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SUMMARY:How does a small North Carolina city become a national example of collaboration between military and community?
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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” 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
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260721T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260721T153000
DTSTAMP:20260816T212620
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” 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=”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” 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=”Lisa Kimura\, MBA” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Community Health Lead\nHawaii Region\nKaiser Permanente[/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=”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” 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_9t91qYaqlHkAmX4″][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 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:20260723T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260723T170000
DTSTAMP:20260816T212620
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:20260723T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260723T123000
DTSTAMP:20260816T212620
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:20260728T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260728T123000
DTSTAMP:20260816T212620
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:20260730T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260730T170000
DTSTAMP:20260816T212620
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
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260805T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260805T123000
DTSTAMP:20260816T212620
CREATED:20260520T181250Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260807T135118Z
UID:10001753-1785927600-1785933000@oneop.org
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” 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=”224563″ 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. 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. 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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” 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_1786110676540{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Slides \nAcademy Resource Inventory (.docx)[/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: SDI Productions\, #1174210588 \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” 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_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]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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260806T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260806T170000
DTSTAMP:20260816T212620
CREATED:20260806T100100Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260812T142313Z
UID:10001791-1785996000-1786035600@oneop.org
SUMMARY:When Community Works: Care\, Connection\, and Collective Resilience with Julika von Stackleberg
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]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTU3NTYwMyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmJ1enpzcHJvdXQuY29tJTJGMjA5OTk4MyUyRmVwaXNvZGVzJTJGMTk1NzU2MDMtd2hlbi1jb21tdW5pdHktd29ya3MtY2FyZS1jb25uZWN0aW9uLWFuZC1jb2xsZWN0aXZlLXJlc2lsaWVuY2Utd2l0aC1qdWxpa2Etdm9uLXN0YWNrbGViZXJnLXBoLWQuanMlM0Zjb250YWluZXJfaWQlM0RidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTU3NTYwMyUyNnBsYXllciUzRHNtYWxsJTIyJTIwdHlwZSUzRCUyMnRleHQlMkZqYXZhc2NyaXB0JTIyJTIwY2hhcnNldCUzRCUyMnV0Zi04JTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNF[/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 32) \nBelonging isn’t just a warm feeling – it’s something people build together over time.  \nIn this episode\, we’re talking about how communities learn to do that in ways that are genuinely caring\, how they keep it going\, and what that means for people who have to rebuild their sense of community again and again\, including many military-connected families. \nJessica and Erin talk with Julika von Stackelberg\, a Family and Community Resilience Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension\, whose work sits at the intersection of parenting education\, community development\, and systems change. Through programs like the Orange County Resilience Project\, Julika brings people together to build communities rooted in care\, connection\, and shared responsibility. \nTogether\, they unpack what “belonging” looks like in practice\, why the feeling of being cared for can matter even more than visible acts of support\, and how communities can sustain that care over time—even when people are constantly coming and going. \nWhether you work with military families or are simply interested in how stronger\, more resilient communities are built\, this conversation offers practical insights and thoughtful questions to carry into your own work. \nLinks and resources from this episode: \n\nJulika on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julikavstackelberg/\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”]ERIN CARLSON RIVERA: [00:00:00] Hi\, welcome to the Practicing Connection Podcast. I’m Erin Carlson Rivera. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: And I’m Jessica Beckendorf. Today\, we’re talking about community resilience\, what it looks like in practice\, and how people can come together in ways that truly support one another. I am so excited for this conversation\, because I had the pleasure of meeting our guest in person and hearing about her impactful work last summer while at a conference. \nErin\, let’s get started and introduce our guest. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. Our guest today is Julika von Stuckelberg. Julika is a family and community resource educator with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County\, where she works at the intersection of parenting education\, community development\, and systems change. \nShe’s a credentialed parenting educator and a certified coach who focuses on creating environments where people feel a genuine sense of belonging and support. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Her work spans everything from trauma-informed parenting programs [00:01:00] to designing community-based learning experiences that help people build resilience together. \nJulika also leads the Orange County Resilience Project\, co-chairs the Orange County Parenting Coalition\, and plays a role in shaping resilience efforts across New York State. At the heart of her work is a simple but powerful question: “How do we build communities that care for people in ways that are lasting\, adaptive\, and deeply human? \nHi\, Julika. Thank you so much for joining us on Practicing Connection. \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: Hi. It’s so lovely to be here. Thank you so much for having me and for this very sweet introduction. I always get excited to have these conversations. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yes\, me too. Although when I’m in your shoes\, I’m always a little bit like\, “Ooh\, did I really do all that? Did I?!” \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: Same. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. Well\, let’s actually start at a really nice and simple place. Can you share a little bit more about your role at Cornell Cooperative Extension and what drew you to this work around community resilience? [00:02:00]\nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: Yeah\, absolutely. So I actually started at Cornell Cooperative Extension a little over 10 years ago as a parenting educator. \nAnd I came into this field really because I have three children. And when they were little\, I heard myself saying things or words coming out of my mouth that I didn’t really ever expect would come out and that\, that I told myself I would never say to my children. And so I discovered eventually that\, you know\, I didn’t know what else to say to my children. \nAnd in the process of searching for what I could say\, I found that there were lots and lots of resources for parents to raise their children that really supported them and provided some kind of questions and ways to look at my own life that uncovered that it wasn’t just myself\, it was also my upbringing and the broader network of\, you know\, the people that brought me up and so [00:03:00] forth. \nAnd long story short\, I came to Cornell Cooperative Extension as a parenting educator. And when I\, in the process\, learned about the impact of trauma on our health and well-being and where that trauma comes from\, oftentimes from\, you know\, adverse childhood experiences that we have as we grow up in our families that are supposed to be the safe places and in the communities that are supposed to be the safe places\, I became really curious about what we can do to make these places more nurturing for children to grow up into healthy adults in the long term. \nThat’s really what sort of sparked my interest in community building is about creating the sort of environments where parents\, grandparents\, people in all generation across the lifespan can thrive. \nSo that’s what broadened my parenting work very much from\, you know\, working one-on-one with parents to parenting [00:04:00] workshops and other supports\, to really thinking about community building and the structures that we live in\, and what do we need in order to be able to thrive? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Wow. That’s awesome. I would imagine\, you know\, places that are really nurturing for children might also be places that are nurturing for adults as well. \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: Yes. Yes. And it’s healing backwards sometimes what I say\, you know? And it’s not just our parents\, of course. We do what we do with the knowledge that we have and the best intentions most of the time. It’s really the conditions that can make it hard. So how can we support or create the sort of buffer zones for when things happen that are hard that can allow people to recover and thrive? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. So before this call\, you shared about your Community Resilience Builder Program that is now about to start its fourth cohort. What surprised you most about how participants show up for one [00:05:00] another over those nine or ten months of the cohort? \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: Yeah. So the program is really awesome in that it speaks to an intergenerational sort of group of participants. \nSo we’ve had this last year\, the youngest participant was 14 when she started. So she was a freshman in high school. And the oldest participant is someone who’s about to retire. So we really have a very diverse group of people who come from different backgrounds\, different ages\, different life experiences with different interests. \nAnd finding a place that these individuals all somehow have an interest in building\, you know\, healthy and resilient communities where they can regenerate well-being. And hearing the conversations and the perspectives of these different people is one of the things that surprised me the most in [00:06:00] just the ways that they are able to support one another\, have empathy for one another\, have interest in one another\, and really care for one another. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: That’s awesome. I’m actually wondering if this would be a good time for you to maybe just share a little bit about what that program is too\, because that’s one of the reasons why I reached out to you\, was I knew about this program\, you had presented about it at the conference. So if you could tell us a little bit about that\, then we won’t have to ask you\, keep asking you all these questions as we go along. \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: Yeah. So this program is basically a nine-month or ten-month program\, that the tenth month is really the graduation and collective evaluation. But it’s a ten-month journey that participants go on where they learn frameworks that support well-being. And so in this\, I look at resilience as a mechanism towards regenerating well-being. \nIf we have to be [00:07:00] resilient all of the time\, then there is something in our environment that is causing a pressure that maybe isn’t something that we can individually adapt to as easily. But if we’re able to tap into the ability of being resilient\, and there are specific ways that we can do that by having protective factors in place\, by learning tools to having dialogues\, et cetera\, we end up being able to regenerate well-being as a community. \nAnd so this ten-month program really goes through this journey where people learn about public health\, they learn about leadership\, they learn about community development and dialogues\, and so forth. And this is a master volunteer program. \nSo in other words\, people are\, as a result\, they become expertly trained volunteers who can then help to give workshops in the community or help [00:08:00] find ways to integrate specific ways to increase resilience in the classroom or for teachers or families or\, you know\, families who are experiencing a lot of change\, like military families\, really putting in place those mechanisms that can allow them to tap into their resilience so that they can regenerate well-being. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Wow\, that sounds great. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, I know\, I know. Like I keep saying\, I want this to spread everywhere. So we’ve been spending here at OneOp a little bit of time with a 2020 article from the Journal of Community Psychology called Connecting Experiences of Community\, Shared Responsibility\, and Collective Competence to the Well-being of Adults and Military Families by O’Neil\, Mancini and Bowen. \nAnd the reason I give this huge preamble before asking this question is because one of the things they describe in this article is what they call a “synergistic community\,” where people both feel a genuine sense [00:09:00] of caring for one another and actually act on it together. And I see your program as something that activates that\, that makes this operational. \nAnd so in your experience running your program\, do those two things\, the feeling and the action\, tend to show up together or does one tend to come first? \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: That’s a good question. I thought about that for a while\, and I think that one might come before the other at a certain time. But I think in general\, when you have some actions that you can take together and you’re creating sort of a space where specific feelings can be possible\, that’s really what sort of creates that type of an environment or the space or this energy\, the synergy that comes from that. \nAnd oftentimes these things\, you know\, don’t happen by themselves. But the synergy\, I think\, really can be generated by [00:10:00] holding a space and allowing for specific actions to take place so that then\, you know\, the feelings can somehow really integrate. I think that’s really where there’s so much power in a framework like that. