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SUMMARY:Pressure Relief: What Cooperatives Can (and Can't) Do for Child Care
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”50px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”column_reverse” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” el_class=”podcast-sidebar” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”147768″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][nectar_btn size=”large” constrain_group_1=”yes” open_new_tab=”true” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” solid_text_color_override=”#ffffff” icon_family=”none” text=”Subscribe Now” url=”https://www.buzzsprout.com/2099983/share” margin_top=”30″ margin_bottom=”30″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the “Practicing Connection” monthly email to keep up to date on our latest podcasts\, blog posts and workshops. \nJoin the “Practicing Connection Community” on LinkedIn. The community is designed for people who support military families in a variety of settings both on installations and in our communities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Listen” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”About This Episode” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][vc_column_text](Season 7\, Episode 34) \nWhen child care is hard to find and harder to afford\, some communities aren’t waiting for a fix.  \nKristin Forde Hurckes of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Center for Cooperative explains how cooperative models are helping – and where they hit their limits. \nKristin Forde Hurckes is part of the team of Cooperative Development Specialists at the UW Center who supports worker cooperatives in rural community\, with an emphasis on worker cooperative conversions. \nShe emphasizes the importance of both individual and collective commitment to the significant cultural and organizational change that is required to shift toward democratic and participatory decision making. \nKristin enjoys learning about the many creative ways cooperatives organize and structure themselves; and developing effective formats for group processes. \nLinks and resources from this episode: \n\nUW Madison Center for Cooperatives \nChildcare Cooperative Resources\nCooperative Development Services\nICA Group Childcare Resources\nEnergy Capital Cooperative Childcare\nNestling House\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 Practicing Connection. I’m Erin Carlson-Rivera. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: And I’m Jessica Beckendorf. Today\, we’re talking about what happens when communities stop waiting for the childcare system to fix itself and start building something different. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: When childcare is hard to find and even harder to afford\, the pressure shows up everywhere\, within families\, employers\, providers\, and entire communities. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Our guest today is Kristen Forde-Hurckes from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Center for Cooperatives. Kristen works with communities across the country to explore how cooperative models\, especially worker cooperatives\, can be part of the solution and what it really takes to make those models work. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Kristen brings a deep background in cooperative development\, including years as a member of Union CAB in Madison\, where she helped lead member education\, conflict resolution systems\, and governance work. She’s also been involved in building broader cooperative networks and [00:01:00] bringing a strong focus on the cultural shifts required for shared ownership and participatory decision-making. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Hi\, Kristen. Thank you so much for joining us on Practicing Connection. I am so excited to talk about what cooperatives can and can’t do for childcare\, and what leaders and community members should know before jumping in. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Hi\, thanks so much for having me. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Well\, let’s kick it off by talking a little bit about cooperatives. \nYou work at the intersection of cooperatives and community economic development. For listeners who may not be familiar with your center’s work\, what drew you to childcare as an area of focus? Or you could even more broadly tell us about what the center does and how it’s been involved in childcare. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Sure. So the UW Center for Cooperatives has been around for a long time and does research and education and outreach to promote the cooperative model across sectors. Folks at the center have worked on childcare in the past\, but we are [00:02:00] facing a pretty significant crisis\, I would say\, across the country\, and especially here in Wisconsin. \nAnd so our executive director\, Courtney Berner\, was in conversation with a national leader\, and they were thinking about an example called Energy Capital Childcare Cooperative that had some success with employers who came together. One of the primary employers is a cooperative\, a utility cooperative\, and they experimented with a model where employers led the initiative. \nTheir question was\, “What was their special sauce? What made this work?” And\, “Why aren’t there more?” \nAnd so that really was the beginning of this initiative. I have my own background in childcare also. I’ve spent about half of my professional life doing some kind of childcare. So it was a good match for me to take this on. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: So when you’re talking with childcare [00:03:00] providers or directors or community leaders about what’s broken with the current system\, what do you hear most consistently? \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Well\, I do think it depends on who you are asking. When we talk to families\, of course\, the primary thing that’s broken is affordability. \nFamilies are unable to afford childcare\, even subsidized childcare\, really. Most childcare isn’t subsidized enough. And so families are unable to afford even the true cost of childcare. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: That doesn’t surprise me\, but I’m curious\, does availability also come up with families? \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Availability does come up\, but I would say that affordability is the primary concern. \nBut there are wait lists across the region with centers. And if you were to talk to a director of a center\, they would tell you that the labor shortage is the [00:04:00] primary concern. There are centers that are operating across the state at less than 75% capacity because we have a labor shortage. To fill that labor shortage\, we would need a very large number of new childcare employees to fill that shortage. \nAnd so if you were to talk to childcare professionals\, the primary issue would be wages. Childcare providers\, meaning childcare professionals\, the staff\, they’re highly educated. Most of them have some post-high school level of education\, and they are in the bottom 2% of earners. And most childcare centers aren’t able to provide any kind of benefits. \nAnd so\, you know\, people just are not choosing that career anymore because it’s\, they can’t afford [00:05:00] childcare. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mm-hmm. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: So yeah\, again\, I think it depends on who you’re talking to. But I think for me\, after looking at the problem as a whole\, the issue is funding. There is a significant gap between the operational costs of childcare and the revenue. \nThose expenses\, the expenses in a childcare business are fixed. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mm-hmm. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: About 70%\, 67 to 70% of those costs are labor. And those are regulated\, right? The state regulates how many staff you need for the group of children that you’re providing care for\, and you can’t adjust that. And so those are fixed costs. \nReal estate is the other biggest part of the expenses. But there is a gap in what the revenue is and what the expenses are. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: So you’ve probably started to get into this a little bit\, but I’d love to [00:06:00] unpack something I’ve heard you say before\, that the childcare market doesn’t work like other markets. You started to describe what the market looks like\, but what does this mean in practice? \nLike\, why can’t the sector just fix itself through normal supply and demand? \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Demand\, I would say\, is higher than supply\, right? But supply is labor. When we’re talking about supply\, we’re talking about the childcare professionals who are providing the labor\, providing the childcare. \nAnd the way that I’ve started thinking about this is that there’s sort of this economic pyramid. And in order for the economy to be held up\, we rely on childcare\, because our economy is depending on both parents to be in the labor force. That requires childcare. \nAnd as I mentioned before\, our childcare providers are in the bottom of the earners\, but they’re holding the entire economy up in some ways.[00:07:00] And so that in combination with the regulations means that this whole idea of supply and demand\, well\, you have a certain demands\, you have a certain number of children that require care. And you must have then a certain number of teachers\, right? So there’s no way to adjust that formula unless our legislators change the regulations. \nBut those regulations are in place to ensure quality care for our children\, which\, you know\, plenty of evidence shows that our brains are\, it’s like the most precious time for brain development. And so that quality care\, it has long-lasting implications. \nThere’s tons of studies that show that children who receive quality care in those early years do better in their future education. They’re far less likely to [00:08:00] be incarcerated. They are far less likely to suffer from addiction\, things like that. So those regulations are paired with these evidence-based practices that show we need more adults in interactions with young children. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: That makes so much sense. It really doesn’t – it’s not a market that works like other markets. That was such a great explanation of that. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: So one of the ways we’ve been thinking about how to approach this conversation was\, could we introduce the cooperative model as a way to ease pressure on the childcare issue? But cooperatives can come in several different forms\, such as parent-led\, worker-owned\, or employer-assisted. \nFor communities trying to address a childcare shortage\, how do you help them figure out which model best fits their situation? \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: It depends very much on who’s at the table\, right? Like\, who are the stakeholders who are engaging? I can provide some [00:09:00] examples maybe that will best illustrate this. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mm-hmm. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: There’s a group of folks in Viroqua who came to the center looking for some support\, because the owner of a childcare center is ready to retire\, and would like to make sure that this childcare center stays in place and that the employees get to continue doing their good work. And so they want to transition to a worker-owned cooperative. \nBut a childcare business – I mean\, the margins are just\, like\, razor thin\, right? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mmhmm. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: So in order to facilitate that type of conversion\, there needs to be a boost in capital. Essentially\, in a conversion\, the business is buying itself\, right? So the business is buying itself from the former owners\, and the business wouldn’t be able to carry that debt. \nAnd so\, because that particular [00:10:00] childcare center has community support\, they’re going to be what is considered a ‘multi-stakeholder cooperative\,’ because there are community members who are also equally as interested in making sure that this very important childcare center remains in place in their community. \nAnd so they are raising capital through community memberships. They also have gotten creative with the real estate issue. So a community member has purchased that real estate in order to make sure that it stays affordable to the business\, but that the business itself\, that the employees don’t have to finance the purchase also of the real estate\, right? \nAnd so that’s an example where\, you know\, it’s very situational\, but they brought in the stakeholders that were interested. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: And any community member could buy into it. It doesn’t have to be someone who has children or has – \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Right. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: [00:11:00] Yeah. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Yeah. And so they have\, they’re engaging some of their cooperative employers that are part of the community. \nThey’re engaging community leaders who are part of the community. And parents and former parents who have benefited from the childcare center as well. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mm-hmm. Very cool. Well\, let’s dig into an example you brought up at the top of our conversation. The Energy Capital Cooperative Childcare in Hazen\, North Dakota. \nSo you said that eight employers came together to open a center that now serves dozens of kids. Walk us through how that came together. You started to tell us a little bit at the top of the hour\, but how did that come together? What was the catalyst? Tell us everything you can about that. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Yeah. So there’s\, it’s a really cool example of a community\, a very rural community who was experiencing what so many rural [00:12:00] communities are experiencing\, which is a childcare desert. \nAnd the utility cooperative there\, actually\, one of the employees who engages with customers and members brought the idea\, just in her mind\, though\, “Well\, there should be\, we should have a cooperative solution.” I mean\, we know that our employees are impacted by the lack of childcare. We know our business is impacted by the lack of childcare because if employees can’t come to work or an employee’s peer is unable to come to work\, there are all these ripple effects within our workplaces if there’s a lack of childcare. \nAnd so she was actually given the green light by her workplace to spend work time developing a network of employers who also wanted to address the issue. And so she went door-knocking. She went calling on other [00:13:00] employers saying\, “Hey\, you know\, how do you feel about this? You must experience this difficulty as well. Are you\, you know\, is this troubling for you?” \nAnd she ended up with\, I believe it was nine employers who were sitting around the table for a certain amount of time\, who were committed to coming up with a solution together. It ended up being a non-profit. It’s not a cooperative\, but their bylaws read like a cooperative. \nThey’re a non-profit that has community members and employer members who then also are part of the governance of the cooperative. So these employers who were at the table at the beginning continue to govern the childcare center. And they contributed dollars upfront and they continue to contribute dollars. \nSo\, you know\, that means that that gap between expenses and revenue that I’m talking about\, sort of that subsidy that all childcare [00:14:00] centers really need is provided now by a group of employers in their community. And they continue to operate\, not without challenges\, but they do continue to operate. \nAnd yeah\, this was sort of the impetus of our looking into this. Like\, “How could we either duplicate this or improve upon it?” \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: It sounds like even though this is a non-profit\, it has the soul of a cooperative. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: That’s a great way to – Yeah. Yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: So what were you finding? You said that you were kind of studying this particular example\, even though it’s not specifically a cooperative. \nLike what makes it work? Can we do it somewhere else? And what have you found out about that? \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Yeah\, really good question. I mean\, I would say there were some really positive sides\, and some challenging sides. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Mm-hmm. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: On the positive side\, all of these different [00:15:00] types of employers came together and figured out how they could specifically contribute to the solution. \nAnd each employer had different ways that they could contribute. It wasn’t identical for each employer. Some employers were not able to provide a financial contribution because of the nature of their business. The non-profit medical center couldn’t provide a direct financial contribution\, but they could provide their custodial services. \nAnd so that’s what they did. The school district provided meals\, a meal program that was shared. And so there were these interesting creative ways of putting together both financial contributions according to what that employer could provide\, and these other in-kind donations that made it work. The other interesting thing is that the real [00:16:00] estate\, as I mentioned\, that’s the other big expense for most childcare centers. \nAnd in this case\, a church that was closing\, they were either closing or moving out of their building. They sold their building at a very low cost. And South Dakota has a public bank. It’s a state-owned bank. And they had this really interesting program where they could provide a zero-interest loan. And so the real estate cost was also this interesting combination of public/cooperative/private slash\, you know\, sort of community efforts coming together. \nSome of the more challenging pieces are the employers. So there are representatives from each employer on the board\, and they are the governing body of the childcare center. And\, you know\, as you sort of alluded to before\, [00:17:00] that\, like\, the business plan\, the financial model\, the business struggles can’t be addressed with just\, like\, looking at supply and demand or when thinking about what the demand is for. \nWe’re talking about humans. We’re not manufacturing something. And there is a lack of understanding of how childcare businesses run. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Function. Yeah. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: The toll that childcare takes on providers. You know\, there’s enough of a sort of distance between those governing and those operating it in terms of understanding that that’s a challenge. \nAnd I believe it’s one that needs to be\, you know\, in future models\, does need to be addressed. And in fact\, I’ll say that the childcare cooperative that is forming in Viroqua\, they are going to ensure that over half of the board [00:18:00] members are workers. So they’re people who work there. Other members can also serve on the board\, but they’ll never be in the majority\, which ensures that the people who are doing the work are the ones who are informing the decisions. \nI think the other challenge\, and it’s related\, is that there’s a misunderstanding that childcare businesses that are starting up\, they don’t just need this infusion of cash in the beginning. And then eventually\, they’re going to kind of level out after five years and be profitable\, like many businesses are\, right? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: They aren’t pilot programs. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: No. Right. And they’re not like other sort of new businesses\, where you expect to operate with a loss in the first five years\, and then eventually you reach that point where you’re profitable. That’s just never the case with childcare. Childcare is always going to need some form of subsidy.[00:19:00]\nUnless you have a center that has\, I mean\, it’s been modeled out to show\, once you reach 100 children\, right\, you scale up to that size\, that’s where you begin to see the numbers work out. That’s a big center. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Mm-hmm. That’s like a huge real estate space. That’s tons of employees. That’s a lot. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Right. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. Yeah. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Well\, let’s talk a little bit about childcare workers. And I love your example of how in Viroqua\, and that’s Viroqua\, Wisconsin\, we’ve been talking about\, that they’re looking at putting some of the folks who are kind of in the operational pieces of the business on the board. And that’s great. \nChildcare workers though are also famously underpaid. And I’m wondering if the cooperative model helps to change that a little bit. Like\, did that happen in Hazen? Is it happening in Viroqua or other places? And is workforce compensation something that co-ops are better positioned to address? Or maybe that’s [00:20:00] too complex of a question\, but – \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: I don’t think it’s too complex of a question. I wish it was just a simple yes. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mmhmm. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: But I think I’ve already sort of painted this picture that\, you know\, the general sort of the revenue and expenses just mean there’s very little to work with\, and that’s with low wages. There’s a worker cooperative in Milwaukee called Nestling House. They’re a childcare center that also converted. \nAnd I had a long conversation with their director who is somebody who moved from being a childcare worker for many\, many years\, and now is the director of Nestling House\, the worker cooperative. And all the struggles of operating and working in a childcare center remain. But I asked her\, given that’s true\, does a worker cooperative make conditions [00:21:00] better? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Like conditions for the workforce. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: For the workers\, you know? Yeah. Does it make a difference that you’re decision-makers\, that you get to create policy around workplace practices? And she said\, “Yes\, absolutely.” \nSo I think there’s definitely something to say for worker cooperatives specifically. In a field like childcare\, where it’s low wages\, very hard work\, and generally speaking\, undervalued\, right? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mm-hmm. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: To have the ability to have a\, not just a voice\, but you get to advise\, right? You actually are the decision-makers. That makes a big difference for people. In fact\, my colleague\, Yanni Lang\, just put out a paper on the impact of worker cooperatives on workers’ mental health. And there [00:22:00] is evidence that there is a positive impact. \nAnd as a childcare worker myself\, I can say that I can imagine there being some relief in having the ability to decide some things. I say all that\, and will also say that in a parallel industry in home care cooperatives. Which don’t have the same level of regulation. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: As the centers\, right? \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: As childcare. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Yeah. Home care\, you know\, providing care for seniors or people with disabilities in their homes\, there’s less regulation\, and there’s less real estate\, right? So the business model is a little bit easier. Not much\, though. However\, still\, caregivers are very under-paid and with very few benefits. \nWe have an example of a caregiver cooperative in Wisconsin called Cooperative Care. And they have been known\, and across the nation\, actually\, they’re [00:23:00] known for providing slightly higher wages\, providing benefits\, and that kind of thing. So\, again\, I’m speaking mostly about worker cooperatives\, which I think makes sense\, right? \nBecause your workers are going to generally do what they can to improve the lives of workers\, including wages. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: What do you find is the hardest part of getting employers to say yes to something like a co-op? What objections do you tend to hear\, and what would move them forward despite objections? \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Well\, full transparency\, I have not had those conversations with them – that type of conversation with employers yet. \nThat’s sort of next in our timeline. We’re hosting a webinar\, and we’re going to speak with employers regionally about the issue and begin engaging. I will say that in our conversations with Energy Capital\, I’m repeating myself a little bit\, but from [00:24:00] their point of view\, first of all\, you know\, the employers didn’t want to own the center. \nSo there was no desire by employers themselves to take on ownership\, right? There’s also a difficulty understanding the need in perpetuity\, right? That this isn’t just\, like\, “Let us help you get started\, and then you can take it from there.” \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mm-hmm. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: So really understanding the financial model and the business model and the need for subsidy. \nA subsidy needs to be there in perpetuity. Where that’s coming from is the question right now. Wisconsin’s about to face\, well\, the end of bridge funding that was put into place during COVID. And there are lots of predictions that there’s going to be closures\, even more childcare staff shortages\, [00:25:00] higher tuition. \nAnd so that need for subsidy has just increased. Our state has reduced its current level of subsidizing. So that piece for me is what needs the greatest amount of understanding is the business model. The numbers. Why the numbers will never work out\, right? \nIt’s not about childcare professionals doing a better job of running the business. It just will never quite work out without that subsidy. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: It seems like in the childcare industry\, you know\, if you build it\, they will come\, but that is not a recipe for success\, necessarily. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Well\, if you build the childcare center\, the parents will come\, you know? Yes. There’s supply\, but without providing living wages – \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mmhmm. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: The [00:26:00] childcare staff won’t come. And I would say\, quite frankly\, that is our biggest issue. You know\, we’re expecting childcare staff to live in poverty with the average wage being less than $15 an hour. They can go out and work at Target or another retail shop. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: For more. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: For more. And doing what I would argue is far less stressful work. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mm-hmm. Yeah\, I was working with a childcare group. It was a group of people coming together in a community trying to figure out ways they wanted to work together to address some of the pressures. And I remember telling them\, because I don’t have children\, I’ve said this before on this podcast\, but I do have pets though. \nAnd I remember I was looking into pet care for me to go away for a week. And the cost for pet care for someone stopping by twice a day or even staying at my [00:27:00] house was more than childcare. And no one’s teaching my pet anything. Like\, there’s teaching happening in childcare. There’s\, you know\, there are educational things going on. \nThere are people who have certain certifications and they know how to teach young children things. No one’s teaching my pets anything. And yet the cost was higher for a week of pet care. \nAnd I told them about this\, and they’re like\, “Yeah\, this is why we can’t keep workers because we can pay those prices.” \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Yeah. Well\, and we’re\, you know\, in order for a childcare business to succeed\, we’re depending on families to pay tuition. And families can only pay what they can afford. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Right. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Right? So that’s the whole\, again\, back to that whole business model. It’s like\, well\, that means that childcare centers\, they’re only going to set their tuition at what [00:28:00] families can afford. \nWhich oftentimes means there’s that gap. And always means that childcare workers are going to get paid less. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Childcare workers and the center directors and owners\, I see them go without quite a bit. They’re not making hand over fist profits here. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Absolutely. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: So we talked a little bit about some of the ways that the cooperative model can address some of the pressure. \nBut in our other conversations\, you’ve been pretty clear that it doesn’t solve the underlying problem\, that more money is needed. But in terms of relieving some of that pressure\, where does the co-op model start to hit that ceiling where it’s not relieving enough pressure anymore? \nIs it strictly with wages and affordability? Is that pretty much the buck stops there\, literally? \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Yeah. I think that’s it. We can certainly talk about ways that [00:29:00] communities and the cooperative community can be the ones who come together and figure out a mutual fund that’s helping fill that gap. And that’s where cooperatives thrive\, is that cooperatives have always historically come together and been formed to address a need that’s not otherwise being met\, right? \nAnd it’s a social need\, a cultural need\, a financial need. One of the challenges with childcare is for us as communities\, as however large you think in terms of community\, but as a society\, to understand that quality childcare is a common good\, right? That we all benefit from quality childcare\, which means that perhaps we all contribute to the financial abilities [00:30:00] of childcare providers. \nUltimately\, we would have them consider that a public good and they would be publicly funded. And I do think that\, you know\, there are many examples of cooperatives who also do that advocacy work. Energy Capital Cooperative that we’ve spoken of\, they’re going to their state capitol\, still advocating because they still don’t have what they need to pay their childcare workers. \nAnd as you mentioned\, I’m glad that you mentioned that – the administrators\, all of them are underpaid. There’s another example of a worker-owned childcare center in Pennsylvania who devotes a day every quarter for their workers to go to the Capitol and advocate for child credits. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Wisconsin Early Childhood Association is putting together a collaboration of employers to do advocacy work [00:31:00] on behalf of the business community in Wisconsin. \nAnd so ultimately\, for me this is just me speaking\, but that has to be top on our list of solutions. And I do think that cooperatives have\, you know\, when we talk about the special sauce\, it’s a network of people with shared values. \nThere are seven principles of cooperatives\, and one of those principles is ‘care for the community.’ Another is ‘cooperation among cooperatives.’ And those principles you can find on the walls of cooperatives around the world\, they are highly revered and they do connect our community. \nAnd so there is power in our ecosystem to address a huge issue like this together\, but there also has to be some real understanding of the childcare sector and what makes this particular [00:32:00] sector so tough to address without the contributions\, without an expectation to get something specific in return. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Mm-hmm. So pivoting a little bit\, many of our listeners work in military communities\, either on or near installations\, in rural\, and also in semi-rural areas. Does the co-op model translate well in those contexts? And are there any unique considerations for co-ops that might serve specifically military families? \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: I don’t know of any specific co-ops that serve military families. I would say that the cooperative model is perfectly aligned with the sensibility of a military family\, right? And the military community. \nAnd that cooperatives are first and foremost democratic institutions. And so when I was first pondering this [00:33:00] question\, I just thought\, you know\, this is what we ask our military to defend\, is our ability to practice democracy. \nAnd cooperatives are on the most micro level. They are democratic institutions\, which I think is really cool. And so the cooperative governing systems – \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mmhmm. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Have lots of rules and policies and procedures that follow our sort of democratic governing systems. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mm-hmm. So they’re familiar to a lot of people too. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: That would be familiar. Yeah. It would be interesting to develop solutions together that utilize\, right\, that sort of those fundamental democratic systems. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, that makes a lot of sense. It seems though\, you know\, given what you just said\, that anyone could start investigating this kind of solution for their area. \nSo if someone [00:34:00] listening is maybe a program manager or a family services coordinator\, or maybe they’re just a community leader\, you know\, maybe they’re a non-profit leader\, maybe they are a council member or something who’s watching childcare access deteriorate in their area or access or affordability\, the workforce\, right? Watching that deteriorate. \nAnd they’re not a business owner or a policymaker. What’s a realistic first step they could take toward exploring a cooperative model to ease some of that pressure? \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: I would say just begin having conversations with the people who they are already in conversation with\, right? \nAnytime I do any of this work\, it’s just about having the conversation over and over again until you find the people where there’s a spark. And eventually\, you have the business owners. Eventually you have the policymakers. Especially in rural communities\, I find that we’re all just [00:35:00] like one – there’s one person between\, you know – \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Uh-huh. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Us and that policymaker\, the person who’s on city council\, and that person is connected to the county\, and that person’s connected to the state\, right? And same within our business communities. \nAnd so just starting the conversation\, talking to fellow parents\, neighbors\, and looking for the connections that we do have with the people who have influence. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Just start talking. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Just start talking. Just start talking. You’re – It won’t take long until you find something. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Bang the drum a little bit. Like\, “Hey\, guys\, this is a problem. I’m noticing it.” Yeah. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Yeah. Yes. I love it. Yes. And\, you know\, talking about it from different points of view is helpful\, right? \nSo the opening question\, “What are you hearing the most\, depending on who you’re talking to?” So talking about it from those different vantage points\, I think also is going to help [00:36:00] find the connections. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Are there any resources\, toolkits\, or technical assistance pathways through your center or with partner organizations that communities can access? \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: We don’t have toolkits\, but we are very accessible at the UW Center for Cooperatives. And so reaching out to any of us through the information request portal\, you will hear back from any of us at that point. An organization that we are working with on this project is Cooperative Development Services. \nThey are out of Minnesota and are also doing this research. They service Minnesota\, Wisconsin\, and Iowa. ICA Group is an organization on the East Coast\, but they work nationally\, and they have done a lot of childcare work as well. Come to similar conclusions that we have. Their emphasis is also on worker cooperatives. \n[00:37:00] But they’re really engaging in questions around real estate. How can we get creative within our community around real estate to at least shrink that part of the pie.. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, not everyone can sell frozen tundra like the Packers did for theirs. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Right. Yeah. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: We’ll make sure to include a link to the Center for Cooperatives\, and some of these other organizations that you’ve mentioned that you work with. \nBut I’d like to switch a little bit to kind of thinking ahead. You spend a lot of time in rooms where people are trying to solve this problem. Where are the areas that you find reasons for hope? Because of what you’ve said\, I know that you likely haven’t seen it anywhere where the problem’s solved. It’s done. It’s solved. Great. We can model this. We can follow this model\, right? \nSo where are the areas that you can find some hope? Like maybe it’s some genuine evidence that things can get better? \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: You know\, I’ve [00:38:00] referred to a couple of examples that illustrate both the challenge\, but also\, I would say\, do illustrate hope. \nI mean\, you know\, Energy Capital is an example of people putting in blood\, sweat\, and tears to make that happen. And while there is still a lot of struggle\, they’re still there. Not only the center\, but the people. I mean\, a good number of the people who started it are still there. And to me\, that speaks to some success. \nSimilarly\, the childcare center I referred to in Milwaukee\, the Nestling House\, it’s a similar story. I mean\, the devotion of childcare workers\, and the love that they have for their work does give me hope. \nAnd in Viroqua\, one of the childcare [00:39:00] workers\, an employee who\, the childcare staff\, she’s the one who came to me to begin with. She’s leading the cause\, right? The center director is now facilitating the entire conversion. And a whole community is rallying around it because they value the program. \nAnd again\, the workers love it too. I think at the heart of it for me is the people who choose caregiving as a field of work. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Mmhmm. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Their hearts are so big. They have so much passion for teaching young children. I mean\, imagine being in a room full of\, like\, I don’t know\, say 15\, you know\, zero to three-year-olds. Like\, that’s – \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: No\, I don’t want to imagine that. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: It’s a lot. Anybody who has raised a child and knows what it’s like to have [00:40:00] one two-year-old or one three-year-old or maybe\, you know\, two or three\, you know\, I know many\, but it’s a lot. \nAnd the childcare staff who do that work\, they love it. They love it. I mean\, across the board too\, right? Like the people who are just fiercely advocating at every level\, the folks at Wisconsin Early Childhood Association are amazing. It’s not easy work because there is this lack of understanding. You know\, as I mentioned before\, these childcare workers\, they’re holding up our economy for us\, right? \nAnd that’s always been the case. It’s just that for a long time\, the childcare providers stayed home\, and now they’re not. And so we have to pay people to do this work. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: So I think there is hope. I think there’s hope because we have the people who love to do this work. We need to value them and figure it out. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: What is a question you [00:41:00] wish more people were asking about childcare that they’re not even thinking about? \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Well\, this does feel redundant\, but that’s okay. Because I do think it’s really important. We’ve all heard the question\, like\, “Are the kids okay?” And I think that is really an essential question to be asking. \nBut I think we need to be asking\, “Are the people who care for our kids okay?” I think that’s it. Because if they’re not okay\, our kids aren’t gonna be okay. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. Wow. Thank you so much for the work you do\, and thank you for joining us\, Kristen. \nKRISTIN FORDE HURCKES: Thank you. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Kristen Forde-Hurckes is a cooperative development specialist with the UW Madison Extension Center for Cooperatives\, where she supports worker cooperative development in rural communities with a focus on cooperative conversions and participatory governance. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: That’s it for this episode. Thank you so much for joining us. If this conversation got you thinking about how [00:42:00] your community is responding to childcare challenges\, we hope you’ll share it with a colleague or a partner who’s in that work with you. You can find more resources from the Center for Cooperatives in our show notes\, along with links to some of the examples we talked about today. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: We’d like to thank our announcer\, Kaitlyn 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. We hope you’ll listen again soon. Until then\, keep practicing. \nCREDITS: The Practicing Connection Podcast is a production of One-Op and is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture\, US Department of Agriculture and the Office of Military Family Readiness Policy\, US Department of Defense under award number 2 0 2 3 4 8 7 74 3 3. \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/pressure-relief-what-cooperatives-can-and-cant-do-for-childcare/
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:20260826T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260826T123000
DTSTAMP:20260922T174333Z
CREATED:20260520T183731Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T174333Z
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_video link=”https://youtu.be/y3XfLuNSVmQ?si=Oc7FBCEI4g0Vq3u6″][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”][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_82NHb1PsBdXLpuC”][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.\n\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 26\, 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 26\, 2028.\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 26\, 2029.\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 August 26\, 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 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 1.5 continuing education (CE) clock hours from the Commission for Case Manager Certification. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close August 26\, 2027.\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 1.5 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\nIf the continuing education survey button does not appear\, please access the survey through this link: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_82NHb1PsBdXLpuC. If you have any other 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_1788280972599{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
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LOCATION:https://oneop.org/learn/160148/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260827T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260827T170000
DTSTAMP:20260901T163220Z
CREATED:20260827T100044Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T163220Z
UID:10001795-1787810400-1787850000@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Stronger Together: A Change Framework for Community Action
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]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTYzODgzMiUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmJ1enpzcHJvdXQuY29tJTJGMjA5OTk4MyUyRmVwaXNvZGVzJTJGMTk2Mzg4MzItc3Ryb25nZXItdG9nZXRoZXItYS1jaGFuZ2UtZnJhbWV3b3JrLWZvci1jb21tdW5pdHktYWN0aW9uLXdpdGgtdG9tLW1vc2dhbGxlci5qcyUzRmNvbnRhaW5lcl9pZCUzRGJ1enpzcHJvdXQtcGxheWVyLTE5NjM4ODMyJTI2cGxheWVyJTNEc21hbGwlMjIlMjB0eXBlJTNEJTIydGV4dCUyRmphdmFzY3JpcHQlMjIlMjBjaGFyc2V0JTNEJTIydXRmLTglMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0U=[/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 35) \nIn this conversation with Tom Mosgaller\, we unpack a flexible Change Framework designed for communities of any size or location. Tom explains why relationships and taking action together are central\, and how aligning desire\, vision\, power\, and action can help us all overcome resistance and move toward a brighter future. \nTom Mosgaller is an experienced community builder\, teacher\, and leader who believes that relationships are the cornerstone of strong\, vibrant communities. \nTom has led\, taught\, and coached community builders in places both big and small\, urban and rural\, locally and internationally. He’s also co-author of Pulling Together: A Handbook for Community Change and Bending Granite: 30+ True Stories of Leading Change. \nLinks and resources from this episode: \n\nTom on LinkedIn\nhttps://www.pulling-together.com/ \nReveille For a New Generation https://actapublications.com/reveille-for-a-new-generation/ \n\nConnect with us! \n\nSign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter\nJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/\nSend us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” el_id=”trans”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” el_class=”entry” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Transcript” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” nofollow=”true” el_class=”read-it” button_id=”read-it” text=”Read More” url=”#trans”][vc_column_text el_class=”pod-trans”]ERIN CARLSON RIVERA: [00:00:00] Hi\, welcome to the Practicing Connection Podcast. I’m Erin Carlson Rivera. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: And I’m Jessica Beckendorf. Today\, we’re talking about community change\, the power of relationships\, and what it looks like to pull together across differences. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Our guest today is Tom Mosgaller. Tom is an experienced community builder\, teacher\, and leader who believes that relationships are the cornerstone of a strong\, vibrant community. \nTom has led\, taught\, and coached community builders in places both big and small\, urban and rural\, locally and internationally. He’s the co-author of Pulling Together: A Handbook for Community Change and Bending Granite: 30-plus True Stories of Leading Change. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I want to just\, on a personal note\, share that I first heard Tom speak at a workshop more than a decade ago\, and it really stuck with me. \nIt actually helped to shape how I think about relational approaches to community development. So I’m super [00:01:00] excited that you’re here with us\, Tom. Thank you for the influence that your work has had on my career. And also\, thank you so much for joining us today. \nTOM MOSGALLER: Oh\, thanks for the opportunity. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Well\, to start us off\, I would love to hear a little bit about how did you find this work\, or how did it find you? \nTOM MOSGALLER: Yeah\, I think it really found me when I was probably in grade school. We rode the school bus. I was a farm boy from rural Wisconsin\, rode a school bus\, you know\, an hour or so every day to school. They dropped us off at the Catholic school\, then they went up to the public school with the rest of the kids. And the back half of the bus were a group called the Black Jacket Gang. \nAnd these were guys who kind of controlled the back ten seats of the bus. And\, you know\, we were young kids with big eyes\, watching these characters in the [00:02:00] back who played cards and did stuff back there\, and they were very intimidating. And eventually\, they started harassing us. \nAnd I was probably\, you know\, I put up with it. I didn’t know what the heck to do till probably sixth\, seventh grade. And I finally\, I just got fed up with having my lunch taken away from me by them. And sometimes\, actually three times\, lunch pails thrown out the windows of myself or other kids from the Catholic school. \nI went home and I just finally said to my dad\, I said\, “Dad\, I\, what the heck is going on?” And I shared the story and he said\, and this was a profound question. “What are you gonna do about it? ” And he went back working in the bar. And I’m like\, “Holy cow\, what am I gonna do about it?” \nAnd so\, I started talking to the other kids on the bus\, right\, who were sitting scrunched in those first six\, eight seats on the bus. And we came up with a [00:03:00] strategy\, and we went and saw Sister Ursula\, the principal at our school. She heard our story\, and we shared what had happened\, and she went up to the principal of the high school\, and they had a conversation\, and they came back. They then held a meeting\, pulled all the parents in\, and had a meeting\, and we got to share our stories with all those parents. \nAnd man\, it totally changed the way that operated. I learned from that\, that if you build relationships\, figure out a strategy\, and are willing to have the courage to act on that\, you can make a difference. So\, I don’t want to make a big deal out of it\, but it set in my mind and set in motion my whole life of working with David against Goliath. It’s just been part of who I am. I don’t like bullies\, and I like people to be able to fight above their weight class. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Wow. You were much more of a reflective kid [00:04:00] than I was. As a natural redhead\, kids\, for some reason\, wanted to pull my hair all the time.. And they were real mean about it\, too. I just remember crying to my mom and my mom going to the other moms. I did not reflect on what that meant at all. All I knew is that the hair pulling stopped\, and I was happy. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: I love that story of you as a kid. It reminds me of a book I read called Frindle\, which was great. But that’s really off-topic\, so I’m gonna circle us back. \nSo that sounds like it was a very formative experience when you were a kid. Did you know immediately that you wanted to go into working in community development\, or did that kind of come later with time? \nTOM MOSGALLER: Yeah\, it did. You know\, doors open up in our lives\, right? Where events happen\, or people bump into us\, or things like that. And I always say\, “If you can do it\, go for it.” \nBecause I just got back – I got drafted right out of college\, and I was blessed to have played hockey in [00:05:00] college\, and I was captain of the hockey team. And so\, when I got into the army\, they pulled me out of rank the first day and put fake stripes on me and made me the leader of my company. \nSo\, I was thrust into a leadership role and had to lead 80 guys. And I did that during basic training\, advanced training\, and then my unit when I was in service. And it taught me a lot about how you work with people\, how building relationships are critical to building a culture in your unit\, and then being successful with that. \nSo\, when I got back\, I wasn’t sure what the heck I was gonna do at 23 or whatever I was. And that’s true of a lot of us. And somebody just said\, “You know\, Tom\, I see you were thinking about going to Case Western to become a social worker\, and you got way too much edge. You had the most penalty minutes at college in hockey. I don’t think you want to be a social worker\, [00:06:00] or that you should be a social worker. Did you ever heard of the thing called community organizer?” \nAnd I said\, “I didn’t. What is that?” And – \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I love the idea\, by the way\, that social workers are considered edgy. \nTOM MOSGALLER: Well\, I’m saying organizers can be more edgy\, right? I mean – \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Uh-huh. \nTOM MOSGALLER: You gotta have that kinda sense of\, “This ain’t right\, and you’re gonna do something about it\,” just not go from case to case\, not being able to have the power to actually change the system\, right? I wanted to change systems. \nMore important than\, “I want to change this\,” I wanted to learn how I could help people change systems. \nAnd that was\, you know\, what I wanted to learn. And I\, when I heard about it\, and I heard about the work of you could go places and actually learn by practicing\, I just glommed onto it and drove from our farm in northern Wisconsin to Chicago\, and got involved in a major battle when the [00:07:00] Eisenhower Expressway was being put through the city\, and it was going to rip up all these neighborhoods of different ethnic groups. Some planner had just drawn a straight line through downtown. \nAnd we were able to\, by organizing people who oftentimes didn’t get along: Polish\, Hispanic\, Irish\, but they had common self-interest around this path that would not destroy their cultural communities. And so if you go through Chicago these days and you see the highway turns and twists a little bit\, that is a tribute to people working together. \nAnd I learned so much about power and change through that kind of experience and the importance of compromise. And then moved on from there to other organizing efforts and continued to\, you know\, hone my skills and develop a lot of what I consider leaders who were a hell of a lot better than I was. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Well\, [00:08:00] I would love to kind of switch a little bit because you were talking about some different experiences you had going from northern Wisconsin down to Chicago to help that effort with the expressway. It does bring to mind this idea of community. And so I really want to ask you about basically\, what is community\, right? \nWhen you say community\, what do you mean in practice? \nTOM MOSGALLER: Yeah\, so I think we could have a long conversation on that. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Let’s do it. \nTOM MOSGALLER: So when we talk about community\, I mean\, it comes from the Latin word communitas. It’s a dynamic word. It’s like neighborhood. How you would describe what boundaries or scale is a neighborhood may be very different from me. \nSo we’ve got to work together to calibrate when we say community\, right? That’s one of the first things we’ve got to do. If we’re going to work together\, then we’ve got to think about how we define our community. For example\, when I organized in Philadelphia as a brash [00:09:00] 24-year-old\, and I was going to organize Philadelphia\, I mean\, you know\, think about that\, you know? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: That sounds like a 24-year-old and new in their career. I’m just kidding. \nTOM MOSGALLER: Right? So it was the city of Philly. It was Bucks County. It was all the counties around it. And we then kind of defined that geographic area. So it could be a sense of place. It could be a sense of a certain set of values that you have. \nCould be around a religious faith or whatever might be a set of values. It could also be about an emotional attachment. So all the Harley riders have an emotional attachment to a certain set of Harley-Davidson bikes\, and they are committed to that. So I think it\, you’ve really got to figure out for yourself what is that community. \nWhen I worked in Argentina after the disappearance of people\, trying to get people back in civic life after 20\,000 people [00:10:00] were basically disappeared\, how do you define that community. And for me\, the people who brought me there were the Quality of Life Foundation\, people who had lost family. That was the community. \nMm-hmm. People who lost their family. That was the boundary of a core of that particular organizing effort\, right? And it was such a deep passion that made them want to be able to do something that was positive around what they had experienced as families. So that’s kind of\, you helped me with that\, but that’s the way I\, when I go into a place\, I think dynamically about community\, relational community – \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. \nTOM MOSGALLER: Geographic place\, and you settle on something\, but you don’t do it alone. You do it in relationship to other people who you are seeking to be part of some kind of way of thinking. \nSo those of us who were against\, you know\, the Black [00:11:00] Leather Jacket gang on the front of that bus\, we’re a community eventually. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Well\, and that’s actually one question I had. So it’s not something you do alone\, but it does sound like it’s also deeply personal\, right? So it’s something that you\, that you need to feel out for yourself\, but also it’s something that’s felt by a group. \nTOM MOSGALLER: Absolutely. Absolutely. I totally agree. It’s a living process of defining that community\, right? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: So you’ve written about kind of a community change formula. How would you describe that to someone who’s hearing about it for the first time? \nTOM MOSGALLER: Yeah\, so thank you for the question. So\, yeah\, I call it a framework as opposed to an algorithm or a formula\, because it sounds too rigid. And in fact\, in like neighborhood or community\, it’s not rigid. It’s dynamic in the sense that it’s evolving. People [00:12:00] can enter it anywhere along a process that they’re working on something. \nBut the key thing about the framework and why we use that as kind of the skeleton for the handbook we created is it gives people handholds for being able to take something that can be extremely abstract\, like community building or community change\, and gives it some context. \nSo this last week I’ve been working with a group\, and I just walked through it in two minutes\, and that’s what I’m going to do right now\, just so everybody who gets to listen to this might appreciate it. So when I created this\, by the way\, you know\, it’s kind of taking 50 years of doing this stuff and saying\, “What are the critical elements that you and I have got to think about if we’re trying to create a change around something that we care deeply and have a deep passion about?” \nAnd so if you want to have [00:13:00] community change\, there are four factors we think are essential to that. The first is\, you have to assess the desire of people\, what I call the D for desire. How deep and how broad is the strength of will of people to actually want to do this? \nAnd that doesn’t happen by accident. That means you’ve got to go out and you’ve got to begin to have some conversations with people to assess whether you just have a great idea\, or you have a tremendous desire about this. Or there are other people saying\, “Oh my God\, I didn’t know there was anybody else who cared about this\,” or\, you know\, “We are people that care about this\,” and you start building out your base of concern about this particular topic. \nAn example that just comes to mind in a small town in western Wisconsin\, we were getting a lot of requests by the local businesses on how do we get young people in those communities? See\, [00:14:00] there’s a lot of great opportunities for work in this part of the state. But people who were in high school didn’t know all the things that were right there in their community. \nSo we went out and did a hundred one-on-ones with people in that community around trying to find out how many businesses\, how many small not-for-profits could serve to be places where high school students could go and actually apprentice. And we developed an apprentice system for these young people to work in those facilities. \nAnd many of them are staying in that community now\, because they appreciate that their community has all kinds of places they could be working\, but they had no clue. So by being apprentices and being mentored in those businesses\, they stayed in their hometowns. \nSo that’s the D\, the will factor. Times V\, which is a vision. \nSo if\, [00:15:00] when I do this\, I often talk to people\, “You clear on desire? You’ve got enough will to act on this. Do you have a sense of a vision collectively?” That’s going to evolve over time as you get into action. You’re going to be evolving that vision. But what is kind of the original vision\, the possibilities? \nAnd do you have a strategy of what might be some first things you might do around that? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: So Tom\, excuse the interruption quick\, because I just want to really point something out here. You said something about\, “What is the vision collectively?” So we’re not talking about one person who has decided that this is the vision we should go for\, and they’re just trying to get everyone on board. Although maybe that did happen because everyone’s like\, “That is a good vision. I do share that.” \nYou know\, maybe that happens. But we’re talking about a collective vision\, right? \nTOM MOSGALLER: We are. Thanks\, Jessica\, for catching that\, because we are talking about a shared vision. That’s part of the building of your capacity to act. \nYou find people [00:16:00] who have a desire\, you make an offer to them to see if they’ll come together\, and whether you can create alignment around a common\, which may not be your original vision or hers or his\, but what we can collectively agree on is a vision for the action we want to take. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. \nTOM MOSGALLER: Okay. Thank you. \nAnd then the third element\, and to me\, this is the transmission in the automobile that gets the energy to the back wheels or to the wheels\, and that is Power. And we do not do a very good job helping people understand power in this society. I just\, I think people avoid it. People are intimidated by it. \nAgain\, power is a neutral term. It comes from the Latin word pose. It means the ability to act\, to get stuff done. You have to have power. Your power of your own personal efficacy and your own capacity to make change\, the confidence and the understanding\, plus [00:17:00] that of others in terms of the capacity to work together to create power. \nAnd I’m talking about power with versus power over\, which is always a big difference for people\, because most of us\, the minute we say the word ‘power\,’ we’ve experienced power over. Where somebody puts the thumb on us who reports to who in a hierarchical model. \nI’m talking about the power that happens when people work together. And we in community building talk about two forms of primary power. One is organized people\, and the second is organized money. When you have both of those\, you can affect some change. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I love that framing of power\, the organized people in organized money rather than the ways that we normally think about it and talk about it. \nThere’s also sort of the perceived\, and we can get more into this later on when we break down\, you know\, a couple of pitfalls\, but there’s also that kind of perceived [00:18:00] power that maybe isn’t positional\, but people perceive a positional power because maybe someone is bringing more money to the table than anyone else. That is super important. \nBut sometimes the organized power I’ve seen in my experience gets a little bit diminished when everyone in the room is looking to the one person that maybe has sort of that\, the money power\, I guess. You know\, I’ve seen some of those things happen. And so I love the framing of\, like\, thinking of it as organized power and organized money because it feels a little bit more flat. \nDoes that make sense? \nTOM MOSGALLER: Yeah. And\, you know\, people who are at the table earn that by delivering. So when we built the organization in Philly way back\, it was 270 different networks across the whole city. We had 3\,000 people at the founding convention representing 270 organizations. They built that. It was their power. They raised their own money. They [00:19:00] learned how to have the power of raising money and that skill\, as well as their ability to choose what they acted on and how to go about the actions they wanted to take. \nAnd to me\, that’s when civic life comes alive. That’s when civic life comes alive. And it’s bottom up. It’s when real people can affect change. \nSo that’s the P. And the P consists of two things. The depth and breadth of your relationships. We always say leadership is\, “Leaders are people who have a following and they can deliver.” We’re pretty hard on that. We really believe that it’s not just charisma or they’re a good speaker\, but they really have the capacity to lead\, because people follow them. \nIt’s the difference between Moses and Aaron in the Bible\, right? Moses says that\, you know\, “I’m not a good speaker. I stutter.” But God says to him\, “Yeah\, but people follow you. Aaron [00:20:00] is your brother and a hell of a good speaker. And he can do a lot of the speaking\, but you’re the one that’s going to lead this.” And I think that’s a powerful thing for all of us to think about. \nSome of the best leaders I have worked with declare themselves not to be leaders. So the R is the pivot foot for all of it\, the relationship building\, right? And that times the willingness to act. So R plus A\, R plus A is the power framing. P equals R plus A\, the willingness to act. There are a lot of people who have networks and connections and relationships\, but if they’re not willing to actually act on that\, to do something with those skills\, then it’s just\, it’s not going to be\, you know\, I see the lack of potential for actually getting stuff done. \nAnd then finally\, all of that\, all of that\, the desire\, the vision\, the power have to be greater than the resistance you’re going to anticipate. And [00:21:00] oftentimes\, I see people not anticipate the resistance. And then they’re surprised by it\, and they try to remain innocent about that. And I push them to say\, “Okay\, let’s start anticipating where the pushback’s gonna come.” \nSometimes in our lives\, we are the resistors. The group I’m working with right now\, trying to fight a power line that’s going to go across the state of Wisconsin\, put in 200-foot towers\, these transmission lines\, and they’re just regular people\, ordinary people who all of a sudden are being surprised\, right? I haven’t even worked with them on right and wrong. \nWe’re still trying to figure out who we are and how we’re going to organize. How deep is the desire? Get a clear sense of our vision and our capacity to fight above our weight class against utilities that have had 50 years of experience and how to win on these things. So this is a David and [00:22:00] Goliath experience. \nAnd so the point I’m trying to make\, sometimes we are resistors\, and sometimes we have to deal with resistance. But do not be naïve about the concept of resistance because it will be there no matter what you’re going to take on. There you go. That’s the framework. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Wow. There’s a lot there. It’s very rich. I think one of the first places I wanna go to is you talk about people having a lot of misconceptions about power. \nAnd so I’m wondering if you could just flesh out a little bit about what it looks like when power is working well\, and what does it look like when there are pitfalls or when it’s crunchy? \nTOM MOSGALLER: Yeah\, yeah. So to me\, our becoming knowledgeable about power is so\, so critical\, because if we’re not comfortable with beginning with ourselves\, with our own [00:23:00] understanding of our own power\, when we begin working with people in communities\, one of the first things I ask people to do is draw a stick person of themselves and to write down around that stick person all the things that they are involved in or care about in their lives. \nSo it’s an opportunity to get grounded in your own power and to look at yourself objectively\, define your kind of sense of mission about who you are\, and then what are the activities and things that you’re investing yourself in\, in order to achieve that mission. And to get grounded in your own sense of being healthy yourself and your own power and feeling comfortable with that power. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I think one of the important parts of that particular activity is that it helps you think about power differently\, right? So thinking about those things as power. \nTOM MOSGALLER: That’s right. Thank you\, Jessica. It does\, because when you put down [00:24:00] the things that you have relationships with\, the networks you’re associated with\, your church\, your civic groups\, whatever it might be\, people in your neighborhood\, you know\, your hobbies you have with groups that you meet with\, your book club or the farm group that I meet with on Wednesday afternoons down at the bar. \nI mean\, all of those are networks that we don’t think about. They’re just part of our lives. But they are part of our power\, because they represent different groups of organized people that I have connections and relationships with. And then all of a sudden say\, “Holy cow\, I got all of these different networks and they have networks. And if I want to work on something that I have a passion for\, right\, then I need to be checking whether or not when I go to the euchre table on Wednesday afternoon down at the bar. I’ve got to ask the guys\, you know\, what do you think about this?” [00:25:00] Right? And find out what the desire level is to care about something deep enough. \nAnd then will they act? Or will they just sit there and come up with all the solutions they think they can have\, but that’s as far as it’s going to go. So thank you for reminding me of that. Power begins by your own assessment of your willingness and ability to act and your desire to act. And then that broadens out as you start creating that shared sense that comes when you start tapping into networks of people around you. \nThe organizing I have been part of is very clear and very disciplined about that part of power building\, is that it’s power with and it’s building that capacity. If we say we’re going to have 1\,200 people at a meeting\, we will have 1\,250\, because we have the discipline of the networks that we [00:26:00] connect with to make it happen. \nToo many groups declare themselves powerful\, but they can’t fill a Volkswagen bug with their number of people. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: What do you see happen most often when it comes to power? What do you see over and over again that you need to\, when you’re working with groups\, you need to kind of help gently correct or change? \nTOM MOSGALLER: Well\, people tend to be impatient about the building of power. They want it to be instant. They want instant putting that\, you know\, I care about it\, you care about it. So hell\, everybody must care about what I care about\, right? And then\, you know\, no one shows up. You don’t do the discipline process\, the hard work. \nI don’t consider it hard work. I think it’s a great honor that we get to go out and listen to other people and relate to them and build a network of connections with them to find out what the hell’s important in their life today\, [00:27:00] which oftentimes is way different than what the media is telling you about\, right? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mm-hmm. \nTOM MOSGALLER: When you get into people’s lives in their living room or at their kitchen table and you talk with them\, you find out what the hell’s going on in people’s lives. We got a whole hell of a lot more in common than we do in difference. But that takes the discipline of sitting down and saying\, “Who are the five people I’m going to go out and talk to this month and check with them if they care about this? \nAnd what do they care about? What’s important to them and their families today? That’s a disciplined process of building power over time. And that’s why we believe you never stop building relationships. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I always tell people that the thing that I see most often is\, it’s very similar to what you’re describing\, that we want to go immediately to the actions and like\, “Okay\, I’m gonna do this\, you do that\, you do that. Break. We’ll all go do the things and we’ll come [00:28:00] back next month and update each other.” \nAnd we don’t spend time even just talking about\, how are we going to be together? Like who are we together? And what are we doing? So anyway\, I appreciate that. Yeah. The power stuff kind of is mixed in with that. \nTOM MOSGALLER: And I think a lot of us have been\, I don’t know if it’s taught or it’s culturally subliminal\, but if we want to be polite\, we’re taught to be polite and not to agitate. The word means to stir\, to press people to open them up a bit about what the hell’s important in their lives and their families. And I think we’ve got to do that because we’ve got to break them loose from this politeness. The politeness is killing us. We’ve got to pull into action. \nIt doesn’t mean we’re not respectful. It doesn’t mean\, you know\, we act rudely or we rage. I don’t mean that. I mean\, we have to have enough courage to stand for what we [00:29:00] believe in. And that goes back to your point\, Jessica. That means we’ve got to be clear together about what that is. What is our aim collectively that we can agree on that we want to take into public life? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. I’m actually really curious\, so your kind of framework has a couple of different pieces. And I’m really curious about the relationship between shared vision and resistance. And to me\, it seems\, well\, of course\, when you face resistance\, you then talk about your shared vision. But is that true or do you find that it’s not just that? Tell us a little bit more about how\, like\, resistance interacts with the other pieces. \nTOM MOSGALLER: Yeah. So you’re raising a good point. One of the things\, and again\, I can share a story from this week\, but in the book\, we share a very simple thing that we do. It’s embarrassingly simple because\, you know\, that’s just the way we try and design everything we do\, so that people can use it on a daily basis. \nWe create a [00:30:00] bullseye diagram\, a map of relationship building that you need to do in order to have power to act on the things you care about. And at the heart of that bullseye is your core team\, the people that you trust the most\, who are in the core of your group that you care about working on. So I’m working on helping young farmers get access to land today when land has become so costly that young people cannot access the ability to farm. \nWe have a core team of people\, about eight of us that are at the core of that. And so if I was doing a relational map\, I’d be writing the names of the eight people that are in our core. And then there’s a second ring\, and that second ring are the people we want to begin initially doing the conversations with that we think will be really important to broaden out our base of associations and strengthen the breadth of our community [00:31:00] around this mission of accessing land. \nAnd then there’s a third ring\, which would probably be people that we would like to have\, not have to have\, but like to have\, which is a third ring that we would be building of all the associations that we wanna tap into. \nAnd then finally\, to your point\, are a ring of what I would call the resistors\, or the people who we have to build relationships with\, because it’s important we not ignore them because it’s not going away. Better to face into it\, find out why they feel the way they do about what we do. So we do one-on-ones with them\, just like we do with the second\, third\, and fourth rings. \nMaking sense at all? You’ve got to face into them because in their resistance\, there is possibility for compromise on our vision\, because they may have some reason why they [00:32:00] feel the way they do that we need to think about if we’re going to fundamentally make a difference around the topic we care about. \nSo I think you quench with the resistors in the best sense of that. And sometimes because you did that\, you are at least neutralizing them. At the best\, they may come toward you\, and at the worst\, you know who they are. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. So\, something you were talking about is compromise. And I think sometimes that word is used as almost like a negative bad thing. \nLike\, “Oh\, they’re a compromiser. They don’t stand for their values.” \nHow do you see compromise playing into this idea of community action and community change? And what would you say to people who think that compromise is kind of inherently not living up to your values? \nTOM MOSGALLER: Excellent question. I think we’re living in a time right [00:33:00] now where we’re continually being pushed\, particularly by electoral politics\, into a polarized environment in which you have to join a tribe or a clan\, right? \nAnd it’s getting harder and harder to find the middle ground and to find tables. It’s about us building enough power to get to the table so we can get into a dialogue to compromise. And all too often\, we’re not appreciating the table. We become brittle\, we become polarized\, and we lose the capacity. And when I go into towns to talk with people\, or to more importantly\, listen to people\, I find that\, God\, in the last 10 days in about six meetings\, we never talked electoral politics. \nAnd I know some of them are rabid blue and others are rabid red. But around the issue of cleaning up the creek or making [00:34:00] sure we got good daycare facilities in town\, or making sure we refurbish our library or have the capacity to take on this power line\, no one talks party. Everybody talks about self-interest. \nSelf-interest\, not selfish interest\, self-interest\, meaning I know who I am. I know what’s important for me around this issue. And I have heard you\, and we’re going to find common ground to act on this together. That is a lost art that only can begin from the bottom if we’re going to refurbish democracy as it was originally intended. \nIt’s always about compromise. And what we’re going through now is not unique. We’ve gone through it. The history of democracy allows us the right to do that. We are blessed to have that chance. Authoritarian people in authoritarian countries [00:35:00] don’t have the chance to do that compromising. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: You know\, addressing community issues\, whether it’s a big community issue or a small community issue\, really does require us to work together no matter how we feel about other things out in the world. \nWe still need to work together with the other people in the community to address these community issues. And I think this is a good point to kind of\, in our last few minutes\, talk about what’s a small first step for someone. And I feel like I know the answer to this\, but I’ll ask it anyway. What’s a small first step for – \nTOM MOSGALLER: Jessica\, what do you think the first step would be? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Well\, I think it’s like going and connecting with someone who either feels the same as you or different\, or both\, right? Going and connecting with people and learning. Are there others who\, you know\, feel the same way you do when someone doesn’t feel the same way as you about that issue? What are they feeling? \nWhat is the reason behind [00:36:00] that? And really learn to kind of develop some understanding and empathy for each other and continue the conversation. \nSo that’s kind of what I feel like the answer is close to the answer would’ve been\, but do you agree that a first small step for someone who wants to help their community but feels unsure where to begin\, that that’s maybe it? \nTOM MOSGALLER: Erin\, what do you think? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Oh\, um\, I actually think the first thing I would do is talk to myself\, which sounds maybe silly\, but like\, what do I value? What do I care about? What’s my vision? What do I want to see? Yeah. \nAnd then I would go have a conversation with someone and say\, “Hey\, here’s what I’m seeing around me. Here’s what I would love to see. What do you think about that? What would you love to see?” And then keep doing that. \nTOM MOSGALLER: So thank you\, both of you\, for your willingness to share that. And Erin\, I appreciate that you raised the issue of compromise\, because I’m just finishing an article that is the first article given to us when [00:37:00] we start training as community organizers. \nAnd it’s called The Art of Being Unprincipled. And it’s not that you should not have a set of things that are your principles\, but they should be on an elastic tether so that you have the will\, the ability not to be brittle\, but to change as you go out and do those conversations. Because you become more rounded. \nIt’s like getting older and getting wiser. If you listen\, you will all of a sudden\, “I never thought about it that way.” You know? So you don’t get locked into a position and then freeze. And that’s what’s happening too much now. And so we bang up against each other rather than having the capacity to share different views\, find common ground\, actually have dialogues in order to make a difference. \nThat’s what democracy allows us to [00:38:00] do. And I feel so pleased that we have that opportunity to do that. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. \nTOM MOSGALLER: So if I were doing it\, in the book\, we put six universals essential to relationship building. And one of them is you build relationships before you need them. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mm-hmm. \nTOM MOSGALLER: To me\, that is so hard for people. They wait till there’s a crisis\, a housing crisis\, right? In their neighborhood or something. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: A natural disaster. \nTOM MOSGALLER: Right. A disaster. And then you’re trying to scramble. And I’m always thinking about\, how do you build a fitness program in your community over time that gives you the capacity to be able to act when you need to act on something and not scramble every time out of crisis\, right? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mm-hmm. \nTOM MOSGALLER: In order to make a difference. In DeForest\, just north of here\, I’ve had nothing to do with it\, but I’ve watched it. [00:39:00] fluoride in the water. Big issue. I mean\, there was a back and forth\, you know? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. \nTOM MOSGALLER: They pulled fluoride out of the water. And then people organized and somehow came to some compromise and they got fluoride back in the water. \nIt took three years maybe. I mean\, watching it from a distance. I don’t know who was involved\, but I give them\, you know\, effort for figuring that out. But then along comes the AI center that’s going to be built there in their community. They had a fitness program that they could get together and move more quickly. \nThat’s why we build fire departments rather than everybody trying to grab a bucket when there’s a fire in the hood\, you know? You’ve got to do it before you need it. And that’s the hardest thing for most of us\, to have the discipline to build networks before you need them. So there you go. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Hey\, I’ve been preaching that for [00:40:00] over a decade. \nYes. I completely agree. \nTOM MOSGALLER: Well\, it definitely ain’t easy\, right? I mean\, our day jobs\, all of the things going on in our life\, to build in time every month to go out and do one or two conversations with strangers or with neighbors isn’t easy. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I think we’re so wired that it has to be around a particular task or project to\, like\, have to do something or have to have something productive out of it that I think that’s part of what gets in the way of us just being like\, “Hey\, who are we together?” \nTOM MOSGALLER: Yeah. I mean\, what you’re basically saying is\, “What would I talk to them about?” \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. \nTOM MOSGALLER: Right? Yeah. And\, and in fact\, all you’ve got to do is say\, “How’s it going?” \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. \nTOM MOSGALLER: “How’s it going? What’s happening? What’s important to you\, to your family?” And man\, it just opens up. I just think about this all the time. How many times in your life has somebody taken a half hour and just sat down with you and listened? And just said\, “Tell me [00:41:00] more about that. How did that happen? What happened when that happened? How’d you get that resolved?” \nI mean\, to demonstrate that kind of curiosity about someone else in a meaningful way is a real discipline in the best sense of discipline. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Well\, thank you so much. I feel like this was such an invigorating conversation\, and I am leaving with a lot of things to think about. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I have so many more questions I want to ask\, but – \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Maybe we can have Tom back for those. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: That’d be great. Well\, Tom\, thank you so much for the work that you do\, and thank you so much for joining us. Really\, really enjoyed this conversation. \nTom Mosgaller is a community builder\, teacher\, leader\, and Vietnam-era veteran who supports communities in pulling together through the power of relationships. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: That’s it for this episode. Thank you so much for joining us. If this conversation got you thinking about how communities can pull together\, we hope you’ll share it with a colleague\, partner\, or neighbor who’s doing that work too. You can find more [00:42:00] resources from today’s episode in our show notes. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: We’d 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. \nWe hope you’ll listen again soon. Until then\, keep practicing. \nCREDITS: The Practicing Connection Podcast is a production of One-Op and is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture\, US Department of Agriculture and the Office of Military Family Readiness Policy\, US Department of Defense under award number 2 0 2 3 4 8 7 74 3 3.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/stronger-together-a-change-framework-for-community-action/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Practicing-Connection_Podcast-graphic-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260903T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260903T170000
DTSTAMP:20260908T140400Z
CREATED:20260903T173036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260908T140400Z
UID:10001796-1788415200-1788454800@oneop.org
SUMMARY:The Military-Civilian Divide: Why Transition is More Than Culture Shock
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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 36) \nMany professionals want to help military families. Few understand the invisible barriers they’re navigating. \nWhen service members and military families transition to civilian life\, they’re often told to expect “culture shock.” But according to counselor and researcher Dr. Seth Hayden\, that phrase doesn’t fully capture what’s actually happening. \nIn this episode\, Jessica Beckendorf and guest co-host Kim Smith explore the military-civilian divide with Dr. Hayden\, whose work focuses on the intersection of career development and mental health for service members\, veterans\, and military families. \nTogether\, they discuss: \n\nWhy military transition is about more than employment\nWhat civilian providers often misunderstand about military culture\nThe hidden challenges veterans face when translating military experience into civilian opportunities\nHow spouses experience transition differently than service members\nWhy career struggles and mental health concerns are often part of the same story\nPractical ways professionals can better support military-connected families\n\nWhether you work with military families or simply want to better understand the transition experience\, this conversation offers valuable insights into what it takes to bridge the divide. \nDr. Seth Hayden is a professor of counseling and coordinator of the clinical mental health program at Wake Forest University. \nHis research sits right at the intersection of career development and mental health\, with a particular focus on the career and personal development needs of military service members\, veterans\, and their families\, including some recent work specifically on military spouses navigating the transition to civilian life. \nLinks and resources from this episode: \nSpouseWorks: \n\nhttps://spouseworks.militaryonesource.mil/portal/\n\nDr. Seth Hayden: \n\nhttps://counseling.wfu.edu/faculty-staff/dr-seth-hayden/\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-hayden-wfu/\n\nClinical Military Counseling: Guidelines for Practice: \n\nhttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781119783527?__cf_chl_tk=KzKEp3QotoNpCKT8u789ZOz.7I__Ea9bfxdNhM3pztc-1787167104-1.0.1.1-bpa3CFcvdvBE1WDaUs_QgQGyUNbLWa6QWC6waQibXUg\nhttps://www.counseling.org/publications/aca-books/view/clinical-military-counseling–guidelines-for-practice\n\nCognitive Information Processing: Career Theory\, Research\, and Practice: \n\nhttps://publishing.lib.fsu.edu/books-textbooks/cognitive-information-processing-career-theory-research-and-practice/\n\nIntegrating Career Development and Mental Health in Counseling: \n\nhttps://www.counseling.org/publications/aca-books/view/integrating-career-development-and-mental-health-in-counseling\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 (00:04) \nHi\, welcome back to Practicing Connection. I’m Jessica\, and I’m really glad to have my OneOp colleague Kim Smith joining me again\, I think for the second time as a guest co-host today. \nKIM SMITH (00:15) \nYes\, the second time. Thank you\, Jessica. I’m happy to be here again. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (00:20) \nWell\, one of the through lines of this podcast is that connection takes practice. It doesn’t just happen automatically because people care about each other. \nKIM SMITH (00:30) \nAnd today’s conversation is a great example of that idea applied to a really specific high stakes context\, the transition from military to civilian life. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (00:41) \nOur guest has spent his career studying what actually happens in that transition for service members\, for veterans\, and for the spouses and families who go through it right alongside them\, often without ever having signed up for it themselves. \nKIM SMITH (00:56) \nAnd we’re going to talk about why the phrase culture shock doesn’t quite capture what’s going on\, what civilian providers tend to miss\, and what it looks like to treat career struggles and mental health struggles as the same conversation instead of two separate appointments. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (01:14) \nYeah\, and before we get into it\, I definitely want to give Kim a proper introduction because this topic is very much in your wheelhouse\, Kim. \nSo Kim Smith is the spouse employment program coordinator at OneOp\, where she designs professional development for those serving military families. She has more than 25 years of experience in higher education with a focus on access and opportunity. \nKIM SMITH (01:37) \nWell\, thank you\, Jessica. I appreciate that. \nAnd I have the privilege of introducing our guest\, Dr. Seth Hayden. He is an associate professor of counseling and coordinator of the Clinical Mental Health Program at Wake Forest University. His research sits right at the intersection of career development and mental health\, with a particular focus on the career and personal development needs of military service members\, veterans\, and their families. \nincluding some recent work specifically on military spouses navigating the transition to civilian life. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (02:13) \nHe’s also the author of Integrating Career Development and Mental Health Counseling and co-editor of Cognitive Information Processing Career Theory Research and Practice\, which if today’s conversation goes anywhere near job searching\, we may hear more about. \nKIM SMITH (02:29) \nAbsolutely. He’s a licensed clinical mental health counselor in my home state of North Carolina and a past president of both the Military and Government Counseling Association and the National Career Development Association\, which are two divisions of the American Counseling Association. \nDr. Hagen\, welcome. We’re really glad to have you here. \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (02:52) \nThank you so much. It’s great to be with you all. \nKIM SMITH (02:54) \nSo Dr. Hayden\, can you share a little more about how you found this work or how the work found you? How did you end up doing what you do today? \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (03:04) \nYeah\, so for me\, it really started in my graduate studies. So I was a master’s student in counseling and I was learning how to do that work. And I was wanting to engage in some research. \nAnd so I touched base with one of my professors and asked if there was anything that he was working on. And he indicated that he was doing some research on the experience of female service members. And I was like\, “Well\, I don’t know anything about that. So let me learn something about that.” \nAnd that experience just captivated me because I was sitting there\, because I’m a civilian\, I have not served in the military. And I remember thinking as we were starting to explore that topic\, how little I knew. And what would that be like for me as a civilian provider to encounter someone who is having that experience? \nAnd so that’s when I kind of started making that commitment to wanting to learn more about that and to think about me as a clinician\, but also me as a researcher. How can we develop knowledge specific to counseling practice to support that population? \nAnd so I’ve continued that work\, worked in different environments that are associated with the military\, done work with Wounded Warrior Project\, worked with the Defense and Veterans Brain Engineer Center in Virginia when I was there. And I still continue to do pro bono work here for a nonprofit that serves veterans who are experiencing homelessness. \nAnd so there’s a clinical element to it\, but there’s also a research element to it. And my hope is that we can combine those things to provide quality services to those associated with the military experience in our country. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (04:45) \nThat sense of curiosity is what we talk about a lot on this podcast\, hoping to kind of bridge that divide between the service providers who know that their entire list of clients are military families\, and then those who are like out in a rural community who might have a few military families in their client list were always hoping to build that curiosity of like not only. \nWhat does it mean to be a service member or their family experiencing some of the things that they might be experiencing\, but also\, you know\, who else cares about these issues? And so that curiosity that you had that you described\, I’m very grateful that you described it that way because that’s exactly what we’re always trying to encourage on this podcast. So thank you. \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (05:33) \nAnd I think it’s important too to kind of think about the fact that you are likely to encounter someone who’s had this experience\, even if it’s not a specific clinical specialty for you. I mean\, I just think that that’s an interesting consideration\, because there are times where we specialize as counselors in particular things\, and you may not see the military as those things you want to specialize in. \nBut if you come from someone who grew up in a military family\, if you’re working with a spouse. You work with a service member or a veteran. I mean\, that they can walk through your door and there you are. And then you’re providing those services. \nAnd so I do think at times it’s important\, regardless of if it’s like this is the primary thing of that I’m going to do\, like I’m going to work with those who are associated with the military on a on a frequent basis\, or you might encounter\, as you said\, you might be out in a place that’s a little removed from maybe a military installation or anything\, and someone walks through your door and they have that in their story. \nAnd so therefore how are you going to ensure that you do a good job in working with them however you come across them? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (06:37) \nYeah. Well\, I came from a family who moved. My father served in the Navy for 21 years\, and we moved to a rural community when he retired when he was transitioning from military life to civilian life. And so let’s dive into this military civilian divide that we’ve talked about kind of off recording. How would you define the military-civilian divide in practical terms? Sort of getting beyond the kind of abstract idea of like culture shock\, which is difficult to put into practice\, right? “It’s just culture shock.” \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (07:12) \nI would see it as there’s a different experience that’s unique within each environment and it plays out in many different ways. I think it plays out in how people work\, it plays out in how people exist within their families\, it plays out in how just people interact with the world. And so there’s so many different ways in which it manifests. But I do see it as a cultural element. \nSo we did some research actually at one point asking people like me\, those who prepare counselors\, if they saw the military experience as a cultural one\, not an occupational one\, but a cultural one. And people strongly endorsed that they saw it as more of a cultural experience than an occupational experience\, which I think is really interesting because I think that affects how we as counselors approach it\, if it’s a cultural consideration versus simply an occupational one. \nLess than one percent of our population in the United States serves in the military. So when we think about that just from a pure like population proportion standpoint\, we can exist within our culture and not necessarily come in contact with someone who’s having that experience. And so I do think that as civilians\, we have a responsibility\, given that reality\, to ensure that\, given it’s a cultural question\, given that we may or may not come in contact with someone who’s had that experience\, that we take some responsibility in learning as much as we can about that\, because we do have civilian control of our military in our country. \nI know there’s a lot of things that go into that\, but you know\, there are people who are being tasked with going and doing these extraordinary things. And so then what responsibility do we bear as people within our society in trying to understand as much as we can about that experience and ensuring that that shift between these different sets of values and perspectives\, culture shock\, whatever you would like to term it\, that we can ease that transition as much as we can\, given the extraordinary experiences they’ve had. \nSo that is my thought of how to think about it in a very practical way. I do think there are some kind of broader\, kind of\, philosophical elements that go along with that. But again\, it comes back to what brought me to this work. I’m in my office as a counselor\, someone comes in\, it’s in their story. How do I ensure that goes well? And so that’s what I really try to focus my work on. \nKIM SMITH (09:38) \nYou know\, speaking of that responsibility\, I imagine that understanding military culture would be essential for any counselor working with a military service member or family member. What would civilian providers benefit from knowing in relation to military culture when they try to help? \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (09:57) \nYeah\, there’s when I say military culture\, I think there’s a lot of different dimensions to that. And as with most cultures\, there’s a Yes\, history\, but there’s also a lot of within group difference as much as there is between group difference. So when we talk about military culture\, there’s not one thing to talk about. And that’s what’s so interesting to me as we think about the different branches of the military\, different occupational specialties within the military\, the different time periods when people have served\, their experience within the military. \nLike there’s so many different layers to it. It’s a very complex picture\, which we often paint as a monolithic picture. You know\, we think about the person with the weapon\, like that’s one way to look at it. But that is one of many different stories of those who are impacted by the military experience. \nAnd so I think it’s important to get curious about that\, to take some responsibility and being willing to learn about that. If I’m working\, just one very basic example\, if I’m working with someone who’s in the army\, you know\, and I call them a sailor\, or if I’m working with someone in the Navy and I call them a soldier\, like that language is very specific. It’s a\, you know\, there’s a way of talking\, there’s a way of describing things. And those things are important. \nAnd so it’s important for me to learn those things to the degree that I can. What was the experience of serving in Vietnam like versus the experience of serving in Iraq and Afghanistan? Those things were different. Now there are similarities\, but definitely some differences. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (11:37) \nBased on branch again within those experiences. \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (11:39) \nExactly. Yes. And then officer and enlisted and all these different kinds of things. So I say all that to come back to your original thought that it’s important for me to do some work\, to learn as much as I can\, to get curious about people’s experience\, to take some responsibility. So it’s not just them teaching me\, but I’ve shown that I’m willing to do some homework and learn that. And to contextualize whatever they’re sharing with me within that experience. \nSo relational difficulties\, occupational difficulties\, like in what way is the context of your military experience influencing these things\, I think is something that would be useful to kind of think about whatever the presenting concern is within that broader context of their military experience. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (12:29) \nSo I’d love to ask a little bit of a follow-up on that because what’s coming up in my mind when I think of and and and look\, this episode is not meant to sort of focus only on that kind of rural provider\, service provider who might have one or two or three military families or veterans in their client list. \nAnd yet I think about that person a lot because when you say\, you know\, it’s it’s one thing that we need to do is get curious and show that we’re willing to learn a little something about their experience. It sounds like a lot of work\, and it’s really important work. And I recognize that. And I think we do need to do it. And also like\, client lists are full. I guess my question that I’m trying to find here is\, we know it’s really important. And I think that’s why we’re having this conversation. \nAnd also you’ve got one or two families\, like how do you do that extra work? Is it maybe no different than work you might do for other families with other contexts? \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (13:34) \nYeah\, I think that there’s certainly similarities. I think\, you know\, when I mean\, one of the things you know\, sometimes I’ll have students and I’ll talk with them about what the expectations for us as counselors are\, because sometimes a question emerges\, and I work with someone who’s had an experience that I have not had. \nLike that question emerges sometimes. And one of the things I’ll tell my students is this\, I certainly hope so\, because if the expectation for me as the counselor is to have had the experience all my clients and I would myself need a lot of help\, because you know as counselors we encounter people who are really struggling and so I there’s no way that I can fully understand. \nBut that’s the skill set that we learn as counselors is\, how do we engage in empathic understanding? How do we learn about their experience? How do we ask questions and explore about the way those experiences affect them? \nAnd so I would I agree with that thought that If I’m encountering anybody who’s had a different kind of experience than me\, I would use the skills I’ve learned as a counselor to explore that and think about it. \nI do think that there are some good resources out there. Military OneSource has a military culture kind of training. It’s fairly consumable. I believe it’s free. The American Counseling Association has a book out. I believe it’s called Clinical Military Counseling\, by Stibnecki. So there are some resources out there. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (15:03) \nI have to say OneOp is a resource too. \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (15:05) \nOneOp is a great resource. Probably the greatest of all resources would be one up. Yeah. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (15:10) \nI feel like I just basically asked you\, “How do you do your job?” My question was probably so basic for you\, but – \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (15:16) \nIt was just such an obvious answer that it didn’t come to mind because kind of like\, you know\, what heats the earth\, it’s the sun. But I wouldn’t be\, you know\, it’s just so obvious. So yeah\, there are things out there that you can access that I also think are fairly consumable. Like I don’t have to go get a degree in military experience. Like I can tap into those things to kind of learn a little bit about it and use it in ways that hopefully will be really helpful. \nBut a great resource is the people that I’m working with\, just as we were talking about kind of that empathic engagement to try and learn. Because even with those resources\, people have their own experiences with that. So the knowledge itself is not sufficient. Like how does this person encounter? Because there are some people who serve in the military who have great pride in that and stand forth and talk about their experience with great reverence. And there are some who don’t. \nThere’s some who have a different experience around that. And so regardless of what knowledge I accumulate\, the person in front of me still helps me understand what’s been their experience. And so I use those skills to try and learn. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (16:34) \nThat’s great. And you know what? I would also probably throw in there\, you could have a chat\, take a veteran service officer out to a cup of coffee or something and and learn a little bit there\, just one meeting with them and you would have a ton of information. \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (16:49) \nYeah\, just one quick thing with that. Yeah. So I teach an undergraduate class on the evolution of the culture of the military. And one of the assignments that I have the students do is to interview someone who’s been impacted by the military experience. \nAnd it is\, I think\, one of the more illuminating activities that we have. Even when they’ve had like a family member who they have known for a long time\, when they talk specifically about that person’s military experience. I mean\, time and time again\, they talk about how much they didn’t know and how much they learned from that experience. So I agree with you totally. \nI just want to respond that it just takes time to talk with someone about their military experience. They’ll let you know\, you know\, how much they’re comfortable sharing about it or not. And so\, you know\, just asking them\, you know\, “Tell me what was it like for you to serve in the military?” Like what tell me about that? And it can be really instructive\, even with people that are close to you\, like that direct focus on that aspect of their experience can really you can learn a lot from that. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (17:58) \nWell\, let’s talk a little bit about some of your work. Your research with student veterans found that translating military experience into civilian terms\, resume building and negotiating offers were the top three needs. Why do you think these specific gaps\, translating military experience into civilian terms\, resume building and negotiating offers? Why do you think those three specific gaps are so persistent? And what works to close those gaps? \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (18:25) \nYeah\, I think that comes back to this cultural question because the military has very specific language. And so there are times when I’m working with people who served in the military and they share like their resume. And they’ve had incredible leadership experience in the military. But when you read it\, it’s like\, what is this? Like\, I don’t understand some of the language. \nAnd again\, it kind of comes back to kind of unique elements of the military\, which is a very specific language\, acronyms\, those kinds of things. The military has a lot of acronyms. So it comes from that. They’re just describing their experience using the language that they were involved with. And that makes total sense. But then to take that and give that to someone who’s a civilian hiring officer\, like\, okay. So we talk about it being a – \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (19:14) \nLike what’s PCS? \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (19:16) \nYes\, exactly. Yeah\, that’s exactly right. And so\, you know\, we talk about making that translation is important\, but then also more of a skills focus\, like not just what you did in terms of the roles\, but like what skills did you develop from that? \nSo that’s where I tend to focus a lot of those conversations. I think the networking thing also is kind of an element of the military context because the military tends to be a performance-based environment. So what are your capabilities that can best support a mission? And certainly every kind of human organization has an element of politics to it\, but it’s also really kind of focused on your capabilities in relation to what the military is trying to do. \nAnd so this whole thought of like social networking and connecting with people and and kind of putting yourself out there and letting people know who you are and kind of spending time doing that isn’t necessarily something that is inherent in the military as it would be within the civilian environment occupationally. So it’s like that’s a little bit of a foreign concept for them. They know it’s there\, but like the skills to do that are something that can be a challenge at times. \nAnd it’s beneficial to discuss that. I think translating it\, you know\, just thinking about a job offer and translating kind of your values into what that looks like\, I think that’s not just specific to the military. I do think that that’s kind of a broader consideration about how do I look at competing offers and make decisions on that. \nBut I do think one element that is specific to the military is that there’s often a kind of a clear hierarchical ladder when you’re in the military. Like this is my rank. I want to go to the next rank. These are things I got to do to do that. I need to get more training. I need to go to officer training school. I need to do this. Whereas that kind of ladder in civilian employment is a little more \namorphous and unclear. \nIt’s like okay\, so like I might need to go to this company. I might need to go to this company for a while and do this\, but then I’ll leave that company and go do this. Obviously depending on whatever kind of occupation we’re talking about. So that can be difficult as well. Like I might get two offers and one might be more money\, but one might be more opportunity. So then how do I weigh those things? Like how do I make a decision based on what I’m looking for? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (21:45) \nDoes the idea of loyalty fit in there like cause when you’re in the military\, you know\, you are loyal to your role\, and then when you get out\, I would imagine that the idea of like going and working someplace for a little bit and then planning to leave is kind of maybe for some a little bit odd. \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (22:05) \nI would say so. And that’s also been kind of even a broader societal shift. I mean\, my grandfather worked at an auto company in Michigan forever. For his career. And so there’s almost been a shift in kind of societal contract between people and their employer\, where I think it’s shifted now to more like transitory and transactional. \nAnd so I do think that there’s a little bit of that. But I do think that some of those values like commitment to the organization certainly can translate into that. It may be a little more difficult for them to see that really the best thing is to divest yourself of this current opportunity in pursuit of another. But again\, like my commitment to the organization is definitely something that is non-negotiable within the military\, and then can be a little difficult to kind of see how that would work within a civilian context. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (23:01) \nAnd I would also say in some ways the military is committed to you as well. And so I think you don’t find that in the Yeah. Anyway. Sorry. Go ahead\, Kim. \nKIM SMITH (23:14) \nWell\, Dr. Hayden\, you spoke about networking and I wanted to circle back around to that. You have applied cognitive information processing theory to veteran job searches. Can you explain what that framework offers that perhaps generic job search advice doesn’t? \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (23:32) \nYeah\, it’s so I’ll call it CIP for shorthand. Cognitive processing is the theory. And so me as well as others are connected to this approach in relation to career development. And so it’s trying to develop career decision making and problem solving skills. That’s really the primary focus of the approach. It is something that you can learn. I can learn this to make effective career decisions and navigate career problems. \nAnd so one of the things that we focus on is that process of making a career decision. Because what we know is that you will make several in your lifetime to go to the military. You decided to join the military. So that was a career decision. You had various things that influenced that decision. You will decide to leave the military. So that’s a decision. You will decide on what you’re going to do after the military. \nSo with CIP\, what we want to do is we want to develop the skills and make decisions that align with your interest value skills that again meet your goals. That’s really kind of what we’re hoping to do. And so when I’m working with someone from a CIP perspective\, it’s not just the outcome\, it’s the process of getting there that we try to focus on\, because I want them to learn an effective process of navigating this so that they can apply it to the next career decision. \nIn doing that\, I think that enhances their agency\, it gives them a sense of control. No matter what is going on around me\, I have a clear idea of how it is that I can navigate a career decision and to deal with a problem that emerges. And then I can continually apply that over the course of my life. \nAnd so that’s really in a nutshell what CIP is about. It also talks about kind of these thoughts that I have. So it’s not just\, “I need more information.” It’s about\, “How do I make decisions? Who do I talk to? What thoughts and beliefs do I have about myself in relation to this process that might be helping me\, but then also might be hindering me.” \nOne quick example\, if that’s okay. When I was younger\, when I was in middle school\, somewhere I got the message that I wasn’t good at math. And I’m sure it was because of my performance in math in middle school. And so when we think about that\, like\, how does that influence me going forward? I’m not going to be signing up for higher level math courses in high school. I’m going to look at occupations that are like as little math as possible. \nAnd it wasn’t until I got into college that I had a corrective experience. I took a required math class\, had a great professor\, he talked about how you can use math to learn things about people. And that changed my perspective to where now that’s\, you know\, in research\, I have to use a lot of math. \nAnd I teach a research class at Wake Forest\, but not everyone has that corrective experience. And so thinking about how you make decisions\, what things\, beliefs have influenced you as you see these things. And then as the counselor\, we think about those and then we try to determine how we are going to continue to move forward\, making appropriate career decisions and solving various problems in a way that aligns with your goals. \nKIM SMITH (27:00) \nYou know\, Dr. Hayden\, your personal experience giving the math\, I’m going to put my spouse employment hat on here for a minute. \nIt makes me think about so many of our military spouses that come in\, and maybe they’re already feeling defeated because maybe they’ve got some\, you know\, employment gaps on a resume. And so they just already feel mentally defeated that they’re not even thinking they’re going to get this job. So I really understand how CIP could really\, really help military spouses in that area. \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (27:29) \nYeah\, and as a counselor\, like it’s my job\, I think\, to respond to what you just shared\, Kim\, is we need to know that. Because if I just focus on\, “Well\, let’s get your resume in order and not think about how are you feeling about all this?” Like what’s your experience been like – \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (27:46) \nYeah. \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (27:48) \nYeah\, that’s right\, exactly. And so I do think that that’s a really useful example of how someone’s experience can influence how they engage with their career and work. \nSo as a counselor\, I need to pay attention to that and to kind of explore that\, because it’s going to influence them. If they go in with this thought\, and rightfully so\, that thought often is developed through experiences that have continually reinforced it. \nThey go in with this thought that\, “That’s not going to work for me.” And at times\, unfortunately\, it could be just a self-fulfilling prophecy where it won’t. And it’s not to say they should or shouldn’t feel that way. Like it comes from somewhere. And so let’s explore that. \nSo it’s not just about like\, I need more information\, you know\, I’ve got to be good at interviews. It’s like\, how do you see yourself in this process? And certainly the experience of the military is going to be part of influencing that. You know\, if they haven’t had the experience of having to do networking\, they’re not going to have a lot of confidence. They’re not going to do it well. So let’s maybe focus on the confidence as opposed to just more skills. So there’s a lot of different layers to it. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (28:57) \nWell\, speaking of layers\, let’s talk a little bit about how\, you know\, earlier we talked about how there’s differences between the services and there’s differences between experiences. And you might think that something like the Vietnam War\, for example\, you know\, “What was your experience with that?” “Well\, there’s differences within the branches.” \nLet’s also talk about within the military civilian divide\, it sounds like it doesn’t look the same for everyone\, and let’s dig into that a little bit. So\, how does this show up differently for someone with maybe some additional transitions challenges\, like having traumatic brain injury\, or how do these differences show up differently with some of these kinds of additional challenges? That’s a big question. \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (29:41) \nYeah. It’s a great question. Great question. Because I think it does when we think about some of the concerns that seem to have emerged over time. We think about the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan\, the two signature wounds of those conflicts were traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. Now\, this is not to say that everyone who served in those experiences have those things\, but there does seem to be some of the injuries that people have\, those are the ones that seem to really continually emerge. \nAnd so when we think about that\, it’s like it’s not just me as a person kind of navigating it. I have these related concerns from my military experience that I’m carrying forward in my life. And so as a counselor\, when I think about that\, I think it’s important that I consider that presenting concern again within that broader context. \nAnd one of the things that can happen with those injuries is that people who served in the military at times will be trying to get disability associated with those injuries. And that at times can be a very difficult process\, and can create some dynamics within their relation to the military\, because they’re often having to advocate strongly for their needs based on their injury. And then it’s like a back and forth with trying to get a certain disability rating for benefits\, which again\, as you talked about earlier\, like\, “The organization’s going to take care of me. That’s what I’ve been told.” \nAnd yet\, “This is the injury I have. I’m trying to get my knees taken care of.” And it’s like this liturgical back and forth to try and do that\, which at times can create some tension\, has been my experience. \nAnd so I do think that and certainly I want there’s good information out there on dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and different interventions\, but I do think there are some unique elements of those concerns related to one’s military experience. There’s been some trauma focused work around model behavioral therapy as a way to kind of deal with very specific things. \nAnd so yeah\, there’s peer network work around having peers and connecting with others who have served in the network as an additional consideration there. \nKIM SMITH (32:00) \nSo Dr. Hayden\, in your personal experience\, how do military spouses experience the military civilian divide differently than their service member does? \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (32:11) \nMy experience has been that it’s a different orientation to that experience. So you are certainly impacted by it\, similarly to the service member within your family. And at times you’re tasked with navigating it in its own unique way. And so when we think about deployments\, for example\, if someone who’s serving the military is deployed\, meaning that they will leave for an extended period of time in relation to their military service\, the military spouse often is having to reorganize the family around that absence. \nAnd so it changes a little bit of how it is that you kind of deal with that reality. You’ve got to keep the family going\, you’ve got to get things done. And then the person comes back and you have to reorient the family to that person’s presence. \nAnd also as a military spouse\, you often have your own career to think about\, and how at times in the military it’s often very transitory. It’s like we’re moving every two years. We get orders\, we gotta move\, we get orders\, you gotta move. It’s at times hard to build your career with the continual geographic changes. \nAnd so one example comes to mind\, a military spouse\, she’s PhD level counselor. She really struggles to get licensed as a counselor because what you have to do is you have to go to a state\, you’ve got to get a supervisor for you\, you’ve got to accrue so many clinical hours for you to be able to apply for licensure in that state. And that can take some time and energy to do that. \nBut when you’re continually moving\, it’s hard to establish yourself to get what you need to be able to do that. I do think that’s another way in which military spouses maybe have a different experience. If someone’s in the military\, like that’s their career. So they’re continually doing that. \nBut if you’re a military spouse and it’s not your career\, it’s at times hard to kind of develop those deep connections around your work and occupation to where you can establish yourself professionally. And so I do think that you’re both connected\, but the experience can be very different depending on that. \nKIM SMITH (34:34) \nGlad you mentioned that\, Dr. Hayden. It gives me a good moment to put a plug in here. Military One Source\, as you mentioned earlier\, is a really great resource\, not just for the service member\, but the spouses. But I do want to put a plug in here for SpouseWorks. It was formerly Spouse Education and Career Opportunities\, but it’s now changed its name to SpouseWorks. \nAnd that really does help that military spouse with things such as licensure\, as you mentioned. When that service member deploys\, what does that look like for the stay at home parent\, you know\, or are we looking for a career? Are we going to stay at home and raise the children? \nSo I’d say Military One Source and SpouseWorks are great resources for that. So thank you for bringing that up. \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (35:16) \nYeah\, thank you. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (35:18) \nSo\, Dr. Hayden\, you’ve argued that co-occurring career and mental health concerns need to be addressed together rather than in separate silos. I actually remember this from a pre-recording conversation that we had. I was really fascinated by the connection. I never put those two together myself. So how does the military-civilian divide make that overlap more acute? \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (35:42) \nI think one way that it makes it more acute is that when you think about a career in mental health and how those things are related\, I think the military is a performance-oriented context. And so the thought is that the focus is on the job\, the focus is on being able to do it well and to be able to perform at a high level\, and to at times be reserved and asking for help. \nLike I’ve got to do the job and I’m gonna focus on that\, and I want to show up for the people around me because that’s what the military engenders\, is that group cohesion and group performance. So if there is a struggle\, there are times where people are hesitant to seek support around that. And they may not see that there’s a connection between the two of those things. And when people are within the military and they’re struggling\, it can be hard for them to seek support\, which then can impact their career in the military. \nSo\, in addition to my work as faculty in the Department of Counseling\, I also work with the law school at Wake Forest. And there’s a Veterans Legal Clinic. And it helps people who have had a less than honorable discharge kind of reconcile things in their record. And one of the things that has shown up is that when we look at the experience of the clients\, there are often times where they were really struggling with concerns while they were in the military\, which then led to their separation. \nAnd so they were engaging in negative coping mechanisms\, substance use\, these kinds of things\, which then the military\, you know\, of course\, doesn’t like that. And so therefore it can lead to those kinds of things. But I think some of it is this thought of a barrier between me and the services that would benefit me. \nAnd so there’s not always a logical connection between career and mental health and how I make that connection. And then certainly when they leave\, I mean\, there are times where people may join the military when they’re 18\, do their 20 years\, they’re 38 years old and they get out. So you see a person who has a reasonable health status and those kinds of things\, there’s still some years ahead of you. And so some of the things that we talked about in terms of making that transition\, and how maybe it might be a diagnosable concern like PTSD or something like that\, it may not be. It might just be like relational difficulties\, or I’m struggling with this kind of new context. \nIt may not always be clear that that’s going on with me\, and how these things\, like the mental health element\, are influencing my career. I was just actually reading recently where a pretty significant percentage of those who get out of the military and they take their first job\, leave it within a year. Like there’s something that’s not connecting with the immediate opportunity of separation. \nAnd so I thought that was just a really interesting thought. And my curiosity is\, “Okay\, what is it?” Like\, “What did they think they were going to be doing? And how did they make that decision of choosing that particular opportunity?” And then\, “What happened to where it wasn’t satisfactory to them?” \nLike it just really brought up a lot of interesting questions for me. And so I do think some of it is a lack of understanding of interest value skills. How does that translate into occupational opportunities? How do I make that transition well? All these kinds of things come together for me when I think about that connection\, but then also specific to the military. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (39:23) \nWell\, so let’s look at this then for the professionals who support military families\, but maybe they’re not clinicians themselves. Maybe it’s a community organization\, someone who works there\, a case manager\, a family readiness staff. What’s one shift in mindset or language that might help bridge this divide more effectively? \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (39:44) \nI think for me\, it’s to understand how each person’s experience in the military is very unique. In doing that\, then I can try to learn as much as I can about people’s experience because I do think that the narratives that we often see within broader society are very simple. And they kind of have a one way of viewing the military experience\, whereas we’ve been talking about there’s so many different things that influence one’s experience. \nAnd so realizing that it’s a complex experience\, not necessarily a simple way of viewing someone. And then I appreciate that at times people want to express their gratitude for those who have served. And I think there’s great value to that. And I think a way in which you can express your gratitude is what we talked about earlier\, which is to explore with them what their experience was like. \nAnd I think that can really be helpful. And what I have found for the most part is that people are willing to talk about it and appreciate the opportunity. Now\, of course\, there are times where there’ll be some things that they don’t want to share\, but I will trust them to let me know that. And my questions will be more open ended because I do think sometimes the questions we ask are more about our curiosity rather than really wanting to know. \nAnd so I try to ask open-ended questions. “Tell me about your military service. Which branch were you in? What was your role in the military? What was it like for you? What did you like about it? What are some things you weren’t certain about?” \nLike those kinds of things can invite someone to share about their experience. Whether you’re a counselor\, however you’re connected to those who are impacted by the experience\, I think getting curious about it can have great benefit. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (41:37) \nYeah\, I’ve I’ve sometimes thought of it like I see a lot of service members\, my entire family\, all of my dad and all of my uncles on the one side\, grandparents on the other\, have been military service members and it always feels like they have sort of one foot in one world\, one foot in the other at all times\, you know\, civilian and military. And\, you know\, if we just like once in a while put a toe over there and really try to understand and ask those curious questions\, really try to be curious about their story and be there with them for a minute\, you know\, while they tell it. \nThat is such a great bridge. \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (42:17) \nI think there’s real value to that. And I think that’s a way in which again we can invite someone to share about what it’s been like for them. We learn a great deal by doing that. Yeah. \nKIM SMITH (42:30) \nBut I think this lends itself to the next question very well. Civilians sometimes do have that confusion. Maybe they want to say something but don’t know how to say it. Dr. Hayden\, what’s a misconception about the service member transition narrative that you wish would just go away? \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (42:50) \nFor me\, when I consider that\, one thing I would like for civilians to consider is that it’s a very unique experience for someone to do what people in the military are doing\, no matter what their role is. Like they’ve made a decision to commit themselves fully to the experience of the military. And so there’s a lot that goes into that for the people who make the decision\, people associated with that decision. \nAnd so while certainly there’s a lot of reasons why someone makes that decision\, certainly it could be patriotic\, could be a great love of things\, could also be the benefits that they receive from that. But when I think about the military\, I’ve heard it described like this\, “It’s like a one-way door. Once you go through it\, you can’t go back.” \nAnd so it’s an incredibly impactful decision that they made and experience that they’ve had. And so if I could talk to civilians\, I wish they would understand the gravity of that choice and the impact of that on them and those close to them. \nAt times I see on social media great appreciation for those who’ve served in the military\, and I think as a broader society\, that’s important that we do those things. But I would say that that’s just insufficient\, in my view\, if that’s all we’re doing\, without trying to learn and trying to understand and trying to support and to give them the things they really need\, not the things we think they need. \nLike what do they really need from us as a broader society and this counselor specifically? I know that’s kind of a long-winded response\, but I would really like for civilians to think about the importance of what that has been for people who have served in the military to make the decision to do it. And then the broader impact of that\, not only on them but also on their families. \nAnd then we can make sure we respond accordingly as a society to their needs. That’s what I would like for people to understand. \nKIM SMITH (44:52) \nAnd you touched on it earlier\, Dr. Hayden\, as civilians\, the more homework we can do on our end\, not only does it help us\, but it helps us to help them. So I really appreciate that. And in doing our homework\, you know\, helps them. \nSo Dr. Hayden\, this has been so good. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and perspective with us. \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (45:14) \nThank you for the opportunity. I appreciate it. And many thanks to OneOp for creating this opportunity and this conversation. My hope is this is but the beginning for some of our listeners in terms of their consideration of this topic. \nAnd my hope is that it was helpful in some ways. But thank you again for facilitating this conversation. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (45:35) \nI mean\, I could go right out there and say we would love to have you back\, but that’s – we’ll talk about that later! \nDR. SETH HAYDEN (45:42) \nThank you. \nKIM SMITH (45:44) \nWell 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 network. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (45:54) \nWe’d love to thank again our guest\, Dr. Seth Hayden\, for joining us and our guest co-host\, Kim Smith\, for being part of today’s conversation. \nKIM SMITH (46:03) \nWe’d also like to thank our announcer\, Kaylin Gobel Mathis\, Maggie Lucas\, and Joyce Bond for their help with marketing\, and Nathan Grimm\, who composed and performed all the music you hear on the podcast. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (46:16) \nAnd thank you for being part of the conversation. We’ll see you next time. \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/the-military-civilian-divide/
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:20260910T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T170000
DTSTAMP:20260918T130002Z
CREATED:20260910T100034Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260918T130002Z
UID:10001799-1789020000-1789059600@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Positive Rants: How to Reframe Negativity So You Can Move Forward
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Listening to understand is a great first step\, but what do you do next? \nHow do you move the conversation forward? \nJoin us for this episode of Practicing Connection\, where Erin and Jessica dive into a new way to respond when faced with negativity. Then Erin introduces a fast and fun activity called Positive Rants that teaches you how to positively reframe negativity so you can talk about what comes next. \nLinks and resources from this episode: \n\nFinger Exercises for Poets: https://www.doriannelaux.net/finger-exercises-for-poets\nYou Are Not So Smart Podcast: https://youarenotsosmart.com/\nYANSS Episode 341 – Positive Rants- Heather Barnes: https://podscan.fm/podcasts/you-are-not-so-smart/episodes/341-positive-rants-heather-barnes\n\nConnect with us! \n\nSign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter\nJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/\nSend us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” el_id=”trans”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” el_class=”entry” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Transcript” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” nofollow=”true” el_class=”read-it” button_id=”read-it” text=”Read More” url=”#trans”][vc_column_text el_class=”pod-trans”]ERIN CARLSON RIVERA (00:00) \nI’ve seen a lot of meetings where there’s one person who can’t say a positive thing once the whole meeting. And then the group gets completely stuck trying to figure out how to move forwards. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (00:10) \nYeah\, I’ve seen that a lot in my career also. It can be a real challenge to figure out how to collaborate with someone who only complains. It’s one of the big challenges of cross sector collaborations. You know\, how do we work with people who we find hard to work with? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (00:26) \nIt’s so easy to get stuck thinking that a collaboration couldn’t possibly work. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (00:30) \nBut negativity doesn’t have to be an end. It can also be an invitation. \nWelcome to Practicing Connection. Today we’re talking about negativity\, listening\, and how to work with people you aren’t sure you like. \nHi\, thanks for listening to Practicing Connection Podcast. I’m Jessica\, and I’m here with my co-host Erin. Hi\, Erin. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (00:54) \nHi\, Jessica. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (00:56) \nErin\, I am so excited about the positive rant skill that you’re going to be sharing with us today. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (01:01) \nJessica\, I am so excited too. This is one of the practices I have had the most fun with\, and I can’t wait to share. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (01:10) \nAwesome. I love learning with fun\, but let’s talk a little bit about why you think this practice is useful before we kind of dig into the practice itself. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (01:19) \nSure. So earlier this year we had an episode where we talked about collaborating with people through conflict. And we kind of touched on this idea of\, what do you do when you have a negative response to someone that you’re working with? Just something about how they’re working is getting to you. And we talked through a couple of different ways to respond\, and we really hit this idea that\, you know\, you can’t change another person\, but you can change how you view them. \nI left that conversation even more convicted that that was true. And also feeling like I maybe needed a couple of more tools in my toolkit to help me do that. And really landing on this place of trying to figure out\, okay\, when we say listen to understand\, what does that mean? And then once you’ve listened to understand\, what do you do? What do you do once you understand? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (02:17) \nSuch a great skill to develop. And you know\, a long time ago\, I’ve said this in past episodes\, and I’ll say it again\, that I think that active listening is a very useful tool. And I also think that it is a beginner tool for getting to the point where you are listening to understand\, right? \nActive listening is very sort of surface-level tool. And then getting kind of deeper in\, there’s a lot of different tools and processes and methods that you can use to kind of become a better listener. \nEspecially when it comes to listening to understand. So yeah\, I’d love to hear more about like\, where did you hear about this\, and what does this particular exercise do? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (02:57) \nYes. So you recommended the podcast You Are Not So Smart\, which is by David McRae. He’s written a couple of books and I think he’s also a professor\, maybe\, or a lecturer. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (03:09) \nI found it because I was reading his book How Minds Change\, and I was really interested in what I was reading. And so I started like diving into a little rabbit hole\, and I found it and I was like immediately\, “Erin\, you have to listen to this podcast. It’s so good.” \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (03:24) \nYes\, I will also say\, listeners of our podcast\, it’s a very interesting podcast. You might enjoy it. He does a really good job of explaining complex neuroscience using plain language or not assuming you know what things are already. So\, very interesting. \nAnyway\, episode three hundred and forty-one he called “Positive Rants.” The guest speaker for that episode was a woman named Heather Barnes\, and she’s a communications professor and also an improv comedian who uses this exercise called positive rants as one of the introductory activities at the Center for Enlightened Disagreement at Northwestern\, where she’s a professor. \nSo the gist of this exercise is you accurately reframe a rant using only positive language. \nAnd okay\, I’m not gonna lie. Sometimes I hate positive reframing because when people tell me their examples\, it feels like gaslighting yourself into ignoring negative things. So I’ve always been like\, “I know that positive reframing\, they tell me it’s good for me.” And I’ve done it a couple of times where it’s been really helpful. \nBut I’m also like\, “Okay\, are we just ignoring all the bad stuff then? Like we’re just shoving the bad stuff in a box and pretending it doesn’t exist?” \nAnd this is the first time where I heard an example of someone positively reframing a negative statement without losing meaning. And that’s like a big piece of the positive rants exercise is\, you have to reframe it using only positive language without changing or losing the content. And it’s so hard\, but it feels so good when you figure out how to do it. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (05:10) \nI appreciate that you brought up that\, you know\, sometimes you have not always enjoyed the idea of positive reframing and having that done with you. And I haven’t either. And so I would imagine that it’s all how you use this tool\, because I’m a person who needs to process things out loud. And I do try not to have it be\, you know\, disruptive to other people\, but also I need to be able to work it out. And I need to unfortunately do that out loud. \nAnd so sometimes I kind of need to say how I’m feeling about something\, whether that’s positive or negative. And so sometimes I notice when people are trying to use active listening or like these techniques and tools on me. It almost has the opposite effect on me. \nAnd so I’m really excited about this being something that you found as someone who’s noticed this about yourself in the past too\, where maybe you don’t always you haven’t always enjoyed positive reframes that this is something that you found. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (06:09) \nYes. I think often a positive reframe feels like ignoring my legitimate frustration. Yeah. And this feels like acknowledging it in a positive way. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (06:24) \nRight. “I’m gonna just turn that frown upside down\, Erin!” \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (06:28) \nNo\, it’s like it’s saying it using positive language in order to then do something differently. Which I think is lovely. And I’m not going to keep explaining it because I think it really makes the mocks sense when you do the act. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (06:42) \nDo it. Yes. Okay. Well let’s get started then. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (06:47) \nOkay\, great. So how it’s going to go\, I’m going to explain it and then we can go into more detail if you have questions. \nSo step one is\, find a buddy and a timer. Step two is\, pick one person to be the ranter. And this person will have one full minute to rant about a pet peeve. For this activity\, a pet peeve is a minor annoyance that an individual finds irritating. Don’t pick a big annoyance or something political. Pick a minor annoyance\, right? \nEventually you can get to the bigger things\, but start with pet peeves\, right? And then step three is\, while the ranter is ranting\, the other person will just listen. And then at the end of the minute\, the listener will share what they heard from the ranter\, but there’s a catch. They have to accurately represent what the ranter said without using any negative language. \nAnd then step five is to switch roles and do it again. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (07:51) \nI love it. Okay\, so can you explain what you mean by not using any negative language? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (07:58) \nI could\, but it would be very convoluted. So I think the best thing to do is to just do half a round of this\, where you rant and I positively reframe. And then we can kind of talk about what counts as positive reframing in this stance and what doesn’t. Does that work for you? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (08:16) \nYeah\, yeah\, that sounds good. \nWell\, I have a rant ready to go\, I come prepared with all of my pet peeves. They just follow me everywhere I go. I’m gonna use one that’s pretty innocuous\, which is\, I think you said\, is a good place to start. \nAnd that is\, it annoys me to no end when someone is taking up an entire aisle in the grocery store\, or at least the you know\, the width of the aisle. So that you can’t get through\, or they’re walking so slowly and they’re taking up the entire aisle that you can’t get where you need to go. \nIt just grates on me because I feel like I’m always watching my surroundings and noticing when people are behind me or to the side of me needing to get through. And then I’ll move over so that they can get through. And I feel like most of the time\, I don’t get that same courtesy from others. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (09:14) \nAnd\, time. \nOkay. So if I were to represent what you were saying using only positive language\, I would say that\, “Jessica really enjoys independence and having freedom to move and do the things that she needs to do in public spaces.” That\, “She really values when the other people around her are conscientious of the space they’re taking up\, and make sure to leave space for other people to move around them in a public place.” \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (09:50) \nThat was actually really positive without being annoying. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (09:56) \nDo you feel like I left anything important out? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (10:00) \nI don’t think so\, no\, I don’t think so. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (10:05) \nOkay\, so that’s kind of like I did too good of a job. Sorry. I should have been less good at it. \nI think\, you know\, often the instinct is to say\, instead of saying\, “Jessica appreciates when people leave space for other people to move around them\,” you might say\, “Jessica is frustrated when people don’t leave space.” \nBut frustrated is a negative leaning word\, right? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (10:35) \nYes. And that’s what active listening would do too. It would be like it sounds like what I hear you saying is it frustrates you when people do this. But that is a negative way of doing it. Yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (10:47) \nYes. And I’m not saying that like saying negative statements is never appropriate. That’s not what I’m saying. But I am saying for this exercise\, it’s really helpful to figure out how you can say this in a way that only uses positive statements. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (11:01) \nMmhmm. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (11:03) \nIt’s really challenging. Like I’m pretty good at it at this point because I’ve done this a couple of times\, and used this exercise in a couple of different ways. I think there’s this anxiety people sometimes feel about accurately representing somebody without using a single negative statement. And they’re like\, “I’m gonna leave something out.” \nBut I just want to encourage you\, really challenge yourself to do it\, because it is possible. And being the person who’s positively reframing my rant in a way with only positive statements is like such a powerful thing to feel. \nI don’t know about you\, but I really felt\, they really heard what I meant. Or like\, they didn’t know that was true about me. ‘How did you know that about me? I didn’t say that.” And so it you know\, it’s a really\, I think\, unique experience. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (11:51) \nEarlier when I said that\, you know\, “I’m an external processor\,” sometimes I need to be able to just complain a little bit about something. And sometimes I’ll change my mind of how I feel eventually\, right? I’ll talk myself into a different way of feeling about it. \nBut one of the reasons it bothers me when someone’s trying positive reframing on me\, or when they’re trying the act of listening on me is that I don’t feel like I don’t feel like my feelings are valid. \nBut the way you just did that\, that makes a lot of sense. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (12:22) \nYeah\, I agree with that. That feeling of tension around someone reframing what you’re saying. And I think one thing I have noticed both in myself and other people that I’ve done this exercise with is you’re accurately representing what someone else is saying. It can make someone feel really seen and heard and validated without you having to offer any sort of commentary or opinion about what they said. \nAnd you know\, you don’t have to agree with someone in order to positively reframe what they said. But I think it feels good to rant sometimes. So sometimes it can be really helpful to get the negativity out and then have someone positively reframe it for you. \nThen you can take that positive reframe and say\, “Okay\, we’re starting from this positive place. How do we build off of it? How do we find shared common ground? How do we talk about it?” \nAnd it takes the intensity of your negative feelings out of it. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (13:20) \nAnd probably the next time this happens\, I’ll be in the store and I’ll smile and think\, “I really value being able to move around.” And maybe I’ll even kind of\, you know\, take charge of the fact that that’s what I value and that’s what I want to do. \nSo yeah\, I really appreciate this. There’s an activity that I like to do with groups where I have someone tell a story\, and then the other person will really make note of what they’re hearing that person values in that story and reflect it back to them. \nAnd you’re right\, there’s a lot of people in activities like this who are like\, “My gosh\, I feel so seen. I wouldn’t even have put it in those words\, but that’s exactly how I feel.” \nBut if you had asked me the question\, Do I value this thing?” I would not have said that I did. But the way it was reflected back to them really makes them feel seen. So thanks so much for sharing this\, Erin. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (14:13) \nYou’re welcome. I am glad you enjoyed it as much as I did. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (14:18) \nYeah\, I really did. \nThat’s it for this episode. Thanks so much for joining us. We’d love to hear if you do some positive rants with a friend or a coworker. Please let us know via email at practicingconnection@oneop.org. We see and respond to every message and can’t wait to hear from you. \nWe’ll be back next week. Until then\, keep practicing. \nCREDITS: The Practicing Connection Podcast is a production of OneOp 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/positive-rants-how-to-reframe-negativity/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T123000
DTSTAMP:20260918T125320Z
CREATED:20260616T162244Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260918T125320Z
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” 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/CeoIsDQX8tI”][/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]\nRecording NoticeDue to a technical issue with the Zoom recording\, Karina is not visible in the recorded version of this webinar\, although she was visible to attendees during the live presentation.Karina is the presenter and communicates in American Sign Language (ASL) throughout the webinar. The voices heard in the recording are those of the ASL interpreters interpreting Karina’s presentation.Closed captions are also available throughout the recording. \nSupporting 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”][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_eKX7ljXkcjXZBI2″][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 on September 10\, 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 on September 10\, 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 on September 10\, 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 on September 10\, 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 on September 10\, 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 on September 10\, 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 on September 10\, 2028. \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 on September 10\, 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_eKX7ljXkcjXZBI2. If you have any questions\, please email 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_1788979028080{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Webinar slides (handout) \nAdditional 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 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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260914T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260914T235900
DTSTAMP:20260921T154306Z
CREATED:20260914T121648Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T154306Z
UID:10001782-1789344000-1789430340@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Financial Impacts of Gambling Disorder
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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfcwF1IuYX0″][/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]Gambling disorder carries financial consequences that ripple beyond the individual\, touching household stability\, relationships\, and even mission readiness. This session unpacks what gambling-related harm actually looks like—the early warning signs\, impacts on partners and families\, and its prevalence within the military community. Participants will learn how to identify at-risk behavior and confidently connect service members and families to the right support. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nExplain the financial definition of gambling and its impact on an individual’s overall well-being.\nRecognize early signs\, symptoms\, and financial indicators of problematic gambling.\nUnderstand the two forms of economic abuse and the ways gambling related harm affects loved ones.\nIdentify the prevalence of gambling within the military community that may impact mission preparedness.\nIdentify and apply evidence-based screening tools and questions to assess gambling behaviors and support appropriate referrals to service providers.\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=”232819″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Ms. Kristen Beall\, LCSW-C\, ICGC-II\, CAC-AD” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Clinical Manager\, University of Maryland Baltimore\, Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling[/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_cIxgzHBJrKK0AQu”][vc_column_text]\n\nAccredited Financial Counselors (AFC): This webinar is approved for 1.0 continuing education (CE) units by the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 9/14/2029.\nCertified Personal Finance Counselors (CPFC): This webinar is approved for 1.0 continuing education (CE) credits from The Center for Financial Certifications (FinCert.org). **Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 9/14/2029.\nOneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\nIf the continuing education button above does not appear\, please access the continuing education survey through this link: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cIxgzHBJrKK0AQu. 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_1786047732948{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Slides PDF[/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: wpadington/Adobe Stock[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160159/
CATEGORIES:Health and Well-Being
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AdobeStock_305720331-scaled-e1785176292877.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260914T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260914T170000
