \n\nEveryday Practices for Organizational Resilience:\nhttps://oneop.org/learn/everyday-practices-for-organzational-resilience/\nTurning Conflict Into Collaboration:\nhttps://oneop.org/learn/turning-conflict-into-collaboration/\n\nLinks and resources from this episode: \n\nSign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter\nJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/\nSend us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” el_id=”trans”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” el_class=”entry” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Transcript” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” nofollow=”true” el_class=”read-it” button_id=”read-it” text=”Read More” url=”#trans”][vc_column_text el_class=”pod-trans”]ERIN CARLSON RIVERA: [00:00:00] Hi. Thank you for listening to the Practicing Connection Podcast. I’m Erin\, my co-host Jessica is here as well. Today we’re answering listener questions. \nHi Jessica. How are you feeling about today’s questions? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I mean\, this is the second time we’re doing this kind of episode\, and I was super stoked last time\, and I might be even more excited this time. I mean\, it’s really nice to\, I guess\, have more of an exchange\, right? Because podcasts are much more of a one-sided kind of thing. \nSo it’s nice to have at least a few moments like this where we can kind of have an exchange with people who listen. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. I love that. I think for me\, I also really love how it feels. Some of them almost feel like getting a case study\, where we’ve taught you a concept\, and then here’s a case study. “Here’s a real life example of using it\,” which is maybe a little bit easier to wrap your head around than our interviews\, which are combining a bunch of things altogether\, and this is a little more narrow [00:01:00] focused. \nSo all of that to say\, I am also very excited. Are you ready for our first question? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I am. Go for it. Do it. Floor is yours. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Okay\, question one. “I balance so many different responsibilities in my role\, and have found myself struggling more and more with transitioning between tasks. Do you have any practices to help? Please? I’m drowning!” \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Oh\, no. Oh\, that one sounds very – well\, we better say this really quick and like\, let’s publish this episode before the one we just recorded so that this person has help right away! \nNo\, so I mean\, really if only this were a simple answer and simple to implement\, it’s just like you and I always say\, you do need to find what works for you\, right? And try different things. \nBut I’m happy to share some of the things that have worked for me. And\, you know\, one of the reasons why it’s also not a super simple answer is that we don’t always have as much control over our schedules as we’d like. [00:02:00]\nI’ve been doing a lot of reading\, or I’ve done a lot of reading in the past\, but of course\, I do a lot of reading just in general about productivity\, and a lot of the things that I’ve read\, give you this advice or that advice\, or they give you a whole system to follow. \nI have not once found an entire system out there that I could follow\, the way the person set it up for themselves\, that worked for me. And so I always tend to find like a little piece of this system here\, a little piece of that system there\, and I pick what works for me. I try things out if it works for me. \nSometimes I only keep it for a few months\, because that’s when I really desperately needed that particular tool. Sometimes I drop it for a while and I come back to it later. \nSo here’s some of the things that I do. I like to hold aside about an hour in the morning to plan and do things like read articles\, kind of easing into the day a little bit. And by reading articles\, I’m not talking about like In Style Magazine or whatever. I’m talking about\, you know\, articles that are related to my [00:03:00] job. \nSo\, I’ll spend that time planning\, reading articles\, blocking time on my calendar\, and then during this time\, I choose no more than three things that I need to get done that day. \nThe reality is\, and this is what I used to do\, I would list out every single thing that needed to be done. I would copy over things I didn’t get done the day before from a list\, and I’d write them out again the next day. And a lot of times there would be like 10\, 15\, 20\, 25 things on that list. It was overwhelming. \nAnd if I could get 25 things done in a day\, that would be great. But guess what? Tomorrow there’s gonna be 25 more\, because it just seems like it never. Really. Ends. \nBut sometimes I only have time to get one thing done. That reality\, when I really realized that\, that was a huge wake up call. It just depends on what that one thing is\, and how many meetings I have\, right? Because we know sometimes the one thing on your list could be a 3\, 4\, 5 hour [00:04:00] project\, or your one thing could be a 30 