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Where do you see\, well\, you work for Cooperative Extension. And so\, you know\, you clearly see a role for Extension in this\, but thinking globally about Extension and how they can play a role in holding that space\, how do you see that playing out? Do you think Extension has a broader role\, or were you just kind of lucky that your research kind of matched up with what your community wanted? \nYeah\, I know that’s a really complex question. \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: Yeah. I actually think that’s exactly the mission of Extension\, is to create these spaces where community members can apply and utilize the resources that might be introduced to them\, but also their own knowledge. There’s so much knowledge [00:11:00] within the communities\, and\, you know\, oftentimes\, that’s what we bring back to the university and say\, like\, look\, “This is what people are experiencing and what they know.” \nAnd then universities design research around that. So it’s really this back and forth\, but I do think it is an Extension opportunity to create these spaces where community members can gather\, whether it’s in forms of workshops or special intergenerational events or in support groups or make and take events where that can be generated. \nBut I do think that Extensions can do better when they have that purpose with them. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mmhmm. \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: You know\, and really apply these questions that can sort of open up the participants to share their knowledge\, to experience those feelings that sometimes help them process their lived [00:12:00] experience\, but also find solutions and really connect in the process with others. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: I love that your work is so focused\, not only on just teaching people things\, but helping them be connected with each other. I find personally that I learn best when I’m in a community where we engage with each other. And there’s almost this\, like\, magical thing that happens where you start applying things before you realize you’re applying things that you’re learning. \nAnd that’s so lovely. So your work centers on communities of belonging. What does belonging look like when it’s genuinely present? What signs can people look for? How do you know it when you see it? \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: Mm-hmm. So I think when we feel like we belong\, we have a sense of\, you know\, we’re safe\, we can let our guard down\, we can fully participate\, that our contributions are [00:13:00] valued and that we really matter. \nAnd there’s three pillars that we often talk about in creating a space that provides that is when people feel connected and they feel safe and able to regulate themselves. So that means sort of where you’re really able to tap into your own knowledge\, where you can fully show up as yourself. And also sometimes there’s nuance\, you know\, that doesn’t just mean everything is always in agreement and kumbaya. \nIt’s really about being able to speak your mind and having conversations. So I think you see belonging when people really show up with nuances that they have in themselves. Like our 14-year-old participant\, at first\, she was maybe more withheld and cautious and quiet. And now she skips in the room. She says\, “Hi\, how are you? How was your month? [00:14:00] Or your week?” And\, “What can I do to help set up?” And asking questions. \nAnd you see people genuinely care for each other and show interest. And that’s when you can see that people have a sense of belonging. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Well\, I think this is incredible. I think that in everything you’re saying\, it’s really clear that the sense of the people around you accept you\, or I’m not sure\, I’m kind of struggling with a word here to find\, but I’ll say that the people around you accept you for who you are. \nIt’s really clear that that shows up and is important. And it is supported by that research I mentioned earlier that\, in fact\, that feeling might actually matter more to people’s well-being than visible community action alone. So the community coming together to address problems. \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: Mmhmm. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Which was also found to be really important in the research\, but that this feeling might actually matter more. \nSo let’s get into some of the details of your program a little bit\, because how [00:15:00] is that cultivated\, right? You just mentioned a change in the 14-year-old that was in the program from kind of being more reserved to them feeling like they can be themselves. So how do you cultivate that in your program? \nWhat are some of the practices or structures that seem to actually move people from being polite to actually genuinely caring about each other? \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: So one of the things that we do is we try to have a variety of ways that people engage with one another. Sometimes people spend time reflecting for themselves and then sharing out with everyone their thoughts. \nAnd that’s all we want to hear\, is we don’t want to have canned answers. All of it is valid\, what people experience. And then we also have pair activities and smaller group activities. And so one thing that I have learned is oftentimes people often shy away at first from really wanting to engage in that way because it’s [00:16:00] uncomfortable at first to\, you know\, speak out or to talk to a certain person. \nAnd I have learned as the facilitator not to give into people’s discomfort\, and try to make them feel comfortable\, but really trusting in the fact that\, “I know they will really get something out of it.” \nAnd so I think when facilitators can hold that space without purposefully making people uncomfortable\, but really with this knowledge that they will grow from that and they will have experiences. \nAnd trusting in that\, you create opportunities for people to really learn to listen. And practicing active listening in the sense that it’s really\, you know\, we have activities\, in fact\, where we\, in a circle\, each person listens to a different aspect of the story that a person shares. And by the person [00:17:00] reporting out on what they listen to\, they really create this big dimension of a reality and a lived experience that is valid and that means something. \nSo this idea of mattering really is supported in that process. And I think that’s how you build trust. It’s creating opportunities for building relationships and connections and finding similarities\, which we do with icebreakers as well at the very beginning and sort of builds along the program. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I always tell people that\, especially people who really hate icebreakers\, that the facilitator usually has a very distinct\, but perhaps unshared\, purpose for having that specific icebreaker\, right? \nSo there’s always a purpose for the icebreakers and they can be a really important part of starting to build that trust\, like you said. \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: And I think sometimes sharing the purpose is important too\, because [00:18:00] you basically model tools that they can then apply. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yes. Especially in a volunteer training program\, right? \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: Exactly. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Which is what this is. And\, you mentioned that they become volunteers and that they can deliver workshops and things like that. What is the most common thing that they do with their volunteer time? \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: Yeah. So we’re just launching the fourth cohort. And the cohorts are relatively small. \nSo we have\, like\, plus/minus ten people. So we’re just kind of beginning to have that number of volunteers available to do certain things. But in the past\, we actually had some funding to start a climate action group in a community that then looked at what might be some nature-based solutions to address flooding that was particularly of a danger in that specific [00:19:00] geographical area. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mm-hmm. \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: And so this group came up with this whole idea of a ‘sunflower city’ project\, engaging their community and planting more sunflowers\, because those have deep roots that can loosen the soil to make it more absorbable. And so this idea of resilience is multiple. \nIt’s\, one\, you are creating actually a physical environment that might be less prone to as much flooding\, but you’re also creating a community that has greater awareness and connection by sharing these ideas and thinking about that. \nAnd so some of the community resilience builders were really instrumental in bringing that group together and finding a space where these meetings could be housed and that sort of thing. But in the future\, yeah\, we’re hoping for engagement to address some ways that can make our communities physically more adaptable to [00:20:00] severe weather events or the effects of those. \nBut not just from an infrastructure perspective\, really also a social perspective\, making sure people know where to go for cooling stations and food pantries and that sort of thing. And then practicing ways to reduce stress\, you know? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. Thank you so much for sharing that. That sounds like a really incredible ripple effect from the work. \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: Yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: As you were talking\, I just saw this\, like\, city where\, like\, sunflowers everywhere\, and it seems like it’s probably a very joyful place because they’re such happy\, vibrant flowers. I love that image. I don’t know if that’s actually what it looks like\, but thank you for sharing that. \nSo I’m really intrigued as you’ve been describing kind of how this program works for the participants and then what they do afterwards. You had mentioned earlier helping military families. And I know a lot of your programming really focuses on building connections between people. \nAnd [00:21:00] military families are frequently relocating\, and they have a lot of transitions which can disrupt that sense of community connection. How do you think about building community with or for people who are a little bit more transient or have temporary roots in a community? \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: Yeah. So I think\, you know\, that’s where real concrete tools can be incredibly powerful. I mean\, I want to say that\, you know\, luckily\, we have the ability to Zoom and to stay connected through video chats and that sort of thing. So the relationships that we often build or that families can build can continue\, even if it’s not always in person. \nBut apart from that\, I think really focusing on developing a culture so that people and families can fit in quicker\, because there are certain aspects that’s part of a culture is really important. And I [00:22:00] think also that\, participation in developing the culture and cultivating the culture is important. \nSo giving people opportunities to contribute and to share their knowledge and what they know. And then having protective factors or understanding the importance of protective factors such as parental resilience\, social connections\, concrete supports in times of need\, that sort of thing really helps families to understand that their own agency in the process of creating that resilience and their ability to adapt to the changes that they’re going through and to come back to a sense of well-being is really important. \nAnd so providing tools for that\, and kind of encouragement and support is a way that I think particularly families who are moving [00:23:00] around a lot and who are under high pressure situations can definitely contribute to that. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: That makes a lot of sense. I love this idea of building an environment that people can come into and easily connect with. \nI’m not a super transient person\, and I also have had moments of moving where I’m like\, “I don’t even\, like\, how do I start? Like\, where’s the door? Where’s the inroad to\, like\, actually being with people?” \nSo I love that you’re doing all of this work to help communities build those things together. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. And actually\, thinking about the people who work with military families every day\, like counselors\, family readiness officers\, extension educators\, or other extension educators besides you\, Julika\, what’s one thing that these service providers can do or try to help the community around them become a little more connected? \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: I think\, really consciously creating spaces that are [00:24:00] welcoming. Consciously cultivating relationships. I have to give credit to another educator in Cornell Cooperative Extension who recently was talking about how she really prepares her workshops with a personal email that gets sent to every registrant beforehand\, with saying something personal that shows you it’s not AI. \nIt’s not something canned. You know\, a part of it might be canned\, but you recognize yourself in it. And then just how people come in with\, like\, the way the space is set up\, it matters. And then the same thing\, having activities within the program that allows people to connect. We are all incredibly overstimulated with information that becomes really hard to digest. \nAnd so not trying to offer more information and more resources\, but [00:25:00] really more reminding people about what they already know in those opportunities that educators and people working with the families really get to ask these questions. So make it less about adding on a lot of information\, but really reminding the families and individuals what they already know. \nAnd then following up the same way and letting folks know where they can connect again and how to reach out to someone else or making a summary of what they experienced and how lovely it was that they made the time to come\, and what they might’ve gotten out of it. So it’s really intentional relationship building. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: When I think about the things it takes to do the intentional relationship building\, I can see exactly why\, or one of the reasons why it’s so easy to just skip past it and go to\, “Okay\, what are the actions we can do [00:26:00] instead?” right? What are the outputs we can create together? Or\, what are the outputs we are going to create together? \nAnd kind of skipping over it\, because it takes so much time to do these things. And what we measure are the outputs\, not the inputs and not the beautiful little moments that happen when someone starts to feel like they belong\, or those little kind of clues and those things that people say and the caring that’s developing and the trust that’s developing. \nThose are not the things we’re measuring. We’re measuring the outputs that people do together. And I’m not saying that that’s bad. We have to have some outputs too. In a lot of cases\, we need to have some outputs and some things that we’re doing together. It’s something that has been on my mind for years. \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: Mm-hmm. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. I\, it’s not really a question in that\, Julika\, I’m just – \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: The point that you’re making is so good. And so when we’re\, you know\, in a model that oftentimes measures growth [00:27:00] or ways that we look at outputs or outcomes as a way to indicate whether or not we have reached our goal\, it does not necessarily allow us to measure well-being. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: And that’s part of\, I think\, this whole mind shift that we’re trying to also look at in this community resilience builder is what might be indicators\, you know? And it doesn’t mean you scratch all of your other indicators\, right. You know\, things are useful\, but we need more depth. \nAnd so that means really taking on another lens to look at the way that we develop programs and we conduct programs and review them. \nI’m really big on participation. So participatory evaluations and ways that we can incorporate that oftentimes reveals much more of the depth and can provide or lead us to more indicators that we might want to look at in the [00:28:00] process. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mm-hmm. Awesome\, thank you. I love that idea of taking this\, “Oh\, but that’s not stuff we measure\,” and saying\, “Okay\, well\, how are we gonna measure it?” \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: Yes. Yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: So what does it take for a community to keep showing up for people over the long haul\, especially if people keep changing in your community? \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: So you want to think about everyone who is a participant in this whole project\, so to speak. And that means including educators\, including\, you know\, service providers\, counselors\, et cetera. \nThey are not just the ones always creating the community. They are also the ones that are participating in it and really creating spaces through coalitions\, through professional development and opportunities for those who keep creating these spaces to come together and really [00:29:00] reflect on what they’re doing and understanding the impact that they have. \nAnd cultivating that\, I think\, is really important in the process as well. I think it translates into those who come and change communities who can take something with them and are able to apply or inform\, and hopefully create some continuity with their own transient nature in that sense. So\, yeah\, I think you have to really take everyone into consideration. \nAnd I want to say too that\, you know\, the “careers\,” in quotation marks\, that counselors and educators and so forth have is not for major profit. These are fields that are leading to great financial rewards\, but the rewards that people get from really building these relationships and seeing [00:30:00] how they can contribute to the well-being within their communities is actually priceless. \nAnd with that\, I’m not trying to diminish the cost of living that is increasing et cetera\, but it’s really an aspect that we can further cultivate as a way to help people to gain some return and that keeps them going. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Okay. Thank you. \nSo this is something that I am very curious about\, and I would love for you to explain it to our listeners. \nSo you’ve been researching social imaginaries as tools for community transition. Without getting too academic about it\, which the term itself kind of sounds like that would be very difficult\, what does it mean to help a community imagine itself differently? And how does that connect to the kind of resilience that you’re building? \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: Yeah. So just to kind of backtrack for [00:31:00] a second\, so the social imaginary\, as you said\, it’s kind of a philosophical term of describing how so much of what we do and how we organize our communities is tied to a collective\, like a vision that we all have for ourselves. A lot of the research that I’ve been doing around that is really better understanding how different social imaginaries lead to different ways of how we invent and develop things and respond to challenges in our communities. \nAnd so\, you know\, sometimes I think it’s really hard for us to imagine that our communities could be any different because the problems that we have seem so overwhelming\, and they just seem too many to change. And so kind of going a little bit more at the root of what is it that’s [00:32:00] behind all of this\, I think can sometimes help us to maybe take more of a\, you know\, eagle-eye perspective in a sense that you zoom out and you look at what does a community look like that regenerates well-being? \nAnd how does it do that? What kind of infrastructure does that require? \nAs an example\, if you were thinking about planetary well-being and how we\, humans are part of nature and nature is part of us\, how would we design a city\, for example? And if you understand that\, you know\, insects are traveling also over certain pathways\, then we might think about ways\, if we consider the well-being of insects and pollinators\, we might think about how we can build corridors for insects to travel through a city or urban areas in a way [00:33:00] that sustains their well-being. \nAnd so if we think about that\, or kind of take a lens that connects our well-being\, or really shows the interconnectedness between all things living including humans as a way or a social imaginary\, how we think about the world and how we see ourselves\, then that might help inform how we build our communities. \nAnd what we really need that is not tied to some of the structures that might think about\, you know\, business development as an area of growth to generate wealth or profit in some ways. \nAnd so it just kind of gives us a way to think about some of the complex problems that we work with. I will say that with the arrival of artificial [00:34:00] intelligence and questions that come along with that\, including how are we supporting it through data centers and how our data centers run\, so many of the people who are making\, or are forced to make\, really big decisions around zoning\, et cetera\, they’re volunteers in our municipalities. \nAnd how are we expecting them to understand the complexities of these really new questions? And so social imaginaries as a tool\, I like to look at healing-informed social imaginaries. So imaginaries that really understand the impact of trauma on our health and well-being long-term\, as well as the factors that allow us to tap into resilience so we can regenerate well-being. \nThose kinds of imaginaries help us to wrestle with the questions. It doesn’t provide answers\, but it gives [00:35:00] us an opportunity to think about it in ways that we might not have been able to think about. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: In ways that don’t just sort of skip through all of the really needed conversation and perspective-taking that needs to happen\, just trying to go right to solutions that kind of enrich our ability to grapple with the questions and test solutions down the road. \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: I’m so glad you just jumped in because that’s exactly it. Yes? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. Yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Wow. Well\, this has been such a fun interview. And one thing that has\, I’m still really curious about is\, it sounds like a lot of this work is kind of long-term work. Like you don’t necessarily see impacts right away. So I’m curious\, do you have any stories or moments from your work that really keep you going\, or remind you why the work that you’re doing matters? \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: That is such a good point\, and I’m glad you’re asking the [00:36:00] question because that really is the hard part about this work. So much\, you don’t really know. I don’t necessarily see the impact. And yet\, the connections that you build when you hear people’s reflections or you suddenly see someone taking an interest or an action up\, that’s just incredibly affirming. \nAnd yes\, it doesn’t fit into the regular reports that we check on or indicators\, again\, that we can measure. And so what you are sort of reminding me of too is to emphasize this need to continue to build touch points in the long term for people\, but that aren’t necessarily built on just transactions\, but really the transformative aspect of the relationships that are being built. \nAnd I think we can probably do a better job on this. I hope [00:37:00] that we learn how to do this better. There’s only so many hours in the day\, and there are only so many people who are involved in this. And we have only so many resources. \nSo it’s okay\, but it’s definitely something I want to get better at building these conscious long-term relationships and check-in points in a way that are meaningful for everyone involved. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Mmhmm. \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: Yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: I love that. I think sometimes\, especially if you really build a community with a cohort that has an end date\, thinking about transitioning that into long-term relationships is such an interesting challenge. And I can see why\, especially with this kind of a master volunteer setup\, there’s almost a little bit more built-in touch points to make sure you don’t completely lose touch. \nSo I can see how the structure really works for the benefit of the community. And I think that’s not just the community at large\, but the community of [00:38:00] people in the cohort. I think that’s really beautiful. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Well\, let’s end on this. What is giving you hope right now? Is there a story or a moment from your work recently that kind of reminded you why all of this matters? \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: Hmm. We recently had a conference where we really focused on the knowledge that was already in the room. So as opposed to having a lot of experts come and speak\, we had an activity that was with four chairs on a stage\, and a question about the future that was\, “What kind of wisdom do you think we will need in the future?” \nOr\, “What do you hope to see in your community in the future?” Or\, “What would really let you know that your community’s well in the future?” \nSo we asked these questions\, and the people who came to the stage and to one of those four chairs were invited to come and speak for two minutes on these questions.[00:39:00]\nAnd I was really worried that no one would get up\, because people feel uncomfortable about public speaking. But we had so many rounds of people to come up and speak and share their thoughts. And there wasn’t one person who talked about material things in that sense. They really all talked about connection\, cultivating relationships\, being in person as opposed to always on the phones or on screens. \nAnd that gave me so much hope to see that people want this. They were all kind of talking about how they long for connection with people in their neighborhoods and communities and opportunities to really get to know each other and having spaces for that. And that gave me a lot of hope. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Hmm. I’ve been feeling [00:40:00] that for a while. \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: Mmhmm. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I think people are really kind of hungry for this connection. So\, thank you so much for the work that you do. And of course\, thank you so much for joining us\, Julika. \nJULIKA VON STACKLEBERG: Yes. And you too as well. And the beautiful conversations that you hold on things that matter. I appreciate that. And all the families putting their best foot forward. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. Everyone’s just trying their best. No\, thank you so much. \nJulika von Stuckelberg is team leader in family and community development at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orange County\, New York. And I could just keep talking to you all day. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Well\, that’s it for this episode. Thank you so much for joining us. \nIf you enjoyed today’s episode\, click the share button in your podcast app to share it with a friend. We’d like to thank our announcer\, Kaylin Goble-Mathis\, Maggie Lucas\, and Joyce Vaughn for their help with marketing\, and Nathan Grimm\, who composed and performed all the music you hear on the podcast. [00:41:00] We hope you’ll listen again soon. \nUntil then\, keep practicing. \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/when-community-works/
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:20260812T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260812T123000
DTSTAMP:20260816T212620
CREATED:20260515T142003Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260812T211904Z
UID:10001754-1786532400-1786537800@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Creating a Network for Military Nutrition 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/RR5YYmvRdzA”][/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]Strengthening nutrition readiness is essential to supporting the overall well-being and resilience of military families. This webinar will describe an important shift from viewing food security solely as economic access toward a more comprehensive\, military nutrition readiness framework grounded in three pillars: physical access to food\, economic access to food\, and nutrition quality. The speakers will explore how nutrition readiness requires financial resources as well as geographic access to food and the availability of foods that support optimal health and human performance. \nBuilding on this understanding\, attendees will gain an overview of federal nutrition assistance programs and Cooperative Extension education programs that support both nutrition and financial readiness. Further\, attendees will hear from an installation community partnership addressing nutrition readiness at Fort Drum\, enabling more effective referrals and connections to resources.  \nLearning Objectives: \n\nIdentify the three pillars of military nutrition readiness as a framework for professionals working to increase nutrition readiness among military families.