DTSTAMP:20260921T154107Z
CREATED:20260914T122946Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T154107Z
UID:10001785-1789372800-1789405200@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Navigating Social Media’s Impact on Military Financial 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/7a0fVp8DsKM?si=YVSX-MtQVEK5R47g”][/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]From viral investing trends to influencer-driven spending pressure\, social media is reshaping financial decision-making for service members and their families. This session examines how online content shapes consumer behavior\, offers tools to separate credible financial guidance from misinformation\, and equips counselors with outreach strategies that build trust in a crowded digital space. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nExamine social media influencers impact on service members and their families’ consumer behavior.\nAnalyze online financial content to distinguish credible guidance from misinformation to empower service members and their families to assess reliable financial information in digital environments.\nApply communication approaches and outreach methods to build credibility and trust while reinforcing sound financial guidance.\nGenerate strategies that promote long-term financial well-being that apply evidence-based practices to strengthen financial readiness and resilience for Service members and their Families in a rapidly changing digital environment.\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=”162714″ 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. Bruce Ross\, Ph.D.\, AFC®\, CFT™” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Associate Professor and Program Director for Family Financial Counseling at the University of Kentucky[/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_24ym48YGI4cGIoS”][vc_column_text]\n\nAccredited Financial Counselors (AFC): This webinar is approved for 2.0 continuing education (CE) units by the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 9/14/2029.\nCertified Personal Finance Counselors (CPFC): This webinar is approved for 2.0 continuing education (CE) credits from The Center for Financial Certifications (FinCert.org). **Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 9/14/2029.\nOneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\nIf the continuing education button above does not appear\, please access the continuing education survey through this link: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_24ym48YGI4cGIoS. 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_1786048089061{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Slides PDF[/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: Debalina/Adobe Stock[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160162/
CATEGORIES:Health and Well-Being
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AdobeStock_1525821492-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260914T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260914T170000
DTSTAMP:20260921T154124Z
CREATED:20260914T123235Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T154124Z
UID:10001781-1789372800-1789405200@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Generative Artificial Intelligence in Military Financial 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/Q_dNY3vRahI?si=ZVeAi8QnMLuhK_kQ”][/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 session illustrates the fundamentals of generative AI\, the risks when misapplied to personal finance\, and the ethical guardrails needed when guiding service members who use these tools. The presenter shares hands-on ways AI can streamline service provider workflows\, making this a session about both protecting clients and workplace efficiencies. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nUnderstand Artificial Intelligence (AI) basics. \nIdentify risks of Generative AI use in personal finance.\nApply safe AI usage standards while working with Service members and their Families.\nDemonstrate practical uses of Generative AI to enhance workflows.\nApply ethical strategies to guide Service members’ use of AI for personal finance. \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=”232823″ 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=”COL Matthew C. Paul” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]COL Paul serves in the U.S. Army and has 17 years of experience managing Army program budgets\, schedules\, and performance. As acting Deputy Capability Program Executive (CPE) since January 2026\, COL Paul is responsible for helping oversee CPE Enterprise Software and Service’s four O-6 program management offices that align with the Army domains in the business mission area.[/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_byL0nVRxoUjlK7Q”][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 9/14/2029.\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 9/14/2029.\nOneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\nIf the continuing education button above does not appear\, please access the continuing education survey through this link: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_byL0nVRxoUjlK7Q. 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_1786047795021{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Slides PDF[/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: Pcess609/Adobe Stock[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160158/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Pcess609-AdobeStock_1603519242-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260914T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260914T170000
DTSTAMP:20260921T154146Z
CREATED:20260914T123655Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T154146Z
UID:10001783-1789372800-1789405200@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Supporting Service Members Without Burning Out
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/5u_ZALa2ie4?si=3MztFvRfsstF5l-d”][/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]Supporting military families can take a toll on professionals. This session names the specific burnout and compassion fatigue risks in military-connected work and offers strategies for maintaining boundaries and emotional resilience. It also draws a clear line between a non-clinical role\, like that of a financial counselor\, and clinical care\, including when and how to refer to behavioral health or chaplain support. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nRecognize the unique signs and stressors of burnout and compassion fatigue within the military context\, and apply personal and professional strategies to maintain emotional regulation\, set protective boundaries\, and sustain a sense of purpose.\nDistinguish the role of a financial professional from that of a clinical mental health provider by applying non-clinical communication techniques\, maintaining clear boundaries\, and identifying when to refer a Service member to behavioral health\, chaplains\, or other support resources.\nAnalyze the cultural and systemic barriers that prevent help-seeking and apply proactive outreach and communication methods that build trust\, reduce stigma\, and frame financial readiness as a critical component of mission readiness.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”13″ left_padding_desktop=”15″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”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=”232843″ 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. Kristy L. Archuleta\, Ph.D.\, LMFT\, CFT™” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Professor in Financial Planning at the University of 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_cBFVZqJo1hp9FaK”][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 9/14/2029.\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 9/14/2029.\nOneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\nIf the continuing education button above does not appear\, please access the continuing education survey through this link: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cBFVZqJo1hp9FaK. 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_1789753520705{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Slide PDF[/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: Prostock-studio/ Adobe Stock[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160160/
CATEGORIES:Health and Well-Being
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/By-Prostock-studio-AdobeStock_306960712-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260914T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260914T170000
DTSTAMP:20260921T154201Z
CREATED:20260914T123920Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T154201Z
UID:10001784-1789372800-1789405200@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Personnel Vetting and Adjudications
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/BYeiMHyTwDM?si=6KH7S12C8E8tgQZk”][/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]Did you know that financial trouble can jeopardize a service member’s security clearance? This session breaks down the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) personnel vetting process\, with particular attention to how financial considerations and personal conduct factor into adjudication decisions. Service providers will come away understanding the Continuous Vetting program\, the importance of self-reporting\, and their own role in helping clients document and navigate financial concerns before they escalate into security risks.  \nLearning Objectives: \n\nArticulate the purpose and key components of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) personnel vetting process\, including background investigations\, adjudications\, and continuous vetting.\nIdentify behaviors and conditions that could be disqualifying under Adjudicative Guideline F (Financial Considerations) and Guideline E (Personal Conduct).\nUnderstand the function of the Continuous Vetting program\, including its data sources and the critical importance of self-reporting adverse financial and personal conduct information.\nDefine the responsibilities of financial professionals in assisting individuals through the adjudication process\, including how to properly report incidents and gather the necessary documentation to mitigate security concerns.\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=”234057″ image_size=”custom” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” position_desktop=”relative” custom_image_size=”thumb” margin_top=”10″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Ms. Theresa Heid” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Supervisory Personnel Security Specialist\, Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)[/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_4Vp8c4KuOpaR6Sy”][vc_column_text]\n\nAccredited Financial Counselors (AFC): This webinar is approved for 1.0 continuing education (CE) units by the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 9/14/2029.\nCertified Personal Finance Counselors (CPFC): This webinar is approved for 1.0 continuing education (CE) credits from The Center for Financial Certifications (FinCert.org). **Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 9/14/2029.\nOneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\nIf the continuing education button above does not appear\, please access the continuing education survey through this link: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4Vp8c4KuOpaR6Sy. 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_1786047849485{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Slides PDF[/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: wasan/Adobe Stock[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160161/
CATEGORIES:Military Service and Family Life
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/By-wasan-AdobeStock_1948092784-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260914T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260914T170000
DTSTAMP:20260921T154104Z
CREATED:20260914T124404Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T154104Z
UID:10001786-1789372800-1789405200@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Empowering Military Survivors: Navigating Financial Decisions and Benefits
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/18M9lzEDlzQ?si=U0B5Dou5qXc_CKul”][/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]Surviving spouses and dependents face a uniquely complex financial landscape — one shaped by benefit eligibility rules\, tax implications\, and major life transitions like remarriage or homeownership. This session walks through the survivor benefit ecosystem\, the professionals and programs that support survivors through it\, and the ethical considerations counselors should keep in mind when working alongside survivors.  \nLearning Objectives: \n\nIdentify and utilize appropriate resources\, support services\, and professionals for tasks like estate settlement\, tax preparation\, and financial planning\, while understanding the ethical standards that should guide financial service providers.\nAnalyze how major life events\, such as remarriage or homeownership\, financially impact survivor benefits (including SBP/DIC\, Tricare\, and VA Home Loan eligibility) and TSP distribution pathways.\nEvaluate which federal and state tax abatements may apply to a survivor’s situation and determine how these abatements influence long-term financial planning.\nExplain the roles of key support personnel (like the Casualty Assistance Officer)\, the features of foundational programs (like the HEART Act)\, and differentiate between various monetary\, educational (Fry Scholarship vs. DEA)\, and healthcare benefits available to Survivors.\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=”232834″ 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=”Mark Dunlop\, MSFS\, MSM\, CEBS®\, CFP®\, ChFC®\, AFC®\, AEP®” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Survivor Outreach Financial Counselor at Army Community Services\, Fort Leonard Wood[/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_bJWMa6NsVYQNShU”][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 9/14/2029.\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 9/14/2029.\nOneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\nIf the continuing education button above does not appear\, please access the continuing education survey through this link: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bJWMa6NsVYQNShU. 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_1786048010219{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Slides PDF[/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: Jason Ragucci\, Army/war.gov[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160163/
CATEGORIES:Military Service and Family Life
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/260516-A-IV289-9765.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T170000
DTSTAMP:20260916T211723Z
CREATED:20260917T100056Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T211723Z
UID:10001800-1789624800-1789664400@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Reframing with Strengths: A Practice for When People do Annoying Things
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]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTc5MzIwMiUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmJ1enpzcHJvdXQuY29tJTJGMjA5OTk4MyUyRmVwaXNvZGVzJTJGMTk3OTMyMDItcmVmcmFtaW5nLXdpdGgtc3RyZW5ndGhzLWEtcHJhY3RpY2UtZm9yLXdoZW4tcGVvcGxlLWRvLWFubm95aW5nLXRoaW5ncy5qcyUzRmNvbnRhaW5lcl9pZCUzRGJ1enpzcHJvdXQtcGxheWVyLTE5NzkzMjAyJTI2cGxheWVyJTNEc21hbGwlMjIlMjB0eXBlJTNEJTIydGV4dCUyRmphdmFzY3JpcHQlMjIlMjBjaGFyc2V0JTNEJTIydXRmLTglMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0U=[/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 38) \nWhat if the person frustrating you isn’t missing a strength – just misusing one?  \nIn this episode of Practicing Connection\, Jessica and Erin walk through a practical\, evidence-based way to find the strength that’s showing up in the wrong dose\, instead of landing on judgment. \nDrawing on positive psychology researcher Ryan Niemiec’s concept of the “golden mean\,” they use a shared pet peeve as a live test case – generating multiple strengths-based stories for a moment that would normally just cause frustration. The goal isn’t to excuse bad behavior or talk yourself out of a boundary – it’s to see people more completely\, stay collaborative\, and keep working with them instead of writing them off. \nUseful for anyone who works with people day to day – supporting military families\, leading a team\, or building community – especially in the moments someone shows up with negative energy\, or you’re already bracing for it. \nLinks and resources from this episode: \n\nviacharacter.org\nList of all 24 strengths with descriptions: https://www.viacharacter.org/resources/activities/the-via-classification-of-twenty-four-character-strengths\n\nConnect with us! \n\nSign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter\nJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/\nSend us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” el_id=”trans”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” el_class=”entry” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Transcript” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” nofollow=”true” el_class=”read-it” button_id=”read-it” text=”Read More” url=”#trans”][vc_column_text el_class=”pod-trans”]ERIN CARLSON RIVERA: [00:00:00] Welcome to Practicing Connection. I’m Erin\, and today we’re talking about how to interpret someone’s worst moments without writing them off\, a skill that can matter just as much in a team meeting as it does with the families that you serve. \nThe story you tell yourself about someone’s behavior in the first 10 seconds can decide whether you end up collaborating with them or just getting through the conversation with them. \nWe know that people don’t need to be perfect in order to be worth collaborating with. So what can we do to help ourselves stay open to working with people who are still in process? \nJessica is with me today\, and we’re going to dive into this topic together and then share a practice that you can use. Hi\, Jessica. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Hi\, Erin. I’m really excited about today’s practice because\, well\, last time\, and during our last episode\, you walked us through Positive Rants\, which really gets at\, like\, listening to understand\, finding the value underneath someone’s agitation\, and reframing the story. And [00:01:00] one of the things that I’m excited about for today is that today’s practice builds on that skill. \nSo this is about positively reframing someone’s actions versus their words\, which is more covered in our Positive Rants episode\, right? You’re listening to someone who is speaking negatively about something and you’re reframing what they’re saying. And so now this is about someone’s actions. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Mm-hmm. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I’ve kind of in my head been referring to it as\, “Strength spotting\, part two\,” because we’ve talked about strength spotting before\, and strength spotting is basically noticing and naming what someone brings to the table. \nI typically use the Via Character Strengths\, and we’ll have a couple of links in the show notes to that so that you can kind of see the full list of strengths. \nBut what we’ve done in the past when we cover strength spotting is we’ve usually covered this related to noticing when you see something positive in someone: when you see a positive action or you hear [00:02:00] that someone did something in a positive way. \n  \nSo today’s angle is about spotting strengths when someone is showing up with negative energy or they’re doing maybe negative behaviors\, or when you’re anticipating that they might have negative reactions to something\, right? \nBefore you’ve even gone into a meeting or gone into a situation\, you’re anticipating there might be negative reactions. So another way to put this is that we’re going to work on how to find strengths that might be misfiring\, or as I like to say in the strengths world\, “strengths that are being overused or underused.” \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Okay. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I just gave you a lot to chew on. I’m sorry. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: You gave me so much to chew on\, but that’s okay. I’m excited about this topic. \nI think I don’t often get to the part of the conversation about strengths where you talk about what do you do when strengths show up negatively? How do you think about it? How do you engage with it? \nSo this feels like a really exciting next step in kind of [00:03:00] this general conversation about strengths and leading with strengths. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Mm-hmm. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Okay. I’m very excited. And I’m curious about where this comes from. Like who\, how did this idea develop? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. So this comes from positive psychology researcher Ryan Nemick’s work on what he calls the\, “Golden mean of character strengths.” \nSo this golden mean is the idea that most strengths have an optimal dose\, like to use a medical term\, I guess. And problems can show up when a strength is overused or underused in the situation\, right? \nSo when you have an overdose of a strength or you are underdosed on a particular strength. But more simply\, a strength isn’t just present or absent\, right? You don’t just have a strength or don’t have a strength. We all can access all 24 of the character strengths that have been researched. \nBut a strength can show up too [00:04:00] much\, too little\, or it can just be pointed the wrong way for the moment. Please don’t ask me to explain that\, because I’m not sure that the point of the wrong way really\, I guess\, would be more about how your strength is being overused. Or underused is\, I guess what I would say\, whether it’s going. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: That is such an interesting thing. It’s making me think about cooking with salt and how if you under salt\, all of the other flavors are bland. And if you over salt\, all you taste is salt. But there’s that like sweet spot in the middle where you don’t taste the salt\, but all of the flavors kind of sing. \nAnd I feel like I’m excited that that’s also something that can happen with strengths where there’s a sweet spot. And can you kind of maybe share examples of what overuse and underuse\, what does that look like? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. Yeah. Of course. So let’s take one of my\, not to be too over-revealing [00:05:00] here\, but prudence is a strength that’s lower in my Via Character Strengths profile. \nAnd so prudence is often referred to also as carefulness. So apparently I’m not very careful. In the right dose\, prudence is really thoughtful\, but when it’s overused\, it can look like overcaution or indecision. And by the way\, I have overused prudence even though it comes lower in my strengths profile. \nAnd I think that is just proof that we all can access all 24 of those strengths and we can overuse or underuse any one of them. And so I have been guilty. It’s maybe not the right word to use\, but I’ve been guilty of overusing prudence myself. Another example would be honesty. Honesty in the right dose is really great for trust building. \nBut overused\, it can really land as blunt or tactless [00:06:00] or even mean sometimes\, right? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Have you seen that? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I have perhaps been a person who is too honest. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Who has overused honesty? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: I have overused honesty. When my family moved to the Midwest\, there was a big transition because we moved from New York City where honesty is\, culturally\, it’s a little more towards the blunt end. \nAnd in the Midwest\, it’s a lot farther away from that. So we had to really recalibrate what honesty looked like and what that kind of frankness went like. So I hear what you’re thinking about there. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: And I just want to say that like\, I guess maybe\, I don’t know\, you could consider this too much of an overly positive – by the way\, positivity is a – \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: – strength of yours. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. It’s a strength in the list\, but I’m trying to remember if it’s a strength in the Via character list or if that’s in StrengthsFinder. \nBut anyway\, [00:07:00] positivity\, it might be too much of a positive thing to say that I actually don’t see that there are tons of\, like a lot of people like to say\, “I want to fix my weaknesses.” \nI think it’s much more productive to say\, “Which strengths can I lean into\, and which strengths can I learn what overuse and underuse looks like so that I can avoid overusing and underusing them?” So that’s maybe too positive of a way of looking at things. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: So maybe we could say that the aim is to calibrate rather than purge. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. Yeah\, exactly. Right? Just because you overuse or underuse strength\, like\, it’s not a character flaw\, right? Someone that is overusing or underusing it is not a character flaw. It’s just that you’re a little offline\, because your attention and energy are probably being placed somewhere else with another strength\, or with another\, in another place. \nAnd [00:08:00] so just because you might be overusing prudence doesn’t mean that you should be less careful necessarily\, right? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. Okay. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: And I\, what I like about this is that it replaces the idea of like\, “What’s wrong with this person?” with\, “Okay\, what strength is showing up in maybe the wrong dose right now?” \nSo you’re not looking at the person and being like\, “What is wrong with you? Oh my gosh\, like I can’t even with you…” But you’re maybe looking at it and being like\, “Okay\, what could be going on here?” \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yes. Oh\, I think this is gonna be so helpful for me. Yeah. I can see this. Okay. So I can imagine that I could get to a place where I could kind of start to identify\, “Oh\, that person’s a visionary and they can imagine these beautiful futures\, and they forget about maybe we need some steps to build up to that place. We can’t get there immediately.” \nAnd then I’m diagnosing other [00:09:00] people\, and then I have like the most unhelpful conversation with them about this. So I’m curious about\, how do you then like use this in a practice? How do you use this in community? Tell me more about how I could then use this. Like once I’ve identified this\, what do I do then? Either in myself or others. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I think the easiest way to do something with this is to notice when you are frustrated by someone’s actions. Like that’s the first trigger\, right? And that’s actually something that I haven’t brought up yet in this episode\, but that’s probably the first trigger for you to start using this is that you notice that you’re getting irritated by someone’s actions\, what they’re doing\, their lack of something\, their lack of doing something that you are expecting from them. \nSo what I think this practice helps with is that instead of you\, again\, being like\, “I can’t even with you. [00:10:00] What’s wrong with you?” You know\, you’re\, you know\, a jerk\, whatever it is\, is that if you commit to practices like this\, they keep you curious instead of judgmental in the moment\, right? You’re not excusing the behavior that’s happening\, but you’re giving yourself a more useful story about it. \nThis practice is also especially useful for anticipating the negative energy\, right? So walking into a hard conversation. You can walk into that conversation already looking for the strength\, instead of bracing for like\, “Okay\, they always act this way. I know they’re going to do this. It’s so annoying.” Don’t brace for that flaw. \nInstead\, go into it looking for a strength. Think back to the last time you had that inter- interaction with somebody\, what are some of the possible strengths that could be overused and underused? And just come into the conversation with a little understanding. \nAgain\, this is not excusing behavior that is maybe poor\, but it’s [00:11:00] giving you the ability to stay in conversation with somebody\, without yourself going into the kind of frustration spiral. \nThis kind of stuff is evidence-based work. It’s just applied to the moments where strengths are hardest to see. So it’s almost like it’s maybe a little bit advanced than\, you know\, being able to notice someone’s strengths when everything’s all positive and like\, “Oh\, hey\, I really appreciate how honest you were about\, you know\, the report\, or I’m…” \nWhatever that is\, it’s so easy to see a strength in those moments. I have to say though\, it’s easy to see them\, but we don’t often say it to each other. So let’s tell each other a little more often how much we appreciate our strengths. Okay. PSA aside\, let’s get into what this practice is. What do you think? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah\, I would love to look. How do I do this? Tell me more. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Okay. So sometimes again\, like we talked about in the Positive Rants episode that we recorded\, [00:12:00] sometimes the best places to practice are with our own pet peeves. So I’m going to bring my pet peeve back into this again because\, you know\, I’m going to pick on myself first. \nSo imagine you’re in the grocery store\, you need one thing from the middle of the aisle\, and there’s a person or two just kinda camped out\, taking up the whole aisle\, not moving\, no awareness that anyone else exists\, much less someone’s trying to get down that aisle. \nWhat’s your first reaction\, honestly? If this is something that annoys you. I guess I didn’t even ask. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Oh\, this annoys me so much. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Okay. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Especially there are some grocery stores where they have the aisles and then they have special little things in the aisle. So you can only pass one cart at a time. And someone inevitably always parks their cart right next to it. \nSo not\, you can’t even just a person get between them\, right. So like honestly\, my first reaction is like\, [00:13:00] “Gosh\, I guess you really don’t care about anybody else. You really aren’t thinking about anybody else right now.” \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yep. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Which is not generous at all. And then I try to like positively reframe it as\, “Wow\, the grocery store is really overstimulating and there’s a lot of decisions and like -” \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Right. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah\, I try to be nicer about it\, but honestly\, it’s like\,”Oh\, come on. Will you move already?” \nSometimes I really can’t handle it. I’ll just be like\,” Oh\, can I sneak past you?” Oh\, can I sneak past you in a true Wisconsin way. And then they’ll get all fussed. \nWe’re off track. Okay. So that’s my initial response is\, come on\, move already. \nWhat do I do after my initial response? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Which may or may not be front-loaded with an ope\, which is a very regional dialect here. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: In the upper Midwest. All right. Well\, good news\, Erin\, is that that is completely normal human reaction. It’s totally fine. It’s totally real. And yes\, I recognize\, I have to call this out\, I recognize that I could just say excuse me in those situations. \nBut to be honest\, that is a [00:14:00] whole separate conversation about why we don’t always speak up\, and maybe we’ll cover that in the future. \nSo here’s the practice. Instead of stopping and thinking that this person is oblivious or thinking something worse than that\, instead of doing that\, ask\, “Okay\, what strength might be running the show here?” \nBut maybe it’s being overused or\, you know\, pointed the wrong direction\, which I really think is just about this idea of maybe it’s not being overused\, but they’re oblivious to other things happening because they are just focused\, right? \nSo think about what’s actually there\, what\, what is actually present. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Okay. Okay. Sure. I can see that. But walk me through\, where do you land when you’re actually still in that grocery store aisle? Like are you doing all of this in the moment? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, you are. And just like we say with a lot of things\, like [00:15:00] the more you allow yourself to like interrupt your normal patterns of thinking and being\, the faster you get at it and then it ends up\, you know\, it ends up not taking as long as we’re making it sound like it’s going to take. \nSo anyway\, there’s a few options. So in this situation\, in every situation\, there’s going to be more than one option. And I think that’s kind of the point\, right? There isn’t one right answer. One read is that they’re being really deliberate. They’re reading labels\, comparing prices\, thinking hard about a decision. \nThat could be prudence or carefulness\, just maybe overused a little bit\, or in this case\, maybe they’re not overusing it\, but they’re pointing it in a very particular direction which is making them oblivious to anything else that’s happening around them. And so in this case\, it’s not about the fact that they’re being careful\, and I certainly am not asking them to be less careful. \nIt’s just that they’re hyper-focused on their prudence and they’re oblivious to [00:16:00] everything else happening. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Okay. Or like what if it’s two or more people\, not just one person reading labels? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. That’s kind of scenario number two or read number two in this case. If it’s maybe a couple\, or I very frequently see like a group of people together\, maybe friends\, or maybe a parent and kid or kids shopping together fully in conversation\, that could be an overuse of love or togetherness. \nLike they’re genuinely connecting with each other\, but it’s kind of\, it’s being expressed in a spot that has less physical room for it\, right? So they’re overusing it\, because they are oblivious to everything else happening around them and to the people around them that also have needs. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Okay. Yeah\, I can see that. \nIs there a read that involves underuse in this situation? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. So a third read. And by the way\, there’s probably more than three ways to read this situation. [00:17:00]\nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: What? People have nuance? Who knew? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Right. Yeah. I mean\, we could sit here all day. No\, the third way to read this situation is taking the strength of social awareness\, which is about being socially aware\, right? \nAnd that part of it involves noticing the people around you\, that maybe that’s just not switched on right now\, right? Their attention is fully somewhere else. This is not\, again\, a character flaw. It’s a strength that’s just offline. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Okay. So the move isn’t picking the correct explanation. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: No\, it’s noticing that you have more than one plausible strengths-based story available\, instead of defaulting to the judgment story. \nWe love the judgment story. And that’s really the whole practice. You don’t need to know which one of those stories is true\, which one of those strengths-based stories is true. You just need one that’s believable enough to replace your judgment and frustration that the person is a thoughtless\, [00:18:00] inconsiderate jerk. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Okay. All right. I could see this being really helpful and potentially changing how long irritation lasts for me\, and also potentially making me think differently about how I’m showing up in spaces. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. I really appreciate that you said that. And in a collaborative situation or on a team\, it would also help you to work with the person instead of allowing your frustration to work against them. \nLook\, again\, I’m not saying that they’re not going to annoy you and that their actions might still be frustrating to you\, but thinking of it in this way helps you remain in the space with them and work with them. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Sure. I can see that being super helpful\, especially if you’re working with other people\, which almost everybody works with another person at some point\, so… \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Okay. A lot of us listening\, including the hosts\, maybe [00:19:00] don’t have tons of time. Or we’re doing lots of things\, so we have limited brain capacity. What is the simplest way to start using this practice? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Okay. So the next time that you experience a version of the blocked grocery aisle\, whatever yours is\, right\, that may not bother you at all\, the blocked grocery aisle\, maybe it’s whenever you try to pass someone on the highway\, they speed up so that you can’t pass them\, right? That’s another one of mine. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Uh-huh. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: But whatever that pet peeve is of yours\, see if you can generate two possible strengths behind it before you land on judgment. You don’t have to believe either one of them\, just see if you can find them. \nEventually\, you’ll start to see what’s plausible\, and you’ll realize\, “Oh\, you know what? That’s actually possible and I can let them do them. You do you\,” right? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: For sure. \nWell\, thank you for sharing that with us\, [00:20:00] Jessica. I’m excited to get started. \nThat’s it for this episode. Thanks for joining us. If you liked this conversation\, please consider sharing this episode with a friend or a coworker. \nWe’ll be back next week. Until 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/reframe-with-strengths/
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:20260923T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260923T120000
DTSTAMP:20261007T132147Z
CREATED:20260818T181934Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261007T132147Z
UID:10001768-1790161200-1790164800@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Connecting Service Members and Spouses to Education and Career Benefits
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/lUzRZXhzGoo”][/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]Project Patriot Pipeline is the Department of War’s unified framework designed to connect service members\, military spouses\, and federal civilians with education benefits\, career development programs\, and employment opportunities. This webinar will introduce participants to Project Patriot Pipeline and its designated Paths\, highlighting opportunities for credentialing\, SkillBridge participation\, direct hiring\, and other career advancement resources. Participants will also explore the GI Bill\, an education benefit administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Through an overview of eligibility and benefits\, attendees will gain practical knowledge to support informed decisions about education\, career planning\, and long-term financial well-being for military-connected individuals and families. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nDescribe Project Patriot Pipeline and explain its relevance for service members\, military spouses\, and federal civilians. \nExamine the SpouseWorks key benefits and eligibility considerations. \nExplain relevant workforce development resources and educational benefits available to service members\, military spouses\, and federal civilians.\nApply knowledge to support informed decision-making and referrals when assisting military-connected clients in career and education planning.\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=”233105″ 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 Deuell” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Data Scientist in Military Personnel 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=”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=”233106″ 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=”Kathia Kilburn” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Program Manager\, Office of Spouse Employment\, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War\, Military Community & Family 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”][nectar_btn size=”jumbo” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” solid_text_color_override=”#ffffff” 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_1NDkTbdfEhG7hUa”][vc_column_text]\n\nAccredited Financial Counselors (AFC): This webinar is approved for 1.0 continuing education (CE) units by the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close on 9/23/29. \nCertified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS): This webinar is approved for 1.0 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close on 9/23/28. \nCertified Personal and Family Finance Educator (CPFFE): This webinar is approved for 1.0 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close on 9/23/28.\nCertified Personal Finance Counselors (CPFC): This webinar is approved for 1.0 continuing education (CE) credits from The Center for Financial Certifications (FinCert.org).  Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close on 9/23/29. \nCertified Family Life Educators (CFLE): This webinar is approved for 1.0 continuing education (CE) credit from the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close on 9/23/29.\nHuman Resource Professionals: This webinar is approved for 1.0 continuing education (CE) credit from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close on 9/23/28.\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_1NDkTbdfEhG7hUa. 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_1790024334402{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Slides PDF[/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: Prostock-studio[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160155/
CATEGORIES:Military Service and Family Life
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AdobeStock_486219619-Prostock-studio-1-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260924T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260924T170000
DTSTAMP:20260924T132948Z
CREATED:20260924T100037Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260924T132948Z
UID:10001801-1790229600-1790269200@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Jumpstart New Connections Using a Cheat Sheet
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]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTgzMTcxMSUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmJ1enpzcHJvdXQuY29tJTJGMjA5OTk4MyUyRmVwaXNvZGVzJTJGMTk4MzE3MTEtanVtcHN0YXJ0LW5ldy1jb25uZWN0aW9ucy11c2luZy1hLWNoZWF0LXNoZWV0LmpzJTNGY29udGFpbmVyX2lkJTNEYnV6enNwcm91dC1wbGF5ZXItMTk4MzE3MTElMjZwbGF5ZXIlM0RzbWFsbCUyMiUyMHR5cGUlM0QlMjJ0ZXh0JTJGamF2YXNjcmlwdCUyMiUyMGNoYXJzZXQlM0QlMjJ1dGYtOCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRnNjcmlwdCUzRQ==[/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 39) \nHow do you get to the important conversations faster? \nSometimes getting to know a new collaborator can take more time that you have to spare. In this episode Erin and Jessica discuss how a cheat sheet can jumpstart the conversations that build understanding. \nThen Erin walks you through how to write your own. \nLinks and resources from this episode: \n\nCreate Your Own Cheat Sheet handout: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1si32FVO0z-upqBhwJOelTi40G4kDcxdAqIBhnskRWrU/edit?usp=sharing \n\nConnect with us! \n\nSign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter\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\, thanks for listening to Practicing Connection. I’m Jessica. Today we’re talking about how to jumpstart understanding with new groups by creating a cheat sheet. Later\, Erin’s gonna share a suggestion on how to write one. Hi\, Erin. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Hi\, Jessica. How are you? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I’m pretty good\, but what I really want to hear about is this book that you’ve been telling me about that is related to our topic today\, because I’m pretty sure that I’m going to have to go and get myself a copy. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Okay. It’s called Finger Exercises for Poets. It’s by Dorian Laux. Oh\, it’s L-A-U-X. Do you know how to pronounce French? It seems like one of those ones where you don’t pronounce all the letters. I should have looked this up. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Oh\, no\, I apologize to Dorian. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Anyway\, okay. So – \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: But did you know I’m a poet? Did I\, did you know that? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: About being a poet. Yes. [00:01:00] Okay. \nSo I am very picky about books that teach you to write poetry\, because a lot of them are soulless and terrible in my humble opinion. But what I love about this book is she uses the example of her mom was a piano player\, and she was a really good piano player. She could play these amazing things so well it made you cry. \nBut when she was playing\, she always started by doing really basic piano finger exercises. And she talked to her mom about it once and her mom said\, “Well\, you have to warm up your fingers.” So each chapter of this book explores a different thing that makes poetry good with some examples of good poetry that are really good at that particular niche thing. \nAnd then at the end of the chapter\, there are exercises to practice. And I just read the chapter on the personal universe\, and all of the exercises are about helping [00:02:00] you identify and notice the things that make your life uniquely yours. \nLike\, what are the things that you smelled in your house growing up? What are the sounds that you heard? What clothes did you used to wear all the time? What’s the family lore? Like\, what are those weird catchphrases that everybody in your family uses and nobody else has ever heard of before\, because it’s like your family’s unique language? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, I love this. Well\, first of all\, I love this because the mind-body connection is so powerful. So it makes sense that doing exercises and stuff would have an effect on your writing. But then also\, tying it to today’s topic\, I know that we mentioned that the topic was about creating a cheat sheet\, but it was – the purpose was jumpstarting understanding between people who might be collaborative partners. \nAnd so sharing about that\, you were talking about family culture and everything\, sharing though with others your organizational [00:03:00] culture and some of the ways that your organization talks. Sharing that with your partners\, I would imagine\, would be just as powerful. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah\, it really had me thinking about\, you know\, we had been talking about this idea of creating cheat sheets and maybe like an acronym cheat sheet. \nAnd then as I was kind of exploring that\, I realized\, you know what? People\, if someone wants to know about me and my context in my personal life or in my professional life\, they need more than just\, ‘here are the acronyms I use.’ \nSo how do we quickly provide other people or groups with the context about who we are and what we do\, so that we can figure out if we want to do stuff together? And this poetry book really has\, I think\, inspired me to get very specific\, and sometimes getting really specific can be more illuminating than kind of a broad elevator pitch. \nAnd so we’ve really kind of crafted our practice today to help you maybe narrow down on more specifics. It might not be as [00:04:00] poetical as the poetry book\, but our practice is really focused on helping you kind of find specifics\, and then hone them in a very poetic editing process. To like hone them into a more cohesive thing so you can quickly communicate stuff with people. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: So let’s talk about why it’s worth taking the time to create a cheat sheet\, because I think that it feels very surface level\, but that’s really not the\, I mean\, it might be kind of an intro level\, but it actually\, can be really useful. \nSo what does it do? When do you use this cheat sheet? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: I use it to start conversations with people\, so we notice our differences and find bridges to navigate them before they become friction points. \nSo\, you know\, we work for Extension\, like OneOp is nested in [00:05:00] Extension and Extension is this very interesting partnership between state and county and university. \nAnd it’s a very\, there’s lots of layers to it. And so if we’re working with a business or a small nonprofit\, we have different organizational structures. So we need to get things approved differently\, and our money needs to follow certain laws that maybe a nonprofit has different laws they need to follow. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Like we can’t meet a grant deadline that’s only a week or two \nAway – there’s just no way that we can get involved in that. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. We have multiple levels of things\, contracts need to be approved by the lawyers and the accountants. And that kind of thing is good to talk about before you’re trying to rush to get a grant completed. \nSo as I’m thinking about it\, we’re really talking a lot on this podcast about how do we collaborate with other people in the community? \nAnd that means working with people across sectors. Cross-sector communication is a form of cross-cultural [00:06:00] communication\, right? You’re talking to people who use different language\, they have different things that they’re working on all the time. They maybe work with different people. They maybe have different acronyms. \nThey maybe use the same three letter acronym to mean completely different things. And it’s so\, so helpful to figure that out before you think you’re talking about the same thing\, and you’re talking about different things. Or before you just get in this place of like\, “Oh my gosh\, why does it always take them three months to decide if they want to do something or not? We’ve got to be reactive. We’ve got to be on top of it. Why is this taking forever?” \nAnd it’s like\, “Well\, it’s taking forever because we have to have 12 different people approve it before we can say yes to it.” And so these are the kinds of things that maybe you don’t think to talk about until you’re in a conflict\, And so I think the power of a cheat sheet is kind of like self-disclosing ahead of time\, like here’s how we work. Here’s what works best for us. This is kind of how we are\, this is what’s important to us\, these are [00:07:00] the values we base our decisions on\, or in the case of other people\, like this is the policy we build our work on. \nAnd knowing why you’re doing your work and what the aim and goals of the work that you’re doing is can really go a long way in helping you avoid some of the conflicts that will destroy a collaboration before it can get into the point where you do work together. So this is like a starting spot\, a launching pad for communication and understanding so that you can have patience and grace and cohesion. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Awesome. Can you talk a little bit about the feeling\, because you and I talked about this\, outside of this recording\, I should say\, and how this feels like it’s maybe a little bit surface level\, because it kind of does. And I want to acknowledge that. It feels basic and yet it could be this shortcut to understanding. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah. I [00:08:00] totally get that. I can understand why you would look at this practice and say\, “You want me to write a one page to describe my organization? We have a website.” \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, right. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: And the answer is like\, “Well\, people aren’t gonna read your website\, and is your website easy to navigate? Can people find this information on your website?” \nJust throwing that out there. \nDesign your websites for people. So\, you know\, I can see why it feels frivolous\, but it’s also a process of you getting to know yourselves better\, because are you aligned internally on who you are and how you want to move and the things you want to be working on? \nBecause you’d be surprised how many times people are talking past each other. And I’ve spent a lot of time like coming in new to things and kind of having these moments where I have to say as a facilitator\, “Do you guys realize you’re talking past each other? You’re using different words to talk about the [00:09:00] same thing\, or you’re using the same word to talk about different things. Do you know that that’s happening?” \nIt can feel frivolous\, but it’s a really good starting point. And then it means that you’re starting from the same place\, rather than thinking you’re starting from the same place. There’s kind of an opening to a discussion. \nAnd the real goal here is not to write a sheet and never talk about it. The goal is to write this information so that you can have\, “Hey\, where are you anticipating maybe we’ll have some friction? Can we make a plan for how to navigate that now\, before we get into it?” \nSo it’s less about\, you know\, magically downloading information into people’s brains and more\, “Here’s a concise place to start figuring out what does it look like to do and be together as people who have different objectives and goals.” \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I love it. \nOkay. Well\, let’s get into this. Please share\, start sharing the practice with us. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Okay. So the goal here is [00:10:00] to write a short one pager that provides context and clarifies communication with other people. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I have a question. Should you start with the particular collaboration\, or is this just a page that you cr – like\, are you tailoring this for the particular collaboration\, or partners that you might be working with? \nOr is this just something that you create once and\, you know\, you can hand it to anybody? Sorry\, putting you on the spot. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: That is a great question. I think of it kind of like a resume. You have a standard one and then you kind of tweak it once you know who you’re sending it to. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Love it. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: So I think it’s really easy when you’re thinking about writing a one pager to go to your standard elevator pitch or\, okay\, well\, “Here’s our mission and vision and that’s all you need to know.” \nAnd maybe\, maybe that is all you need to know\, but [00:11:00] maybe it isn’t. So I’ve written some other questions to ask yourself\, or ask your team\, to kind of mine a little deeper and see if there’s some additional information that is helpful to know. So I’m just going to read you these questions\, and then if you were writing one of these one pagers either by yourself or with a team\, you would pause and you would answer these questions before you move on to the next section. \nThis is the ‘gathering all of the bits and bobs’ part of the writing where you’re not necessarily including every single one of these things in the final document. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Just what’s relevant. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yes\, don’t worry about pruning it yet. This is the point where we’re gathering things\, and then we’ll have a process later to yay or nay anything and decide if we actually want it. But it’s easier to edit from a list of information rather than editing it before you even put it on the paper\, digital or physical. \nOkay\, so questions. [00:12:00] What history of your organization\, if any\, is relevant? Who do you work with? What do you call the people that you work with? Are they clients? Are they neighbors? Are they patriots? Are they associates? \nWhat is the name that you call the people that you do work with? How many people are on your team or in your organization? Are you paid? Are you volunteers? Are you full-time? Are you part-time? \nWhat are the things about your organization that surprise new employees or new volunteers? What are three words you would use to describe your team or organization? How do you make decisions? Do you need to get them approved? \nWhat have been friction points with others in the past? How do you reframe those as value statements? What are common acronyms or phrases that you use in your [00:13:00] group? \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I love these questions because now I feel guilty for bringing up how this feels like a very surface level thing\, because these are not surface level items. These are not things that you’ll find on a website. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: No. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I mean\, some of them might be\, but – \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Sure. I mean\, you might find out how many people are on your team\, maybe. \nAnd so the point of these questions was not to ask you everything you could possibly ask about your organization. They’re specifically focused on what are things that are relevant to you working with other people or organizations. \nSo\, once you’ve gathered your answers to those questions\, I want you to start sorting the information that you gathered into three chunks or category areas. Number one is who we are. Number two is what we do. And number three is stuff to know. \nAnd I think this is the point where once it’s sorted into categories\, you can see maybe we have a [00:14:00] lot of stuff about who we are\, but not any stuff in the\, like\, what do you need to know about us? Or maybe you have a lot of stuff about who you are and nothing about what you do. Or maybe you only have stuff about what you do and nothing in the other categories. \nAnd the goal is to have a little bit of a balance. They don’t need to be equal\, but you should have a little bit in each of the three categories. \nAnd then the final step is prune for clarity. And this is where you can now be ruthless. This document will only be helpful if someone can actually read it. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Yeah\, please don’t make it six pages long. It should be one page\, like you said. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yes. So if you’re at this point where you’re condensing it and you’re doing the normal\, ‘okay\, we have a document\, now we’re trying to make a final copy\,’ do your copy edits\, do your content edits. \nAnd if you’re getting stuck on how to make it shorter and you’re not sure about what to include and what to leave out\, I want you to pretend you’re someone from a different organization\, or if that’s hard\, [00:15:00] pretend that you are yourself in a job that you held before you had this one and you’re reading it. \nDoes it answer what you need to know about whether or not you should partner with a person? What’s confusing? What is missing? And I recognize that that is a very theater kid skillset to imagine yourself as somebody else. \nAnd also\, even if you think\, “I hate doing that\, Erin\, that’s so silly\,” I encourage you to do it anyway because one of the most powerful tools for editing content is to imagine you’re somebody else reading it fresh. \nAnd if you’re really struggling\, go find a fresh new person to read it for you and provide you with feedback. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: So then you have it created and you bring it to your partner or partners that you wanted to share it with\, that you created it for. This is where you’re not just handing it out to them\, right? You are handing it out with the purpose of\, like\, “Let’s talk [00:16:00] about what’s here and how you guys work\, and how we can bridge any of those differences.” \nIs this the point or am I skipping a step? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Nope\, that’s the point. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: That’s what\, this is the point where we’re doing that. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: You got it\, you get it. So once it’s written\, I would say maybe we did skip the step of making sure that everybody on your team\, like\, agrees. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Oh\, yeah. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: You know. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: You’re not misrepresenting anything. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Make sure it’s accurate\, make sure whatever approvals you need to get in order to have a thing\, it’s been approved. \nAnd then as you’re talking with people\, how I would use it is\, I would bring it and say\, “Hey\, as we’re getting to know each other\, we’ve put together this really short page of stuff that’s really important to know about us\, and we’d love to kind of talk about it with you and notice where we’re the same and where we’re different. If you have one\, we’d love to look at yours. If you don’t\, if you could just respond to what’s on the page\, we think that if we have this [00:17:00] conversation\, it will help us have a stronger collaboration and it’ll help us avoid conflict before it happens.” \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: I’m going to put you on the spot one more time. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yeah\, do it. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Will there be a spot where people can find these questions that you shared in a written format? \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yes. What I have done is created a one-page template on how to create this cheat sheet one-pager. And if you look in the show notes\, there’ll be a link. It’ll be a fully accessible Google document\, so you can either print it or download it\, and then use it for your own\, in your own personal\, practice. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: Excellent. Thank you so much\, Erin. I love this practice. \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA: Yes\, I love it too\, and hopefully it is really helpful for everybody else. \nIf you do use it\, I would love to hear about it. Even if you used it and you’re like\, “Erin\, this stinks. This was not helpful to me at all.” I want to hear all of your complaints\, so that we can make it more useful for you in the future. \nJESSICA BECKENDORF: And you can do that by [00:18:00] emailing us at practicingconnection@oneop.org. \nThat’s it for this episode. Thanks so much for joining us. If you like this episode\, please consider sharing it with a friend or coworker. We’ll be back next week with a new episode. Until 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/jumpstart-new-connections-using-a-cheat-sheet/