minute email you have to write. \nAnd then if you have a lot of meetings\, well maybe you only have an hour here to get things done between meetings an hour there\, half an hour there. Sometimes I could only get one thing done in a day. So I choose the three priorities during that kind of one hour block where I do a little bit of reading\, a little bit of time blocking\, et cetera. \nAnd I think I’ve talked about how I like to put them on a small post-it note that doesn’t have much real estate\, so that I can’t keep adding to the list. But once I choose those three priorities\, I block off time that day to do each. And that’s where I start to realize\, “Oh\, I don’t have time to do these three things today. One of them is gonna have to give and go on to tomorrow.” \nSometimes I have to drop an item because there’s not enough time between the meetings to get to it. So to me the biggest takeaway though\, from how I do this\, is that I don’t write out [00:05:00] everything that needs to be done in a big\, long list. This helps me focus and limit how many transitions I make. \nAnd that’s to me the key with the question that’s being asked about transitioning. And sometimes to be honest\, I’ll start out by only writing down one thing. Because I see my meeting load for the day\, I might add a second thing to it. If I actually get the one thing done\, I might add a second or third thing to it. \nBut I really have just gotten very realistic about what I can actually get done in a day. And it really does help me limit the number of transitions that I make. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Okay. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I still have too many transitions\, I’ll be honest. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah\, it sounds like this is a thing you think about a lot\, because you immediately had a lot to say about this. I love that. \nI think that’s really useful to figure out ways to limit your transitions. One of the ways that I do that is I try to bundle things. So\, you know\, I think of my workload in different themed buckets\, and then I try to have like days or half of [00:06:00] days where I work on one particular bucket. \nAgain\, this is not always possible\, because sometimes I’m going from a meeting about one bucket to a meeting about another bucket\, and I just\, you know\, there’s no magic fix for that\, but some of the things that have helped me are scheduling buffer time in my calendar. \nSo I actually have a setting in Outlook where my default meeting length time is 50 minutes. Which I think is really helpful. It’s not always possible depending on the culture of where you’re at. But I think that’s really helpful. Or sometimes if I know I have a meeting right after\, I’ll say at the beginning of the meeting\, especially if it’s a one-on-one meeting\, this is a lot easier\, just say\, “I’m so sorry. I have a hard stop of this time. Does that work for you?” Kind of negotiate a little bit of like a five minute break. \nSome other things that have really helped me with transitions are physically moving my body when I’m moving between tasks. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I’ve sometimes gotten up and like [00:07:00] timed myself and gone on like a five minute walk around my office. It seems silly because I’m just doing a loop\, but – \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah\, literally. Sometimes it’s just\, ‘I’m gonna stand up and walk across the room to touch the other wall and then step back.’ It takes me 30 seconds\, but even just physically moving my body helps my brain unfocus and refocus\, which is great. \nSometimes when you’re in a work environment\, you don’t want to get up and have walks all the time\, because then there’s this appearance of you’re not working or something. \nYou know\, it can just be\, it can be messy. So other things that I’ll do is I’ll have water or a little snack that I can eat\, to transition between tasks and do some kind of care for my body\, help me be in my body\, and that helps my brain switch. \nI think the other thing that has been so helpful is to not start my day by reading emails or messages. So I [00:08:00] try to schedule like an hour buffer at the beginning of my day where I can sit and think about what are my priorities for the day? What’s important to me? What things do I need to think about? And really kind of figure out what’s going on in my work\, and bring myself back to focusing on work mode and not the rest of my life mode. \nAnd the thing that’s really helpful about that is if I start by reading my email\, I get decision fatigue immediately. So I like to try to make my decisions about my day before I get inundated with a billion messages. And that has been so helpful. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: This is also reminding me\, some of the things you’re saying\, remind me of this great activity you can do just sitting at your desk. \nIf you didn’t want to get up or\, or whatever\, and it’s the – have you heard of the 5\, 4\, 3\, 2 1 activity? \nOkay. So\, if you need sort of this little bit of a transition time\, because that’s another thing you can do is even if you can’t change how many transitions you have in a [00:09:00] day\, maybe you’ll be able to find like 30 seconds to a minute to do something like this\, just to kind of allow you a little bit of buffer time. \nAnd so\, it starts with five. You name five things that you can see around you. Chair. A plant. Your hands. Your laptop\, whatever. Just name five things that you can see. \nAnd then name four things that you can feel. So maybe it’s your feet on the floor\, maybe you’ve got a blanket in your lap. Like I often have maybe your smooth desktop\, your mouse\, whatever it is. Four things you can feel. \nAnd then name three things you can hear. So in my case\, it’s right now my laptop\, my voice because I’m talking\, you know\, and I have a space heater running right now\, and I can hear that. \nAnd then two things you can smell. So that one sometimes gets a little harder\, which is why it’s only two. \nAnd then one thing you can [00:10:00] taste. And so this might be\, you know\, lingering toothpaste or food from your maybe coffee breath\, whatever. It doesn’t matter. One thing you can taste\, and if you can’t taste anything\, then maybe just name your favorite smell or the favorite thing that you can see. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Okay. \nThat’s a great transitional activity. Because I feel like it really pulls you out of wherever you are\, and it’s very like\, regulating activity. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. Yeah. I really like it. It’s very calming too. Okay\, let’s go into the next question. I’m going to read this one. \n“It feels like I’m the only person on my team who cares about not giving ourselves burnout with unachievable workloads. We never say no to anything. Or even ask for an extension. How do I bring this up without sounding like I’m unwilling to take one for the team or without sounding like I’m uncooperative?” \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Oh\, oh wow. Okay. This is a good question. [00:11:00] I am this person a lot. \nOkay\, some things that are really helpful are appealing to underlying shared values. So do you have a shared value for quality of work? Do you have a shared value for relationships? Do you have a shared value for sustainability? \nWe have episodes where we talk about collaborating with people you disagree with. And I think that practice may also work here\, because there is a disagreement happening here\, which is you have a different tolerance for chaos and unreasonable achievements. So\, think that’s a thing that you can do. \nYou know\, often in a situation\, the only thing we can control is ourselves. That doesn’t mean that there’s not a systemic issue happening\, it just means the thing you can control is you. So if you need an immediate thing to do\, that’s one. Figure out where you have a shared value and then [00:12:00] connect the unachievable workload\, unachievable expectations\, conversation with a value. \nAnd I find if you talk about it too\, in terms of long-term stability or you know\, if you can really frame it from a place of\, “We want our deliverables to come quickly\, but we also want them to be accurate\, or quality.” \nSometimes that conversation can really help especially if you’re working with community members or clients\, or if you’re producing this work for somebody else\, quality does matter. You know\, like you don’t want to break trust by doing so much that you’re dropping balls. I think that can be really helpful. \nWhen it’s a situation of I am not in charge of a team\, or there isn’t shared leadership on a team and I’m just being asked to do many\, many things\, I will ask the question\, “What would you like me to stop doing to work on this new priority? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mm-hmm.[00:13:00]\nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Or\, “What task would you like me to do later so that I can do this one right now?” \nAnd sometimes just asking that blunt question helps pull people out of the\, like\, ‘we have to rush\, we have to do all the things\,’ conversation into\, ‘Oh\, what’s the priority order for these tasks? Is there anything that we can do later? Does everything have to happen right now? Or are there some things that are more flexible?’ \nAnd that’s kind of a sneaky way to start helping people rethink about\, oh\, not everything’s immediate. Often I see this for people who have been in crisis mode for a long time and they don’t know how to shift out of crisis mode into a slower pace. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Any other thoughts? I said a lot there. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I do. And I love that we’re taking slightly different approaches here because what came to my mind when I saw this question was something I’ve learned [00:14:00] with systems thinking\, and that’s maybe one way to do this without seeming like you’re unwilling\, to whatever\, be a team player\, which is totally not the case here\, right? You’re just trying to raise the yellow flags and say\, “Hey guys\, we gotta think about this a little bit\, right?” \nBut I would suggest really fleshing out with your team a definition. Like\, “Let’s really define what success looks like here. Let’s define what we’re talking about with this project.” \nSo what are all the things that would define success for this project? And what do we not mean? Right? What are we leaving on the table? That’s still important\, but it doesn’t need to be part of this right now. Like\, “What do we mean by success and what don’t we mean?” \nI want to be clear here that I’m not talking about what does success mean and what does unsuccess mean? What does not being successful mean? I’m talking about at a minimum\, how are we defining this project\, [00:15:00] and how are we defining what’s not included in this project\, so that you can get really clear about all of the pieces and parts that make it up. \nAnd people can make choices when they see\, “Oh\, we mean all of these things by success.” That means now\, when we take a look at what our capacity is\, which is\, you know\, one of the other things you would think about with systems thinking\, that means we have a lot more thinking to do. It just sort of slows everyone down a little bit without you seeming like you’re being uncooperative\, right? \nYou’re just saying\, “Hey\, we gotta define this.” That’s all you’re saying. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Okay. This made me think of another episode that we recently released called Everyday Practices for Organizational Resilience. And this talks about how to do a bit of a debrief\, which means you’re going to have to be strategic. \nYou might not be able to launch this one whenever you want to\, but after you’ve completed something\, if it was high cost and you’re all tired\, you can do some of the [00:16:00] questions. There’s like an inventory that we walk you through\, or you walk us through to help you figure out\, “Oh\, what were the warning signs?” \nThis feels indirect\, but it’s directly getting people to pause and reflect\, and kind of see a bigger picture of\, why was this so hard? How can we make it easier for ourselves? \nAnd I think one of the things that will come up if you can kind of encourage these conversations is\, “Oh\, we haven’t ever defined what done means.” Or\, “We have different definitions of what done means\,” or\, “Some of us don’t know the amount of work it takes somebody else to pull this off.” \n“We gotta communicate more. We need more lead time.” \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: “We need more cross training.” Yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Those kinds of conversations are really hard to have in the moment when you’re in the weeds. But if you have any sort of built in evaluation or reflection time\, you can bring some of these really strategic\, targeted questions\, and really help get at [00:17:00] the\, ‘how do we not burn ourselves out’ conversation. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. And no one will know that you’re actually panicking about the amount of work that they’re talking about trying to do. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Exactly. Okay. We should do our last question so this episode doesn’t get too long. \nQuestion three\, “Why are so many of your practices just different kinds of reflection? LOL.” \nI think the LOL means like\, they’re not mad about it. I’m not sure\, but that’s the question. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Okay\, so no\, this is great\, and I was very excited about this question\, and Erin\, you probably noticed that when this question first was added – because you choose the questions – that when the question was first added to this document\, I immediately started typing. \nAnd I would say that it’s because I have a very strong belief that knowing yourself and knowing how you show up\, like kind of out in the world and in your interactions with others\, is the foundation for interacting with and collaborating with others. \nAnd so\, I worked with some colleagues a while [00:18:00] back\, we’ve talked about on the podcast over the years. I don’t know that I’ve talked about it very much lately\, but we developed programming on collaborative work. \nSo developing collaborative relationships that center the kind of trust and connection needed to effectively work together to solve big\, hairy community issues. And a big focus of the research behind that program is that it all starts with knowing yourself. Often you’re getting to know yourself partially through reflection\, at least partially. \nAnd so it starts with reflection\, and it starts with knowing yourself\, and bringing what you know about yourself into your interactions with others. Then again\, reflecting on how those interactions helped you learn about an issue\, helped you learn about a perspective and even helped you learn about yourself\, right? What maybe changed about your own views or your own understanding of an issue or of a particular perspective? \nSo to me\, knowing yourself is [00:19:00] foundational work\, and a huge part of knowing yourself can happen through reflection. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. I’m also really glad someone asked this question. My answer did not come as fast as yours\, but it did help me realize kind of a bunch of connections. \nAnd one of them is this idea of curiosity\, and how I really love both science and poetry\, and I think both of them are lenses to view the world in which you’re coming from a place of curiosity and wanting to know more. \nAnd that’s kind of from a personal place\, and I think especially when we’re talking about inner critics\, I don’t know if we’ve talked about that\, but that idea of like\, if your inner mental monologue is pretty critical of yourself\, coming from a perspective of curiosity reflection can feel really scary if you’re used to criticizing yourself. \nAnd so a lot of our reflections are trained to teach us how to be curious about what happened\, rather than judgmental about what happened. [00:20:00] And I think that leaves space for being kinder to ourselves\, and being kind to ourselves really helps us stay healthy. \nLike it’s such a shift in terms\, and when you’re healthy\, it’s easier to do your job. It’s easier to show up in your relationships. That’s why I think it’s a priority\, even though it’s kind of personal and squishy. I do think it is a professional practice\, because you’re teaching yourself to be curious and kind to yourself. And when you’re curious and kind\, it’s way easier to start solving your problems if you’re immediately blaming yourself or being critical. \nIt’s challenging to process through all of that\, and then be creative about how you solve your problems. When you do reflection\, it’s this way to empower yourself to start seeing solutions and finding them yourself\, rather than feeling like you need some expert to tell you. Because you have lived your experience\, and so you probably know [00:21:00] what you need\, and the reflection helps you identify\, “What do I need? Who can I ask for it? What’s going on? What happened?” \nEspecially if you’re like the last question\, you’re in a place where you’re just doing stuff all the time. If you never have a moment to pause down reflection\, practice it as a practice can be such a helpful way to help you identify\, “Oh\, here’s where I know what too much was.” \nSo you can figure out your capacity limits. You can figure out all sorts of things to make your life easier by reflecting and being curious about your own experience and your own work and your own life. \nAlso I have been thinking about space a lot recently. There was\, you know\, NASA did some stuff in space recently and one of the practices that I have always loved about NASA is when something goes wrong\, they don’t immediately fire people\, because they don’t want people to be afraid to admit what the mistake was. Because they want to know what the mistakes are so they can avoid them in the future. \nAnd it [00:22:00] means that when you hear people talking about working on teams at NASA\, it’s this very collaborative experience and it’s very rigorous\, and the stakes are really high. But they don’t come from this place of being really judgemental and blaming each other. \nThey come from a place of curiosity\, and it’s had really impactful results on the quality of work and the amazing things that they can do. And even\, you know\, scientists pause and reflect. \nSo just throw it out there as\, reflection is actually a really cool tool that you can use to be curious and love the world\, even when you’re overwhelmed and tired. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I love it. And before you do our little outro here\, Erin\, I just want to say that as of the recording of this episode\, I got my third thing done for the day and it’s the end of the day. So I feel like I won. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Hey\, see\, this is what I mean by setting winning conditions. We talked about this a while ago. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yes. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Give yourself a sticker. I’m an adult who’s still motivated by sticker charts. I know that’s not everybody’s life\, [00:23:00] but I’m a little magpie. \nOkay. That’s it\, that’s the episode. Thank you for joining us. If you have a question or if you have additional thoughts about any of the questions we’ve asked here\, we would absolutely love to hear from you. \nYou can email us at practicingconnection@oneop.org. There’s a link in the show notes if you don’t know how to spell that. We want to hear from you. We see and respond to every message\, and we promise not to share your question without asking permission and erasing identifying details. \nWe’ll be back next week. Until then\, keep practicing. [00:24:00]\n  \nCREDITS: The Practicing Connection Podcast is a production of One-Op and is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture\, US Department of Agriculture and the Office of Military Family Readiness Policy\, US Department of Defense under award number 2 0 2 3 4 8 7 74 3 3.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/how-to-handle-workplace-expectations/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
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