\nDescribe evidence-informed programs used by service providers to strengthen nutrition and financial readiness. \nIdentify local\, state\, and federal programs that support nutrition and financial readiness among military families. \nIdentify potential community partners in their own location or workplace to collaboratively strengthen nutrition and financial readiness in the military families they serve\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=”226266″ 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=”CPT Alicia Lee\, MS\, RD” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Officer in Charge of the Fort Drum Food Insecurity Working Group\nClinical Outpatient Dietitian\nGuthrie Ambulatory Healthcare Clinic\nFort Drum\, New York[/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=”226259″ 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=”Nicole Wetzel” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Family Development Educator\, Team Coordinator\, Family Advocacy Program\nCornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County\nFort Drum\, New York[/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=”226258″ 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=”Jordan Reeves\, CLC” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Family and Life Development Educator\, Family Advocacy Program\nCornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County\nFort Drum\, New York[/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=”197037″ 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=”CPT Kimberly Whitbeck\, MS\, RD\, CSSD” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Registered Dietitian\nHolistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Nutrition Program Director\n197th Infantry Brigade\nFort Benning\, Georgia[/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_b2CKd14LH2ZbRXg”][vc_column_text]\n\nAccredited Financial Counselors (AFC): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) units by the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close August 12\, 2029.\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). Eligibility for CE credit will close August 12\, 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). Eligibility for CE credit will close August 12\, 2028.\nCertified Personal and Family Finance Educator (CPFFE): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Eligibility for CE credit will close August 12\, 2028.\nCertified Personal Finance Counselors (CPFC): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from The Center for Financial Certifications (FinCert.org). **Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close August 12\, 2029.\nBoard Certified Patient Advocates (BCPA): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) contact hours by The Patient Advocate Certification Board. Eligibility for CE credit will close August 12\, 2028.\nBoard Certified Case Managers (CCMC): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) clock hours from the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). Eligibility for CE credit will close August 12\, 2028.\nBoard Certified Disability Management Specialists: This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) clock hours from The Commission for Case Manager Certification. Eligibility for CE credit will close August 12\, 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 (CDR) CPEU Prior Approval Program. Eligibility for CE credit will close June 22\, 2029.\nCertified Family Life Educators (CFLE): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Eligibility for CE credit will close August 12\, 2028.\nMichigan Certified Teachers (SCECH): This webinar is approved for 1.5 SCECH from the Michigan Education Association’s Center for Leadership and Learning. Eligibility for CE credit will close August 12\, 2028.\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). Eligibility for CE credit will close on August 12\, 2028.\nHuman Resource Professionals (SHRM): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credit from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Eligibility for CE credit will close August 12\, 2028.\nSocial Workers\, Licensed Professional Counselors\, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (UTSW): 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. Eligibility for CE credit will close August 12\, 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 continuing education survey through this link: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b2CKd14LH2ZbRXg.If you have any questions\, please contact CE@oneop.org. \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_1786459460733{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Slides \nResources \nAcademy Resource Inventory (.docx)  \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: Seventyfour/Adobe Stock \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” 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_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]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/160146/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AdobeStock_588092248.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260813T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260813T170000
DTSTAMP:20260816T212620
CREATED:20260813T100044Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260812T223054Z
UID:10001792-1786600800-1786640400@oneop.org
SUMMARY:The Connective Tissue: What Statewide Military Family Coordination Looks Like
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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” 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 33) \nMany military families don’t live near a large installation.  \nJennifer Holliday\, Alabama’s first Military Family Liaison shares what it takes to coordinate support for geographically dispersed families and what any service provider can do to build that connective tissue in their own community. \nJennifer Holliday serves as the first Military Family Liaison for the State of Alabama. She is a military spouse with over 21 years of military life experience with her Army husband Doc Holliday\, including 7 wartime deployments and 9 PCS moves while raising their three Army BRATS. They now live on the “retiree side\,” in Huntsville. \nHer past military spouse leadership roles centered around Family Readiness Group Leader and Advisor positions\, including the 3d SFG(A) Headquarters and 3ID Headquarters. Jennifer was also the Vice President of the Stan the Man Foundation from 2006-2010\, helping the organization continue and expand its mission to support military families in need at Fort Bragg. \nSince moving to Alabama in 2016 for Doc to serve as the Redstone Arsenal Garrison Commander\, Jennifer has cultivated an expansive network across the local military spouse\, civilian\, Federal\, and Veteran communities. She has volunteered in a variety of roles across the community and continues to serve as the Communications Director for the Semper Fi Community Task Force. \nLinks and resources from this episode: \n\nThe Heroes Welcome Initiative website\nHeroes Welcome LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alabama-heroes-welcome-initiative\nHeroes Welcome on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlabamaHeroesWelcomeInitiative\nJennifer on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferholliday1\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: [00:00:00] Hi\, and welcome to Practicing Connection. I’m Jessica Beckendorf. Today\, we’re talking about what it looks like when states step more directly into supporting military families\, and how coordination\, connection\, and shared responsibility actually play out on the ground. \nAnd I’m really glad to have two of my one-off colleagues joining me as guest co-host today. I have Kim Smith and Jenny Rae here. Kim Smith is the spouse employment program coordinator at OneOp\, where she designs professional development for those serving military families with more than 25 years of experience in higher education and a focus on access and opportunity. \nAnd Jenny Rae is an Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona and the incoming principal investigator for the OneOp Military Spouse Employment Team. Her work focuses on military spouse employment\, career continuity\, and workforce mobility. And she brings both research expertise [00:01:00] and lived experience as a military spouse. \nKim\, Jenny\, welcome to your first time being here as a co-host. \nKIM SMITH: Thanks\, Jessica. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Hopefully not the last time\, too. \nKIM SMITH: Thanks\, Jessica. I’m glad to be here and looking forward to this discussion. \nJENNY REA: Thank you. It’s great to be part of this conversation as well. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Well\, Kim\, I’m gonna now turn it over to you as a co-host\, to introduce our guest. \nKIM SMITH: Thank you. Joining us today is Jennifer Holiday\, the first military family liaison for the state of Alabama. A military spouse of more than 21 years. Jennifer brings firsthand experience navigating military life alongside her husband during multiple deployments and relocations while raising their three children. \nThroughout her experience as a military family advocate\, Jennifer has led and supported military spouse and family initiatives through roles with family readiness groups and community organizations. In her current role\, she [00:02:00] works to strengthen quality of life for military families across Alabama and nationwide by advancing policies\, building partnerships\, and connecting communities. \nJennifer\, we’re really glad you’re here. Thank you for joining us. \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: Thank you all for having me. I’m excited to be here\, too. This is gonna be great. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, I’m so excited for this conversation. I will kick us off. So Jennifer\, you’ve lived military life for over 21 years. Seven deployments\, nine PCS moves\, permanent change of station moves. Three kids. Before we talk about the work you do now\, what did you learn from being on the receiving end of military family support systems that you carry into this role every day? \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: There’s a lot\, but I think some of the key things are communication\, which is\, you know\, I say it all the time\, it is the base of all of our problems. If we could improve our communication\, we would solve a lot. Relationships are key to strong support for anybody\, but especially for the military community [00:03:00] where they’re constantly moving and changing\, and having to develop new relationships. \nSo having that kind of strong introduction to a community\, and even within a unit\, is really key to having a successful experience. And just being curious. Always digging deeper and asking questions\, and not always taking no for the final answer. Sometimes you have to\, and I have done that too. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Kind of being able to advocate for yourself and your family. Yeah. \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: For yourself\, advocate for your friends. Share your ideas\, but also be willing to\, you know\, listen to and investigate other ideas. So I think communication\, curiosity\, and just using all of that to help build strong relationships is key. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Being on that receiving end of military family support systems though\, it sounds like you had to do a lot of sort of investigating to kind of find them. Is that right? \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: That’s kind of one of those things that helps make military spouses so\, I don’t wanna say necessarily unique\, but well-trained. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: Resource navigation and [00:04:00] project management and all of the things that\, especially\, you know\, back in the old days in the 1900s when we didn’t have all the tools and resources that we have now. \nSo navigation and finding even just resources and personal connections was a lot harder than it is now. It looks different. It’s still difficult. Just sometimes in different ways. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mmhmm. \nKIM SMITH: So Alabama created this military family liaison position before any other state. How did that happen? What was the problem someone was trying to solve? And why Alabama first? \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: Well\, it’s a unique story. I’ll try to do it in a nutshell. It actually started from our lieutenant governor. His main two priorities the entire time he’s been in office\, he’s finishing up his last term now\, but he’s been focused on workforce development and the military broadly\, but also specifically within military spouse employment. \nBack in 2018\, Alabama on its [00:05:00] own I mean\, we were here\, but I was not involved in any of this stuff. They actually passed a Military Family Jobs Opportunity Act in 2018\, giving license reciprocity to military spouses almost across the board. \nAnd since that time\, we’ve added a few things that have covered just about everybody\, on our own\, in addition to all the interstate compacts that are out there. But because they had done that 2018 bill\, they felt kind of good. But when DOD started pushing on family programs and license reciprocity\, and making it a priority for states to sign onto those compacts\, they very quickly realized\, “Well\, even though we already have our own internal\, we really need to participate in this\, and join these compacts.” \nAnd so they started doing that pretty quickly. So Lieutenant Governor Ainsworth wanted to have a place to put all of this new information for the spouses\, for the families. It started with the idea of having a webpage or website. I had worked\, my husband being the Garrison commander at Redstone\, I just\, on my own\, I had created a website for North Alabama resources [00:06:00] across our communities\, and broken up by different categories. \nI had worked with our government affairs lead at the Chamber of Commerce and didn’t know that he was on this Military Stability Foundation board. So when all of that was happening\, after my husband retired\, and they were having these discussions\, and Mike said\, “Hey\, you know\, we have this model website\,” everybody got excited about it. \nThey reached out to me\, and my first meeting\, I didn’t know it was a job interview\, but it was. And so they hired me and CeCe Gallagher\, who was a military spouse at the time stationed at Fort Bliss\, Texas\, to design this website\, which was great. We survived doing that all through COVID without even getting on video. \nWe just\, you know\, put our heads down\, got it done. But during that time\, we were suggesting that there could be something more. We didn’t offer ideas on that. We just said it could be something more. And the Lieutenant Governor and the Military Stability Foundation said\, “Oh\, okay. We have an idea.” \nAnd they came back to me and said\, you know\, “Lieutenant Governor wants a subject matter expert on the military family [00:07:00] and spouse items\, quality of life\, and we want you to do it. But no one else in the country’s doing it. There’s literally no one to follow. \nYou have to do it. There is no model. You have\, you know\, here’s your silver platter\, but you have to figure it out. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: You have to create the mold. \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: Exactly. Exactly. And I love starting new things. So like\, okay\, let’s go. And so we did. That was six years ago this week\, and I kind of just have realized that recently it’s been six years. \nWe launched it in early July\, both the website and this position\, only later to find out that a year after we launched\, Washington state had created a similar position\, and they’ve grown from there. I think we’ll talk about that later. But theirs had come up from a spouse Roundtable event/listening session type of thing. \nOurs came\, you know\, just completely. My position is wholly unique and started that way. I love it. But it does offer its own challenges that way. \nJENNY REA: It sounded like it was a great experience. \nI just wanted to ask\, in that process\, so you were saying you were [00:08:00] working with CeCe Gallagher\, and I’m sure other folks who were in that\, like\, council space\, right? It made me just think about\, so did you reach out to other military spouses\, other people within the community to bring in those outside perspectives to broaden that resource list or anything of that sort? \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: Absolutely. Yeah. You know\, CC was more connected at the national level\, and I was more connected at kind of the local and Alabama level. And so although I had used a lot of those national resources\, I had never really been engaged and involved with them. So it was great to be able to have the two of us coming at it from different perspectives to begin with. \nAnd then we reached out to all the communities. We reached out to spouses. We reached out to the installations\, just pretty much anybody and everybody we could think of. I like to say\, I’ve kind of built a network of networks. And so I’ve kind of always done that with\, for the FRGs\, the family readiness groups and things within a unit\, but I was never really engaged out in the broader community the way that [00:09:00] I was when we got to Redstone. \nAnd so I actually had a lot of connections in our other communities that could help bring in and say\, “Oh\, you need to remember this.” And the Military Stability Foundation board and the commission that it’s connected to are all from different parts of the state and all around. \nSo we can reach out and say\, “Hey\, you know\, what are some of the vetted resources for mental health awareness or education?” And reach out to the different state departments and say\, you know\, “What\, what do you want to highlight?” \nSo it’s been pretty broad\, and it’s ever-growing. I mean\, it will never be complete. I am constantly looking. So anybody who has ideas or resources or whatever\, I’m always – when I was in kindergarten\, I didn’t speak a lot. I was not this! I didn’t talk a lot. And there was some concern\, but my teachers were like\, “No\, no\, no. She’s just a sponge. She’s soaking it all up.” \nAnd that’s typically what I do\, is just kind of bring it all in and then try to help share it out as best I can. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I just wanted to point out that I’ve seen many [00:10:00] initiatives get started with the idea of\, “Oh\, well\, what we need is a website that will kind of contain\, like\, we need a resource site\, or we need a resources repository or whatever that is.” \nAnd a lot of times\, it’ll start to get built. Maybe it’ll get finished. I really think it’s cool that it was recognized that more was needed\, that the website was just sort of like a thing that could be useful\, but that actually someone was needed to coordinate and not just coordinate the website\, but to coordinate some of the actual relationship building and stuff. \nSo that’s one of the things I noticed. \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: Yeah\, it’s really cool. I am a designer by nature\, words and visuals and everything\, which is what kind of brought me to that website design part. But I can’t stand just like a list of links. It had to be more engaging than that. It needed a person behind it\, and now I’m at a point where I’m like\, “Okay\, now it needs to be more interactive.” \nSo we’re constantly [00:11:00] trying to evolve it broadly what we’re offering. \nKIM SMITH: So\, the title military family liaison for the state of Alabama. It’s pretty broad. If you had to describe your actual day-to-day job to someone who had never heard of it\, what would you say? I \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: It’s different every day. Every single day is different\, which I love. That’s great for me\, personally. But\, I am constantly in research mode. I am very curious by nature. And so\, I’m always kind of keeping an eye out for new resources\, new connections. LinkedIn is a great place for me to spend a lot of time because people share on their more on the professional side. \nAnd so when someone’s moving\, that’s\, you know\, that’s a life change. And so they may mention that. They may mention where they’re going. But it’s a great way to connect\, whether they’re job seekers or not\, I find them on there a lot. So spending a lot of time\, engaging that way on social media and things\, and really a lot of email\, a lot of outreach. \nI’m [00:12:00] constantly kind of\, behind a screen\, whether it’s doing\, you know\, virtual meetings and things. So I do try to meet with people in person as much as possible\, whether it’s here locally in the Huntsville area or when I travel to other places\, trying to you know\, kind of get that human connection in person. \nBut having the video is also great because I’ve managed to speak with so many more people that way than I would have if we couldn’t do this. So\, it’s really been great to get some of that connection with individuals\, but also with a lot of the organizations\, like you guys\, and being able to\, you know\, say\, “Hey\, here’s\, what we’re doing\,” Or\, “Here’s a question\, problem\, concern\,” whatever\, and be able to share out with you guys too\, since I am really a party of one in this mission. \nGetting the word out is sometimes a little bit harder. So trying to connect with people who can also help us just\, you know\, amplify what’s going on. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: That’s great. \nJENNY REA: So Alabama does have a strong National Guard and Reserve presence. But most of us know that with guard and reserve [00:13:00] families\, they often live in communities where their neighbors may or may not have any frame of reference of what a military family is\, what military life kind of involves. With that being said\, there’s also a lack of installation family support nearby. \nSo how does that change what coordination and collaboration have to look like for both service providers and also that local community support system? \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: It’s a great question because people tend to think\, you know\, military broadly and don’t always remember that the Guard and Reserve forces are part-time. So it’s a very different experience for the spouses\, the families\, and the service members between full-time service and part-time service. \nA lot of the time for our Guard and Reserve families\, they’re spread out. They’re all over. They may be through different states even\, not just like our Alabama National Guard. We have a lot of people that don’t live in Alabama\, but are serving here. And so it’s very disjointed a lot of the [00:14:00] time. \nNot necessarily by design\, but that’s just kind of the nature of that expansive beast. So for people who are providing a service or even just\, you know\, trying to support within the community\, it’s really important to try to think outside the box\, try to connect with those communities and find out what they need firsthand\, not just kind of guessing at what they need. \nBut then using that to build something maybe a little bit more flexible. Something that could be supportive to someone individually on a case-by-case basis. But then if there is a guard activation or deployment and the whole unit is gonna be engaged\, then you can kind of level up to support\, and kind of wrap your arms around that whole group instead of just the onesies and twosies that are maybe coming and going\, that kind of thing. \nOne of the good examples for this kind of broadly is childcare. A lot of the time those part-time service member families\, the Guard and Reserve\, they are in the community. Their families are there locally. They’re not as spread out as the active duty folks. \n[00:15:00] So they may have fairly steady childcare through the week. They’re good. They’ve got full-time childcare. They’ve got their seats. But then what happens if the service member has to pull duty\, or goes for weekend or two weeks of training\, and the stay-at-home spouse\, the one that’s working at home\, works the swing shift\, maybe as a nurse that has to go in in the middle of the night\, those kinds of things. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Or on the weekend. \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: Or the weekend. Absolutely. The weekend is really kind of the biggest impact. Childcare’s not often offered on a weekend. So where can the communities kind of pull together and figure out how to develop resources that can help support that? Some of that’s coming from the spouse community itself right now. \nThat’s a really big problem. But it’s a good example of where active duty folks are often looking for childcare and can’t get in\, because they’re not there locally already established\, but the ones that are established are still looking for alternative care because they need it in a different way at a different time. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, I think you’re kind of leading in this [00:16:00] direction. But I’m curious about how\, you know\, one of the frameworks that comes up in military family systems work is shared responsibility. That idea that there’s no single agency or program or level of government that can meet a military family’s needs on their own. \nSo what does shared responsibility\, and I think you’ve been going down this path and starting to explain it\, especially in the last question we asked\, but what does shared responsibility look like when it’s actually working\, versus when it’s just sort of a phrase that people are using like\, “We need to pull together. We need to\, collaborate more.” \nI think it’s a really easy thing to say\, and I do think people’s hearts are in the right place and they want to do it. It’s never a simple answer as a simple thing to do. So yeah\, what does shared responsibility look like when it’s working well? \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: It comes down to action\, collaborative action\, if you want to call it that. One of the things I talk about a lot is the military community really loves and appreciates it when people say thank you. That’s great. But they get a [00:17:00] deeper sense of belonging if there’s actually action behind it. \nAnd not just a Veterans Day parade\, that’s great. We have a fabulous one here in Huntsville that’s wonderful. But doing things\, an employer having a policy where if they hire a military\, an active duty spouse or even a guard reserve spouse\, because sometimes service members are activated and they go into deployment mode\, or have to PCS\, that there’s a policy at the place where you work that sees you. \nIt’s\, you know\, being seen and heard\, but also understood and having some kind of action being taken that’s waving the flag\, saying thank you. \nThat’s wonderful\, and always appreciate it\, but it doesn’t necessarily wrap your arms around the families the way that it feels like it does. \nAnd once you start as a community or service provider\, start actually engaging in that. I have seen so many times where it’s just\, it makes such a huge difference\, not just for that service member or family or even unit\, but for the people who are the action or creating the [00:18:00] policy. \nAnd it just continues to kind of\, I guess\, for lack of a better term\, pay it forward. And it just continues to grow and expand. I’ll tell you\, probably that sense of\, not just welcome\, but belonging\, a lot of the time can significantly improve somebody’s mental health state. \nThey come in\, they’re exhausted. They’ve\, you know\, moved three times across three different states across the country to completely different places. And then you walk in\, and you don’t know what’s what. You don’t know who to go to. If you find that person\, or you see that resource\, or you interview with an employer that says\, “Oh\, I can help with that.” \nI’ve seen so many times\, not just me but many times\, where it just is kind of an instant switch. I tell people all the time\, you know\, “Don’t base your new place on your old place\, right? Give it a chance.” \nAnd so the more that the community can offer that chance upfront as much as possible\, the quicker they will settle into the new place\, be a part of the community. \nI mean\, I’m not sure if everybody’s aware of this\, but [00:19:00] 70% of the military\, the active duty military community\, also lives in your community. They’re not living on the installations. You know\, here at Redstone\, it’s even a bigger number because we don’t have a lot of housing. \nBut\, the military community is your community. They’re already there. It’s just getting engaged\, and sometimes they don’t know how to do that. They need the help of the community to reach out and say\, “Hey\, come on in and hang out with us.” \nJENNY REA: I love that\, Jennifer. I just want to peek in really quick because that hit home really well for me\, just with how many moves. We recently just PCSd to Newburn and it’s like\, “Holy cow\, we’re starting all over and it’s exhausting.” And so that really hit home\, for me. And I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase\, like\, “Grow where you’re planted.” \nAnd it’s like\, “I will. I can. I know I can\, but\, like\, I need the soil that is strong to also hold me up to get there.” \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: Yes. The community is that foundation\, the fertilizer [00:20:00] to\, you know\, help you grow. And yes\, bloom where you’re planted\, grow where you are. Those things have been a long\, long\, long\, long history in the military spouse community especially. And it’s kind of in our nature to do that and to want to\, you know\, when you come in and you see a problem or a gap or whatever that you kind of want to fix it. \nAnd it would be great if it\, especially in school\, if it helps your kid\, that’s great. But more the better that it helps the people that are coming in behind\, so they don’t have to jump that hurdle that you had to do. Sometimes it works great\, and sometimes it continues to be a struggle for a while. \nIt just depends on what it is and where it is\, and where you interact. And there’s definitely things in our past that\, if I had been more aware and known what I could do in the community\, we could’ve maybe made some impact sooner rather than later. But somebody\, you know\, will come along and has done that\, and it’s great and wonderful when it happens. \nBut yeah\, the communities\, I think\, the ones that are really [00:21:00] engaged and doing those active things\, whatever that might look like for your community or your organization\, are the ones that really kind of build the relationships. And I’ll tell you\, we are still\, we may be very digital\, but the military community is very much – we work along the grapevine. Everything is experience-based. “And what did you do? And how did it go?” \nSometimes that’s really great\, and it perpetuates really great things. Sometimes\, I mean\, they’re very honest about this. Montgomery and Maxwell Air Force Base have struggled for a long time. \nAnd a lot of the folks go to the schoolhouse there with what we call geo-batch. The service member would go onto the school\, and the spouse and family would stay in another state because they weren’t interested in going for whatever reason\, whatever that was. The installation and the community have done a lot of work over the last several years\, there’s still a long way to go\, on some things\, but they’ve done a lot of work. And I have known people who literally maybe 5\, 10 years ago went and did not bring their family. And now they’re back again for another school [00:22:00] and they’re bringing the family\, and that’s a better experience. \neducation has improved\, all those things. So it is very\, very impactful what particular military service member\, spouse\, family\, especially the kids\, what they experience when they come into a new area or reach out to a resource. \nKIM SMITH: Yes\, relationships are so important. So Jennifer\, you work closely with the Defense State Liaison Office. Their function is to bridge federal policy and state-level implementation. From your perspective\, how does that relationship function\, and what difference does it make for families? \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: So it is actually super important. We work very closely. The liaisons are regional\, so we don’t have one just for each state. So they have a lot on their plate as well. But to be able to funnel things it’s kind of like a two-way bridge. So the things that they’re working on\, like I mentioned earlier\, when the priority became licensed reciprocity and signing onto the compacts\, Alabama stepped [00:23:00] up and said\, “Okay\, here we go. We’re going to do all of these. We’re going to join them.” \nWe couldn’t do them all at once immediately\, but they did several. And we went from being\, like\, number 50 to number 1 in just a couple of short years. I think as of last fall\, we were\, not to toot our own horn\, but we were number 1 on all of these compacts. \nBut it’s also fun to see the other states catching up and be like\, “Okay\, come on.” Like\, we’re all in this together. The competition is good because it helps bring everybody up\, but it also is not a\, “Hey\, we’re better than anybody else\,” kind of thing. \nIt’s just\, like\, “We did it\, so can you.” So they kind of are bridging gaps at that national federal to the states. I’m kind of doing the opposite\, kind of bridging up. \nAnd so when I hear of things from different states or at different conferences\, we can say\, “Okay\, we know that this is important. It’s a priority.” They have gained\, they have the data and all of that to bring top level information to us. But we can also bring it up from the bottom\, you know\, have that\, grassroots [00:24:00] push to bring up to their attention what we may be seeing or what challenges we may even be facing within what they see as a priority. \nWe can’t always make that work\, at least immediately. But we have been pretty good lately. Alabama is a state with\, every time they produce a priority\, we’re right there going\, “Okay. All right. What can you challenge us with next? What can we do?” And keep that momentum going. \nSo they have that wide scope we kind of fill in the funnel towards the bottom\, especially all the way down to me. Because even the state itself is a completely different level\, and all of our different departments that I’m trying to kind of\, you know\, bring everybody together and be like\, “Okay\, everybody needs a point of contact for the military. Everybody needs some policies. Who wants to join the military spouse employment partnership with me?” \nAnd\, “What are these things that we can do to help?” Because all of that stuff also helps\, from the top down\, the leadership be involved and generate that action that we’re talking about earlier from the top down. \nSo it’s not always just somebody who’s maybe a military spouse in a [00:25:00] company going\, “Hey\, what about this?” That is happening a lot and it works a lot\, but it is a struggle sometimes for them to get to the right people and all of that. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: If we’re working together with going from the top down and from the bottom up\, we could be making a very tasty sandwich. \nWhich is a really stupid joke. But – \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: But we’re meeting in the middle. That’s the\, you know\, and that’s where really the meat of the matter – \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. The – \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: Works perfectly. I love it. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, the delicious middle. \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: That’s right. That’s right. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: So I’d love to know\, when you’re trying to get people from very different sectors\, right? Federal\, state\, non-profit\, private\, to work together on something as complicated as childcare access or reducing military spouse unemployment\, what does it take to get them to the table and keep them there? \nLike what are some of the barriers? What are some of the things that work or that have worked? \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: Something that works is offering the table\, offering the space\, and reaching out and starting a conversation [00:26:00] and saying\, “Hey\, I see or know or understand that you do X. That’s great. Can we adjust that a little bit?” \nIt’s a really interesting kind of push and pull\, because the military community doesn’t want to be the cause of things\, and doesn’t want to be like\, “So we do this and we do it for the military.” We want to be\, like I said earlier\, engaged in that sense of belonging where\, you know\, you’re part of the team. So talking to\, whether it’s service providers or state departments\, or anybody\, a lot of the time\, it just starts with a conversation. \nAnd usually because we are all just so connected in different ways\, having a conversation\, telling a story\, if I tell a story about one family\, a lot of the time\, that person that I’m talking to will go\, “Oh\, I had that experience\,” or\, “I know a such and such that had something similar.” \nAnd it may not even be the whole experience. There’s some little piece of something that’s in there\, breaking down the [00:27:00] silos between\, you know\, a lot of times\, even within an organization or a department\, things are very kind of siloed. And we don’t even realize that something you’re doing could benefit over here and vice versa. \nAnd kind of the\, my husband was an intel guy\, and his thing is always\, “Who else needs to know?” Like\, who else needs to know about the resource\, but who else needs to know what could be maybe adjusted. So it’s really\, a lot of conversation\, a lot of human nature. And just trying to find those connections. \nI’ve said a lot that I work in small\, big things. So one example of that\, and I’m not sure if it would fit somewhere else\, but I’ll just say right here\, most states have an immunization shot\, you know\, a shot record for kids\, and they have to submit that to register for school\, right? \nSo as we move from state to state\, no matter how many kids you have\, you have to have that done for every child\, every year that you’ve moved. And it has to be done by a medical provider. You can’t just [00:28:00] say\, “Oh\, here’s a copy of my stuff\,” and go to school.” And so we’ve dealt with that multiple times ourselves for three kids. \nAnd I had a conversation\, just a one-on-one\, with a spouse down in Montgomery. They had just gotten to Maxwell. They had moved from Alaska to Virginia to Alabama once a year. They had experienced each of those three states in short order. Young elementary school kids. And we were just having a conversation over lunch\, and she was kind of venting that she had just spent the day before\, like\, three or four hours\, at the county health department\, because she couldn’t get an appointment on post to get the doctor to transfer the records\, and so she had to do it there. \nThat’s a lot of time and stress\, and just all the things that you don’t need in the middle of this gigantic checklist of things that you’re trying to do\, especially three times in three years. And so I kind of\, “Yep\, I could commiserate with that\,” at least to an extent. I hadn’t done it that frequently. \nBut\, in my head\, I thought\, “Hmm\, I’m in a position to fix this.” And when I approached the topic with my [00:29:00] leadership and said\, “Here’s the problem\,” and they said\, “Well\, does this affect everybody or just a few people?” I said\, ” Everybody.” \nIt’s something that doesn’t require funding. It required a few conversations with the Department of Ed and\, you know\, the health department\, you know\, a few people. And within a couple of months\, we had legislation written and submitted to give military\, active duty military families coming into the state\, an exemption so they don’t have to do that. So they can bring their federal shot record because it is redundant. \nYou have a federal shot record\, you’re bringing it in. It kind of supersedes the state one and you hand it in. So I am sure on the back end\, they deal with having the data if they want to have it all\, you know\, in their streamlined system\, but they alleviated the problem directly for the military families coming into the state. \nIt’s a small thing. It sounds like a really small thing. It’s an item on a checklist to do\, but for the military families\, it’s a huge thing. I mean\, I’ve had people\, I tell them that we’re doing this and they’re in tears\, like\, “Oh my God\, that’s so [00:30:00] impactful.” Sometimes it’s hard to find those things\, but being able to break through some of the walls\, I don’t think any state has really thought through the fact that that’s redundant. And it’s something we could easily alleviate. It just happened out of conversation. \nSo I think\, again\, communication is my thing\, but I think it all comes down to being able to connect with people and find out what they need. \nJENNY REA: So Jennifer\, I think what you were just talking about really reflects on what you were saying earlier about military families being seen and heard\, and where you’re able to be in that position to kind of fix or be able to help others. I love that part\, and I really hope that you can make the immunization thing happen in North Carolina. \nThat’d be great. So this role didn’t exist anywhere else before Alabama when you first started. They didn’t exist at all\, when you created it\, and now\, Washington State\, Virginia\, and a small handful of others actually have followed this lead. What does this tell you about the [00:31:00] current movement\, in the military family policy that states are starting to create these positions themselves rather than waiting for that federal direction? \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: I think it’s just a reflection of the fact that that support needs to be localized. The military families\, I think\, have known that forever and kind of wished for it to have more local support. The stuff that comes down is great. There’s a lot of big programs that offer a lot of support. \nBut\, like\, with our experience\, I really didn’t get involved in the community\, like I said earlier\, until the very end of my husband’s career. There’s a bigger push now to get engaged in the local community\, rather than staying kind of behind the gate\, whether you’re living on post or not\, and not just internalized to the unit. \nAnd a lot of that comes from the fact that\, I think I mentioned earlier\, 70% of the military families are living in the community already. And so beyond just volunteering at\, you know\, your kids’ school or something\, it’s much broader than that. I could talk about that in and of itself [00:32:00] all day long\, but\, Blue Star Families has created their Do Your Part initiative as\, again\, kind of a reflection of this. \nLike they’re realizing we really\, really do need to better coordinate locally this initiative out to the states to say\, you know\, you need to do your part. work with us. And so they have a toolkit that’s online where they’ve gone through and curated all the policies and things that have happened at the state level across many of the states so far. \nIt’s a building/growing toolkit. But stakeholders can go in there and kind of\, it’s not necessarily forward-facing to the families as much as where mine is a little bit more kind of like the actual resources. This is just kind of awareness of what’s going on in your state\, and different states\, to help people see where they can localize things. \nIt gives really good ideas and examples of things that other people can carry forward. and just really making it more of a local team effort to support what’s happening at the federal level. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. We’ll include a link to that in our show notes so our listeners can check that out. \nWell\, [00:33:00] let’s switch gears a little bit. Many of our listeners are family service professionals that are working in communities that don’t have someone in a role like yours in their state\, right? \nThere’s no state liaison. There’s no formal coordination infrastructure. So what can an individual practitioner out in a rural county\, for example\, do to create some of that connective tissue themselves? \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: I think one of the easiest things is to just start building trust by showing that you are knowledgeable about the military community. Learning\, making sure that\, you know\, you’re aware of trainings and things\, so that you’ve got\, if you’re not already personally connected\, a lot of time\, people are personally connected or working with people who are military connected\, so that helps a lot. \nBut if you can\, when you’re reaching out on social media\, be intentional. Don’t just post a flag day\, social media post\, Happy Flag Day\, and that’s your military connection. You want it to be much deeper and more intentional than that. \nSo sharing things that are [00:34:00] your resource or other resources for families to help spread the word about those things. Create a landing page. It’s a little bit\, you know\, sharing on social media is probably the quickest\, easiest thing when you’re sharing intentional\, knowledgeable things\, and reaching out to show them that you care\, not just what you offer. \nBut having a landing page\, whether it’s for the military families or the spouses\, or whatever it is for your particular thing. I even did that with our website. Our website is titled Heroes Welcome Initiative\, because it was named before they even knew that this was going to be more focused on spouses. \nSo I created a landing page for military spouses to hold more of our spouse-connected resources\, to spotlight that. So for an employer to spotlight job opportunities for those arenas that spouses may be more interested in\, or their policies. If you have a policy that’s specific to military spouses\, spotlight that on your website. \nYou know\, it doesn’t even have to be a whole landing page\, but have something on there that starts to highlight your connection to the military and supporting them. \nKIM SMITH: You’ve been [00:35:00] a military spouse\, a volunteer leader\, a foundation VP\, and now a state liaison. So we’re curious\, Jennifer\, what do you now know about supporting military families that you wish someone had told you during your first PCS move? \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: I am sure that there are a lot of things\, but the one that comes to mind\, because we’ve already just talked about it\, is\, just engaging locally. We were very internal to what was happening because it was also\, you know\, GYT. we kind of needed to be internal\, in a lot of ways. \nBut\, we also really could have leaned on the community a little bit more. And I think if we had\, they would’ve stepped up. And I think some people did. But I think generally\, from the military community and spouse side\, it’s more of an internal thing. We’ve got this and all of that HUA stuff. Just\, you know\, step out into the community\, go out and volunteer and do something out there and engage\, and be part of the community. \nJENNY REA: Jennifer\, that’s great advice. In a follow-up to that\, what is one thing that you [00:36:00] want service providers or community leaders who are listening today to do or think about differently\, after hearing this conversation? \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: I think it’s starting small. Start those small things. You can do big sweeping things\, but a lot of the time\, like we talked about earlier\, those small things are very impactful. Especially when it comes to the difference between active duty and garden reserve. \nThe same applies across all of it. Start small. but you can really make some big impacts with the Guard and Reserve folks\, if that’s what your focus is in your area\, because they don’t have a lot of that continuity on the military community side\, and really within their own communities. \nBut show up. Show up\, whether that’s virtually or in person. And if you have a service and a program that you’re providing\, how does that really impact and affect the military? Is it what they need? I guess that would probably be the even bigger thing is\, connect with the [00:37:00] military community\, and make sure that what you’re providing is what they need\, or find out how you could adjust it by actually talking to them instead of kind of guessing or assuming. \nIt makes your job a lot easier. \nJENNY REA: Thank you\, Jennifer. I really appreciate you sharing that experience. \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: Absolutely. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Jennifer\, thank you so much for sharing your experience and your perspective with us\, and for the work that you’re doing to strengthen support for military families. I think this conversation really highlighted how much of this work comes down to connection\, right? Connection across systems\, across sectors\, across communities\, and of course all of those things are made up of people\, which is the most important ingredient. \nThank you so much for being here. \nJENNIFER HOLLIDAY: Absolutely. Thank you so much for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to\, to share with you all and\, hopefully offer some nuggets of wisdom along the way\, but\, it’s been fun. Thank you. \nKIM SMITH: Well\, that’s it for this episode. If this conversation sparked ideas for your own work\, we encourage you to share it with a colleague or partner in your [00:38:00] network. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: We’d like to thank one more time our guest\, Jennifer Holliday\, for joining us\, and our guest co-host\, Kim Smith and Jenny Rea for being part of today’s conversation. \nKIM SMITH: We’d also like to thank our announcer\, Kaylin Gobel-Mathis\, Maggie Lucas\, and Joyce Vaughn for their help with marketing\, and Nathan Grimm\, who composed and performed all the music you hear on the podcast. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: And of course\, thank you so much for being part of the conversation. We’ll see you next time. \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. \n.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/the-connective-tissue-what-statewide-military-family-coordination-looks-like/
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:20260819T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260819T123000
DTSTAMP:20260816T212620
CREATED:20260520T181108Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T225212Z
UID:10001755-1787137200-1787142600@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Navigating Child Care Barriers and Their Effect on Military Spouse Employment
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_column_text]Access to reliable\, affordable\, and high-quality childcare remains a critical challenge for both military and civilian families. Provider shortages\, rising costs\, workforce instability\, and limited access continue to affect family well-being and military readiness. This 90-minute multidisciplinary webinar explores how these challenges intersect with employment barriers faced by military spouses. The session offers current data\, foundational knowledge\, practical strategies\, and real-world case analysis to help professionals expand childcare access\, support military spouse workforce participation\, and advance overall family readiness. Designed for professionals working across military\, education\, child development\, workforce systems\, health\, and community organizations\, this session offers practical tools and cross-sector solutions to better support military-connected families. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nDescribe at least three current data points related to the national childcare shortage and affordability trends affecting civilian and military families.\nExplain the relationship between childcare access and military spouse employment outcomes\, including at least two systemic barriers to workforce participation.\nIdentify at least three War Department childcare programs or fee assistance options and summarize the basic enrollment pathway through MilitaryChildCare.com.\nList at least five indicators of high-quality\, inclusive childcare environments\, including one indicator specific to children with disabilities.\nExplore how partnerships and community-based child care programs increase access and well-being for military families.\nAnalyze a cross-sector partnership by explaining a policy solution to address childcare and employment barriers.\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=”226496″ 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=”Walter S. Gilliam\, Ph.D.” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]\nDr. Walter S. Gilliam is Executive Director of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska and holds the Richard D. Holland Presidential Chair in Early Childhood Development. His research focuses on early childhood education and intervention policy\, as well as improving the overall quality of child care services. \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=”226487″ 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=”Molly Hill\, M.Ed.” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Molly Hill is a Program Analyst for the Department of War within the Office of Military Community and Family Policy’s Child and Youth Programs division. In her previous role as an Operations Specialist with Headquarters Marine Corps\, she served as a subject matter expert in child and youth programs\, responsible for policy development and operational planning.[/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=”227469″ 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=”Mujaahida Latif\, B.A.” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Mujaahida Latif is a Program Analyst for the Department of the Navy within the Joint Services Operations Division. She led the effort to establish the Department of War provider network through MilitaryChildCare.com\, including approximately 30\,000 community-based and DoW-operated child care providers. She supports stakeholder engagement and training for military child care 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=”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=”226479″ 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 Hale\, M.Ed.” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Eric Hale serves as Director of Business Partnerships and Strategy for Early Matters Texas. In this role\, he identifies innovative employer strategies to assess workforce challenges\, explore child care solutions\, and develop approaches that better support working 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=”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\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 19\, 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 August 19\, 2028.\nCertified Personal and Family Finance Educator (CPFFE): 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 19\, 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 August 19\, 2028.\nBoard Certified Case Managers (CCMC): 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 August 19\, 2027.\nBoard Certified Disability Management Specialists: This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) clock hours from The Commission for Case Manager Certification. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close August 19\, 2027.\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 June 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 June 30\, 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 August 19\, 2029.\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 August 19\, 2029.\nMichigan Certified Teachers (SCECH): 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 August 19\, 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 on August 19\, 2028.\nHuman Resource Professionals (SHRM): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credit from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close July 31\, 2028.\nSocial Workers\, Licensed Professional Counselors\, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (UTSW): 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 August 19\, 2028.\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_1779216494428{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Academy Resource Inventory (.docx) [/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: Rawpixel | Adobe Stock 243401412 \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” 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_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]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/160147/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AdobeStock_243401412.webp
LOCATION:https://auburn.zoom.us/j/89856887245
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260826T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260826T123000
DTSTAMP:20260816T212620
CREATED:20260520T183731Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260731T112342Z
UID:10001756-1787742000-1787747400@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Building Strong Communities: A Panel Discussion
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_column_text]This panel discussion will focus on policy awareness and leveraging local systems to support military families. Using successful\, community-based examples\, this panel will show how shared responsibility at the local level supports state and national policy. Representatives from the War Department and Military Service Organizations (MSO) will highlight policy efforts and solutions to real and perceived barriers that service providers encounter when attempting to meet the needs of military families in their communities. Panelists will offer good practices and other guidance for navigating systems and breaking down silos to implement programs and disseminate services among military families\, including Guard\, Reserve\, and other geographically dispersed families. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nIdentify how shared responsibility is reflected in DOW policies and directives.\nExplain the functional role of Defense State Liaison Officers (DSLOs) and provide illustrations of major policy areas of concern and effort.\nDescribe how state-level policy development strengthens community infrastructure.\nAssess community infrastructure capacity across geographic contexts.\nLeverage state-level\, regional\, and community partnerships to strengthen local systems.\nGuide on increasing MSOs’ community capacity.\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” 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=”225861″ 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=”Sarah Stein” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Sarah Stein\, Director\, Defense-State Liaison Office. Ms. Stein became director in 2025. Prior to joining the DSLO\, she spent 18 years with the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Military Community and Family Policy. Ms. Stein served as an associate director for Congressional and Legislative Affairs and is also a former program analyst for the War Department.[/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” 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=”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=”225860″ 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=”Lindsay Knight\, Ph.D” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Lindsay Knight\, Ph.D.\, Chief Impact Officer\, Blue Star Families. Dr. Knight is a social impact leader with 20 years of experience across nonprofits\, the private sector\, and academia\, specializing in aligning public\, philanthropic\, and private stakeholders to achieve shared goals. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Chicago\, focusing on civic responsibility and institutional change. Her work has earned recognition from the Mellon Foundation\, Marguerite Casey Foundation\, and United Nations–Chicago. She serves as a mentor with the Institute of Politics’ Women in Public Service program and sits on the Advisory Board of the Outdoor Alliance.[/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=”225862″ 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=”Tim Farrell. Col. Farrell\, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Tim Farrell. Col. Farrell\, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)\, is Vice President of Military Affairs\, Aerospace & Cybersecurity at the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce\, where he leads military advocacy and initiatives for over 1\,750 members and multiple councils. Following a 23-year Air Force career\, he has spent more than a decade advancing military\, veteran\, and national security efforts across public\, nonprofit\, and civic sectors. He serves on several local and national boards and councils and is also a high school football official. Tim holds degrees from Rutgers University and Central Michigan University\, along with an executive certificate from the University of Notre Dame.[/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=”231486″ 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 Becher\, Ph.D.” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Emily Becher\, Ph.D.\, Vice President of Applied Research and Evaluation\, Blue Star Families. Dr. Becher is a human-centered researcher and applied evaluation expert specializing in implementation science and mixed-methods research with families; her current work focuses on military and military-connected families. She directs Blue Star Families’ strategic research agenda\, including the Military Family Lifestyle Survey\, and leads rigorous\, ethical research initiatives grounded in systems thinking and a family-focused lens. Previously\, Dr. Becher held research and evaluation roles at the Minnesota Department of Health and the University of Minnesota Extension’s Center for Family Development\, where she served as Principal Investigator on multiple federally and philanthropically funded projects focused on rural health\, substance use prevention\, and community well-being. She has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Becher holds a Ph.D. in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota and an M.S. in Couple and Family Therapy from the University of Rochester.[/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=”212209″ 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=”Andrew Crocker\, Ph.D.” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Andy Crocker\, Ph.D.\, Associate Professor and Extension Health Specialist\, Texas A&M University. Dr. Crocker supports County Extension Agents in educating older adults\, caregivers\, and related professionals. He develops and delivers programs on topics such as caregiving\, fall prevention\, health literacy\, and memory\, and oversees grant-funded projects on military family caregiving and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He also leads the Master Wellness Volunteer Program. Dr. Crocker has secured over $10.2 million in grant funding\, including $9.3 million as Principal Investigator\, and has received multiple professional awards. He holds a B.A. in Biology and M.S. in Gerontology from Baylor University and a Ph.D. in One Health Sciences from Texas Tech 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_custom_heading text=”Continuing Education (CE) Credit” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][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 August 26\, 2028.\nCertified Nutrition and Wellness Educator (CNWE): 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 August 26\, 2028.\nCertified Personal and Family Finance Educator (CPFFE): 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 August 26\, 2028.\nAccredited Financial Counselors (AFC): This webinar has been approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) units by the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close August 26\, 2029.\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 [August 26\, 2028.\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 August 26\, 2027.\nBoard Certified Disability Management Specialists: This webinar is pending approval for 1.0 continuing education (CE) clock hour from The Commission for Case Manager Certification. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close August 26\, 2027.\nCertified Nutrition and Wellness Educator (CNWE): This webinar is pending approval for 1.0 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close August 26\, 2028.\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 August 26\, 2029.\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 (CDR) CPEU Prior Approval Program. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close on July 30\, 2029.\nCertified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES): This webinar is pending approval for 1.0 continuing education credit from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close August 26\, 2028.\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 August 26\, 2029.\nOneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\n\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_1779216546503{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Academy Resource Inventory (.docx) [/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: KOTO \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” 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_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]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/160148/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AdobeStock_455876186-scaled.jpeg
LOCATION:https://auburn.zoom.us/j/89142324425
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T123000
DTSTAMP:20260816T212620
CREATED:20260616T162244Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T132457Z
UID:10001758-1789038000-1789043400@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Support for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Survivors of Domestic Abuse
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_column_text]Supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals experiencing domestic abuse and/or family violence requires culturally responsive\, accessible\, and trauma-informed services. This webinar explores the unique barriers Deaf and Hard of Hearing survivors may face when seeking help\, including communication access\, isolation\, systemic inequities\, and limited accessible resources. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of Deaf culture\, culturally sensitive engagement strategies\, and best practices for communication and advocacy when working with these communities.  \nThe presenter will discuss effective approaches to risk assessment\, safety planning\, and survivor-centered support while emphasizing accessibility\, trust-building\, and collaboration with community resources. Participants will leave with practical tools and increased confidence in supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing military-connected survivors in a respectful\, equitable\, and empowering manner.  \nLearning Objectives: \n\nIdentify community resources and accessibility practices that promote equitable and survivor-centered support services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.\nIdentify at least three barriers Deaf and Hard of Hearing survivors may encounter when accessing domestic violence and family violence services.\nDescribe at least three culturally sensitive and trauma-informed communication strategies when supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients.\nDemonstrate understanding of effective safety planning considerations specific to Deaf and Hard of Hearing survivors experiencing abuse.\n\n\n\n\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″ 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=”227480″ 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=”Karina Mitchell” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Karina Mitchell (she/her) is the Program Director with DEAF DOVE. In this role\, her goals are to build and sustain strong collaborations with community agencies while continuing to learn\, engage\, and advocate for all Deaf\, Deaf Blind\, Deaf Disabled\, and Hard of Hearing (DDBDDHH) individuals. \nKarina earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Gallaudet University. With more than eight years of experience in the mental health and social services field\, she has worked as a mental health therapist\, advocate\, crisis counselor\, and community leader. Her work has included supporting children\, families\, and individuals across a variety of age groups and backgrounds.[/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\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 September 10\, 2028.\nBoard Certified Patient Advocates (BCPA): This webinar is pending approval for 1.5 CE contact hours by The Patient Advocate Certification Board. *Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close September 10\, 2028. \nBoard Certified Case Managers: This webinar is pending approval for 1.5 CE clock hours from the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). *Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close September 10\, 2027. \nSexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARC) and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocates (VA): This webinar is pending approval for 1.5 CE credits from D-SAACP Credentialing. *Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close September 10\, 2029. \nCertified Family Life Educators (CFLE): This webinar is pending approval for 1.5 CE credits from the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). *Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close September 10\, 2029. \nCertified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES): This webinar is pending approval for 1.5 CE credit from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). *Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close September 10\, 2028. \nDomestic Abuse Victim Advocates: This webinar is pending approval for 1.5 CE credits from the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP). *Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close September 10\, 2028. \nSocial Workers\, Licensed Professional Counselors\, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists: This webinar is pending approval 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 September 10\, 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_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: Adobe Stock by Mediteraneo\, ID# 1483281703[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160150/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AdobeStock_1483281703-scaled.jpeg
LOCATION:https://auburn.zoom.us/j/88262854246
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261008T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261008T123000
DTSTAMP:20260816T212620
CREATED:20260630T184743Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T171432Z
UID:10001767-1791457200-1791462600@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Creative Approaches to Build Confidence in Clinical Practice with Children
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_column_text]Though clinicians receive general or initial training in work with children\, not many feel confident in this work if they have not primarily (or recently) worked with children in their professional positions. This webinar is for professionals seeking to build confidence in working with children\, particularly for adult-focused/Family Advocacy Program (FAP) staff who may be less familiar with the current clinical needs of children. The discussion will focus on developing key skills for professionals who may work with children.  \nWhile it is not required for clinicians to be ‘certified play therapists’ to work with children\, it is helpful to feel confident when approaching work with children or youth. This session will explore how to increase clinical confidence using creative approaches when interacting and working with children and youth\, ages 4 to 12.  \nLearning Objectives: \n\nIdentify the socio-emotional needs of children and youth present in this age group using a creative lens.\nDefine key emotions that children and youth in this age group experience when they are dysregulated.\nLearn about ways to co-regulate with children and youth in this age group.\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=”230024″ 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=”Felicia Li\, MSW\, LCSW” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Felicia Li is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of clinical experience. She has worked with adults\, children\, youths\, and families in educational\, community\, and residential mental health settings. She brings invaluable experience in college counseling\, K-12 school counseling\, and residential milieu therapy. She has provided psychotherapy for individuals\, couples\, family and groups with a wide range of diverse clients. [/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\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 October 8\, 2028.\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 October 8\, 2028. \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 October 8\, 2027. \nSexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARC) and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocates (VA): This webinar is pending approval for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from D-SAACP Credentialing. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close October 8\, 2029.\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 October 8\, 2029.\nCertified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES): This webinar is pending approval for 1.0 continuing education credit from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close October 8\, 2028.\nDomestic Abuse Victim Advocates: This webinar is pending approval for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close October 8\, 2028.\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 October 8\, 2028. \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=”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: by Mediaphotos from Adobe Stock file#: 691865573[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160154/
CATEGORIES:Health and Well-Being
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AdobeStock_691865573-scaled.jpeg
LOCATION:https://oneop.org/learn/160154/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261013T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261013T123000
DTSTAMP:20260816T212620
CREATED:20260708T143437Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260714T163756Z
UID:10001741-1791889200-1791894600@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Blended Retirement System and Survivor Benefit Plan Basics
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_column_text][/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=”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 examines key decision points in military retirement planning\, including an overview of the Blended Retirement System (BRS) and the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)\, and equips service providers to guide informed\, client-centered conversations. Participants will explore continuation pay\, lump sum elections\, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participation\, and resources for military financial service providers to enhance client counseling and education. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nDescribe the structure\, eligibility\, and key decision points within the Blended Retirement System (BRS) and the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP).\nInterpret how BRS-related decisions (e.g.\, continuation pay\, lump sum options\, TSP contributions) affect retirement income streams and survivor benefits.\nDifferentiate SBP from other tools\, including life insurance.\nDevelop a strategy to incorporate BRS and SBP decision-support resources into routine client counseling and education practices.\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=”228216″ 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=”Mr. Ronald T. Garner” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Assistant Director of Military Compensation and Financial Readiness\, Lead for Retired and Annuitant Pay Policy[/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\nAccredited Financial Counselors (AFC): This webinar is pending approval for 1.5 continuing education (CE) units by the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close October 13\, 2029.\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 October 13\, 2028. \nCertified Personal and Family Finance Educator (CPFFE): 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 October 13\, 2028.\nCertified Personal Finance Counselors (CPFC): This webinar is pending approval for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from The Center for Financial Certifications (FinCert.org). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close October 13\, 2029.\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 October 13\, 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_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: Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandre Montes/dvids[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160141/
CATEGORIES:Military Service and Family Life
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/3199578-Photo-by-Staff-Sgt.-Alexandre-Montes-scaled.jpg
LOCATION:https://auburn.zoom.us/j/82081295593
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