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:20261001T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261001T170000
DTSTAMP:20261008T164752Z
CREATED:20261001T100045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261008T164752Z
UID:10001803-1790834400-1790874000@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Collective Action & Working Together at Scale: Lessons from Early Matters
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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]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTg3NTM3NSUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmJ1enpzcHJvdXQuY29tJTJGMjA5OTk4MyUyRmVwaXNvZGVzJTJGMTk4NzUzNzUtY29sbGVjdGl2ZS1hY3Rpb24td29ya2luZy10b2dldGhlci1hdC1zY2FsZS1sZXNzb25zLWZyb20tZWFybHktbWF0dGVycy5qcyUzRmNvbnRhaW5lcl9pZCUzRGJ1enpzcHJvdXQtcGxheWVyLTE5ODc1Mzc1JTI2cGxheWVyJTNEc21hbGwlMjIlMjB0eXBlJTNEJTIydGV4dCUyRmphdmFzY3JpcHQlMjIlMjBjaGFyc2V0JTNEJTIydXRmLTglMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0U=[/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 40) \nWhat does collective impact work actually look like?  \nIn this interview episode\, we hear from a statewide “backbone” organization and a local coalition working in tandem to make changes on early childhood education and child care access. \nWe dig into how it works on the ground\, what it takes to sustain it over time\, and what other communities might learn from it. \nToday’s guests are Eric Hale from Early Matters Texas and Tessa Harlin from Early Matters San Antonio. \nEric serves as the Director of Business Partnerships and Strategy for Early Matters Texas\, where he leads business engagement strategy and helps regional coalitions grow support for their work from the business sector. \nTessa is focused on improving educational outcomes and ensuring equitable access to high-quality early learning for all children in San Antonio and Bexar County. \nLinks and resources from this episode: \n\nEarly Matters Texas: https://earlymatterstx.org/\nEarly Matters San Antonio: https://earlymatterssa.org/ \n\nConnect with us! \n\nSign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter\nJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/\nSend us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” el_id=”trans”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” el_class=”entry” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Transcript” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”trans-title”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” nofollow=”true” el_class=”read-it” button_id=”read-it” text=”Read More” url=”#trans”][vc_column_text el_class=”pod-trans”]ERIN CARLSON RIVERA (00:03) \nHi\, welcome to the Practicing Connection Podcast. I’m Erin Carlson Rivera. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (00:08) \nAnd I’m Jessica Beckendorf. Today we’re talking about collective impact\, what it looks like when a statewide backbone organization and a local coalition work in tandem to move the needle on something as complex as early childhood education and childcare access. It’s a model built on shared goals\, shared data\, and a lot of relationship building across sectors. We wanted to dig into how it works on the ground\, what it takes to sustain over time\, and what other communities might learn from it. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (00:38) \nOur guests today are Eric Hill from Early Matters\, Texas\, and Tessa Harlan from Early Matters San Antonio\, one of the Early Matters local coalitions. Eric serves as the Director of Business Partnerships and Strategy for Early Matters Texas\, where he leads business engagement strategies and helps regional coalitions grow support for their work from the business sector. \nHe’s a lifelong educator with over a decade of classroom experience\, having taught in the US\, Costa Rica\, Italy and South Korea before earning his master’s degree in educational leadership and policy. Eric has worked as a policy aide for both Texas and U.S. House of Representatives and most recently served as manager of education and workforce policy for the Austin Chamber of Commerce\, where he connected business to education partnerships and helped launch paid professional high school internship program with Austin ISD. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (01:33) \nAnd Tessa brings over 20 years of experience in early childhood education\, program leadership\, and project management. Her background spans multiple countries and roles: teacher\, director\, coach\, mentor\, head start\, and Air Force Child Development Centers. And that range\, paired with her passion for families and collaboration\, is what makes her partnership with Early Matters click. Through her work\, Tessa is focused on improving educational outcomes and ensuring equitable access to high-quality early learning for all children in San Antonio and Bear County. \nHi\, Eric and Tessa. Thank you so much for joining us on Practicing Connection. \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (02:08) \nHi\, thanks for having us. \n  \nERIC HALE (02:09) \nYeah\, thanks. Glad to be here. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (02:11) \nSo well\, to start us off\, I’d love to if each of you could answer this question\, it would be great. How did you find this work or how did the work find you? Sometimes the story is different. \n  \nERIC HALE (02:24) \nSo I was first introduced to Early Matters locally in our Austin chapter. So Early Matters Greater Austin. I was working for the Austin Chamber of Commerce and ended up joining their local steering committee when they were trying to pass a two and a half cents property tax increase that brought in 75 million dollars a year for childcare. And I mean that was really a 15-year endeavor that had been built up from these coalitions that existed. \nAnd I thankfully just got to be on the tail end of it and celebrate the successes. But then was further brought in to join Employers for Childcare\, which is a coalition of about 80 business leaders across the state and was actually started by Early Matters Texas to advocate for policies at the legislature. And so when an opportunity to help business partnerships came across for statewide work\, I jumped on it and have been with the group for just under a year now. \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (03:26) \nSo I came into this work. I was working in the nearby town New Bromfels\, doing some mentoring. And like you said\, I’ve been in early education a very long time and heard some rumors that people were trying to address some affordability and access and quality. And I was curious\, a little bit skeptical\, but like who’s who’s doing this work in this space? This is my heart. These are the people that I work with all the time. Let’s make sure this is something that’s speaking to the needs of the families and educators in the space. \nAnd I started to attend some of those meetings and got to know that the team is doing it\, they’re phenomenal and I kept coming and then they let me be on the team. And so here we are doing this work across San Antonio and supporting New Bromfels. But that’s kind of my entry point to into Early Matters San Antonio. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (04:12) \nWow. I love hearing how people get started with things. Would you be able to tell us what was the problem or gap that led to Early Matters Texas being created? And why did a backbone statewide model make more sense than a single centralized program? \n  \nERIC HALE (04:30) \nYeah\, I don’t know if there was definitely opportunity that existed. And so when the decision of what the structure of Early Matters Texas was going to look like\, we made sure that it did stay as a separate backbone organization. All of our regions start locally. They come from communities who have buy-in already and who have done that work ahead of time and want to make sure we wanted to make sure that as we grew that \nOur regions still formed that way\, as opposed to dropping a model onto a locality. We help our communities evaluate if they have all the aspects to sustain the work that’s happening through collective impact\, but we are not putting that on them. There’s to be a level of community investment to make this work really happen. \nAnd there needs to be a local backbone organization as well that can support that work to really have the effects that we’ve seen. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (05:35) \nAnd I wonder if we could talk a little bit about the role of backbone organizations\, both locally and then how Early Matters Texas kind of operates in that way as well. Because I think\, you know\, we haven’t done on this podcast anyway\, we haven’t done a lot of talk about the importance of backbone organizations\, but they are so incredibly important. So would you mind sharing a little bit about that? \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (05:57) \nSure. Early Matters San Antonio has been around for about five years. And it originated\, to Eric’s point\, there was an interest in a group of people doing this work before the label was put on it\, to those same kinds of concepts of affordability\, access and quality. They gathered\, you know\, a couple of hundred people\, did a lot of learning\, and then built out an impact plan. And our role to go back to the backbone word is not necessarily to know the answers or to do the work\, but to be hopefully in our space the lead convener for the early education ecosystem. \nAnd so can we create spaces\, can we do the homework or the back work or bring things to people to decide on or to improve or grow or expand or is it funding? But all of these people working in this space are also doing a whole other job. This is an aspect of their work\, but not their full time work. And so we know how important it is to make change and make progress here. And someone needs to wake up and do it. \nAnd so that’s the backbone’s role in that space is to to wake up and make sure all of the things continue to move forward and the people keep coming to the table. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (07:03) \nKeep the train on the track. Keep it moving too. \n  \nERIC HALE (07:09) \nAnd they need to be able to have the capacity to be able to measure the goals that are being worked towards. Typically that’s why it lives within some form of an established institution\, because they have that ability and somewhat of a bandwidth to be able to bring people together\, coalesce\, and then have access to data for those metrics to be able to say what is our impact\, what are we actually doing? \nAnd then as a statewide group\, like we’re there in the same way\, dedicated space to bring all of our regions together and help them through technical assistance\, even though in reality we end up learning from them more than they probably ever learn from us. But having shared values and having the ability to see what’s happening everywhere and then pointing them into\, this is a best practice that you might want to utilize and this might be here. \nAnd just providing that extra support that they get to be so focused on what their community needs and then we get to see the cool things that are actually happening and sprinkled across and be like connecting it all together. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (08:16) \nThat’s awesome. And\, you know\, Tessa\, you were mentioning kind of being that support and kind of keeping that train on the tracks and moving. And I would imagine\, and we’ll get a little bit more into this a little bit later\, but that takes a lot of relationship development and a lot of connecting the dots. So how do you get people who aren’t thinking much about childcare to see this as a workforce issue\, not not just a personal issue that like people need to deal with on their own and figure it out and find some childcare\, not just as like that individual\, but how do you get them to see it as like a much wider issue? And is it a challenge? Maybe it’s not a challenge. \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (08:58) \nIt is definitely a challenge. We have a phenomenal team here that works on this and our executive director\, Mark\, has had some strategies in place that we use here in San Antonio to help get this word out. We do a thing called First Friday Breakfast\, where on the first Friday of every month we do a presentation that’s business centered or civic centered that shares why early education is important\, that about brain development\, about how it much it costs to run a program\, what where are our teachers and how much do they get paid? \nAnd then closer to the end of this presentation\, we’re actually showing employers what not supporting childcare actually costs them. Like as they have to rehire because people are leaving the field\, those pay rates tend to go up. And as your worker pool gets smaller because childcare is not being addressed\, those rates continue to go up. And so we share that on the first Friday of every month. We do things like best place for working parents\, which is like a tool that businesses can use to assess their practices and get ideas on how to better support their employees that are also families or parents. \nWe also try to share it in a way that makes sense. Like we treat childcare like a public good\, but it’s actually not funded like that. It’s not structured like that. If childcare doesn’t work\, no one works. Even if you don’t have kids\, your bus driver does\, your coworker does. So we treat it like a public good\, but we don’t fund it and support it that way. And I think people can get their head around that. \nJust sometimes you’re just not thinking about it because it’s not in your space. So we just try to make sure that we share this message out\, that we explain that 90% of a child’s brain is developed before age five. And so if we want our future workforce to be super creative and ready to set our city up for success\, then we need to invest in that 90% as much as possible. So it’s just mostly finding space. \nBut once we get people to come to the table\, they’re normally wildly engaged and have a lot of questions\, and how do we connect? \n  \nAnd Eric helps us with some things like that around the business toolkits and things that maybe he can speak to around sharing this message out more broadly. \n  \nERIC HALE (10:55) \nI mean\, we like to think that childcare is the workforce behind the workforce. And I think that during COVID everyone felt that they saw how the world stood still and didn’t know what to do when that piece was removed. So there is that memory\, that piece in everyone’s mind. But once they really see the impact\, once they peel back the layers\, they quickly understand it’s not hard to sell it\, actually. \nIt’s just once they recognize it\, they’re like\, What do I do? So a lot of the work that we’ve been doing is trying to provide them with easy next steps and allow them to maybe evaluate their own perspectives of what they could do\, because there aren’t clear pathways for this. Like has somebody people have not mapped this out well and it hasn’t been shared. \nBusiness leaders shouldn’t be experts in childcare\, but we want to make them realize that they could make an impact. And so guiding them and showing them some of that has always been\, they’re usually very receptive to it. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (11:57) \nHmm. Tessa\, can you walk us through what a local Early Matters coalition looks like on the ground on the day to day? Something like who’s at the table and what autonomy do you have to set their own goals versus following more of like the backbone statewide model? \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (12:15) \nFor sure. Early Matters has about a hundred and two partners currently. We’ve slowly grown over the past few years. Our partners are the experts and the doers of this work. They know what our community needs. It’s a robust group from philanthropy to business to nonprofits to child care providers to child safety or our foster care supports to our local design and intervention services. \nWe spend a lot of time thinking about who\, and and who all are the stakeholders in this experience and can we make sure that we have them at the table to help us with these decisions? We’ve broken our work up\, like I said\, we have an impact plan or a citywide plan that we’re implementing that was built in the community. And it has basically five chunks of work. We have some work around access to quality. So how do we support additional seats across the city? How do we support children with complex needs to get the care that they need? \nHow do we help providers become military accepting scholarship providers? We also have work around the pipeline\, the early educator pipeline. We’ve got support in that space. How do we get\, you know\, some articulation work throughout our community colleges and state colleges? How do we support professional development in that space? We’ve got a family engagement work group\, which basically has two prongs. One is connecting families to early education and care if they want it. And if they don’t\, what resources do you need in that space as well? \nAnd then around it\, we have an ecosystem\, which is basically enabling conditions for this work to get done. And that’s a data work group and a policy work group. And so each of those work groups has 30 to 50 members connected to them. Then we have in-person meetings about once every six weeks where we look at our list of charges\, what is our access to quality goals or what are our family engagement goals? And the group is the decision maker. \nSo they decide which one we want to work on. That normally splits off into a subgroup\, and then they build out a proposal and we fund it. And it happens and we test to see if it works\, and then we iterate off of that and rinse and repeat across the 55 groups. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (14:18) \nYeah. \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (14:18) \nThe action’s in the impact plan. This one is probably about a $20 million investment to get it all done. We’ve raised and we shout out to our community who’s really been super generous and in and wanting this work to come to life. Around $13 million or 12.9\, I think is where we’re at now. \nThis impact plan wraps up at the end of 2027\, and we’ll build the next one because conditions have changed and data has changed\, and hopefully we’ve made lots of progress and found some successes that we want to duplicate in the next plan. \n  \nERIC HALE (14:51) \nAnd when Tessa says that she has 102 stakeholders and partners\, she means that there are 102 actively involved people. Like I was just down in San Antonio a few weeks ago and they had their big convening where they put out their impact plan. You can find it on their website. And people were so heavily engaged. Like they felt ownership of this. They were so involved in the process. \nAnd that relationship that early Matters San Antonio has\, that trust that has been built\, it was just palpable in the room. \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (15:26) \nThank you\, Eric. \n  \nERIC HALE (15:27) \nThat is the only way that this really works. And that you can have so many groups going on at all times is from this groundwork that was built. \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (15:36) \nYeah. So it’s a hundred and two partner organizations\, probably to give credit to the people doing the work\, about three hundred and fifty people involved in in one \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (15:45) \nWow. \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (15:46) \naspect or the other of the work group. So lots of people pouring into this. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (15:51) \nYeah\, that is quite the network to weave there. One question that came to mind while you were talking\, Tessa\, is you mentioned that you have this kind of ecosystem of support. On the front end\, did you guys\, by you guys\, I’m not sure who I mean\, but convening the original kind of group who got together and wanted to start making change\, did you guys do some intentional sort of defining and development of that ecosystem and building out\, what how did you end up with such a great ecosystem of support? \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (16:27) \nOur origin story predates me. So I’m telling someone else’s story\, so hopefully I do it justice. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (16:32) \nOkay. \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (16:33) \nBut there were several people in our community that came together to want to build this out\, and then they went and learned from different communities\, and then continued to build out that stakeholder map. And we continue to do that to this day. So we for example\, we took on a new bucket of work in the family engagement around there’s a better way to say this\, but we’ve been saying like unstructured care\, like the families who are not participating in Head Start or they’re not going to preschool or public pre-K. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (16:59) \nRight. \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (17:00) \nSo we wanted to build something tailored for that group. And then we looked at the table and it’s like\, everybody here is part of a system. We actually don’t know these families or what they need. \nAnd and so then we stopped and we redid that stakeholder map and reached out and said\, Hey\, you know\, you’re at the diaper bank or the food bank or you’re at the market or or H E B or local\, like you guys should come and help us understand the population that you’re working with\, and help us get connected so we can create something that’s authentically needed and valuable \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (17:27) \nMmhmm. \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (17:28) \nAnd created by the community for the community. And so we have to kind of stop and pause and relook at who’s at the table. We are on an open door policy\, please keep coming. Everyone is welcome. Every voice is valuable. And then we also as a backbone have an obligation to make sure those spaces are are equitable and they represent community and that they have a variety of voices speaking into what’s created and funded and built. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (17:52) \nI also have more questions about that. I’ll just ask one though. I’m curious about\, I love how this is set up. And it seems like you guys have done an incredible job of really inviting the community in. If you care about the issue\, you’re welcome here. How do you work with some power differentials that could happen when that comes in? \nDifferential\, that’s maybe not the right word to use here\, but there’s some differences\, right? I just actually had a meeting the other day with someone. We’re trying to plan an effort and the question was\, “Hey\, I’d like to have some residents come to this event. Are they welcome?” And of course they were. And she’s like\, “Well\, I’m a little afraid that their voice could get lost because they don’t see themselves as leaders on this particular topic\, but they definitely have a perspective to share\, and they have lived experience with this and everything. \nAnd so how do you ensure that people’s voices are heard and valued? \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (18:54) \nIt’s a great question\, and I don’t think you’ll ever be done with that. I don’t think there’s a mastering of that. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (18:59) \nYes. \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (19:00) \nWe start our meetings with a set of norms that we’ve all kind of agreed upon\, and one of them being ‘take space\, make space.’ So you’re everyone’s welcome to speak and also be ready to listen to others. I think having the impact plan and our headline goal\, our work group goals helps us center around one idea. \nAnd so we’re not necessarily\, you know\, chasing down maybe one entity’s passion project or we’re all actually coalescing around some shared values\, some shared goals. People in San Antonio are phenomenal. We really don’t seem to buck up against that a lot. And we asked for feedback. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (19:37) \nThat’s great. \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (19:38) \nAnd so hopefully someone\, if people felt that way\, we would get that feedback. But I think also there’s the behind the scenes too of prepping people for these engagements. \nAnytime there’s someone new\, I always invite them to come to me a little bit early\, or I’ll go meet with them a week or two before and say\, “Here’s the group\, here’s who sits here\, you are wonderfully welcome. And yet please take up all the space that you need.” \nThis is the context of the decisions we’re going to make to just try to set them up for as much success and engagement as they’d like to participate in. So those are some of the things that help. But I don’t think that we should always feel uncomfortable about that and be checking on that\, and checking in on that because as we get complacent then we will lose some voices that really should be centered in those conversations. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (20:25) \nYeah. Thank you. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (20:27) \nPivoting a bit\, what’s the specific role that the statewide layer plays that a local coalition couldn’t do on its own? \n  \nERIC HALE (20:36) \nWell\, I mean\, early at Early Matters serving as a backbone. We like to focus on coordination\, convening\, and amplifying. All of our regions are doing very different work and they have identified and found what their community needs. They’ve done the work\, they’ve done\, they’ve assessed and coordinated around a goal. Texas is a massive state. We have thirty million people. \nAll of the needs of communities are very different and the way that they’re going to go about it and the approaches that they have might be different\, but we’re all trying to serve children and families in our communities. And as they’re going through these processes\, their goals change. Like they have gone through multiple versions of a community impact plan. And it’s always what’s next. So once they’ve started to make that momentum and that change\, being able to see and help them learn from each other and find out what they could be doing because keeping that momentum can be so difficult. \nEither people feel great success and they’re like\, “Okay\, we did it. Fantastic. Now what’s the common problem that can be happening\, and so how do you keep those local people engaged? How do you define and figure out what is going to be the next impact?” \nAnd they are doing so much work on the ground that they don’t often have time to be able to look up and find and seek out resources and know what’s happening in other states. So it’ll we’re able to kind of provide that perspective and be that resource for them. And then the best part of it\, we get to share with the state\, at the capitol\, all the things that they have figured out that could be replicated in other places. And we get to point to that and be an advocate for them from that perspective. \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (22:34) \nEric\, can I just add one thing? I think you were touching on it there in the capitol. Policy. Early Matters Texas is a huge asset to our coalitions when it comes to policy. So much of this work we can test out and pilot and do it at the local level. We have a lot of say here. And also big systemic change may come from policy changes and different investments at the state and federal level. So having Early Matters Texas help with the policy\, shared policy agenda\, creating a set of things that we’re all saying so that we can get those ideas captured and in the minds of those who get to make those decisions. \nIt’s really\, really helpful. \n  \nERIC HALE (23:11) \nYeah\, together all of our regions at this point represent changes all the time. But I mean it’s close to half of the state\, like less than that\, but close to it when you really look at populations and that has an impact. We have an understanding\, a pulse check of what is happening. Appreciate you\, Tessa hyping me up and pointing things out. I’ll do the same to you. \nSo also why I need these people in my corner. \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (23:38) \nThat’s teamwork. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (23:40) \nOne of the things we always say on this podcast in various ways is\, “We need each other.” And so I think that’s the perfect example. Like\, you guys need each other. And I’m not just talking about Eric and Tessa\, but I’m talking about\, you know\, your efforts need each other. This is a huge\, hairy\, sticky problem that you guys are addressing\, and you’re addressing it very well. \nAnd also\, there’s so much work to be done. And so gotta keep the train on the track. \n  \nERIC HALE (24:11) \nThis is at a very interesting point because we are looking at the governance and structure of childcare as a whole. It is spread out across a variety of agencies. It touches the anywhere between six and nine and funnels funding comes from such a variety of sources that when you start peeling back the layers and you get to a problem\, we’re able to point to a region or a place or people who have that experience and understand it and be like\, this is somebody who’s doing something well\, or is this happening everywhere? \nWe hear it from you\, but is this like a local issue or is this something that is a struggle for every community? And it definitely impacts and that that is the way we approach our priorities when we go into the session for when legislation is on the table. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (25:05) \nAwesome. So I’m going to pivot us because I would love for people to start to see how they might be able to build something similar in their area. \nSo Tessa\, maybe I’ll start with you on this since you’re with a local coalition. But Eric\, please feel free to chime in. So for a service provider or a local leader who wants to build something similar in their own community\, and maybe on a different topic even\, what are the first sort of one or two moves that you would recommend before you have any funding or formal structure in place? \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (25:39) \nThis is a good question. And Eric will probably have some more concrete details as he takes new regions through this process. But some advice I would probably give is just do a lot of learning. There’s a lot of information out there. There are other groups you can learn from. We’re four or five years in and still heavily in the learning phase. I attend a couple different coalitions that are not necessarily early education focused to learn about how they’re doing. \nHow do they structure things\, how do they get to decisions? How do they share credit and move things forward? I’d say find some key decision makers and people who could be big advocates for you. We have a phenomenal board. We have four key partners United Way\, Pre-K for SA\, Workforce Solutions\, Alamo\, and Texas A & M San Antonio Institute of School and Community Partnerships. These four key partners of ours help move this work forward and helped influence some of the early decisions in the beginning. \nAnd so I’d say find some key people that can help you on your side and do a lot of learning\, and probably stay curious longer than’s comfortable\, and then shift into some problem solving and developing a plan. Eric\, what did I miss? \n  \nERIC HALE (26:50) \nI think I think you said it great. I think oftentimes people want to jump into it and just fix the problem. And so taking the time to really assess what’s out there\, just having those conversations\, like keeping it at the forefront of people’s minds and seeing who might come to the table. It does take one or two of those key stakeholders or people who have some innate power and authority. \nThis is where some of that change happens more rapidly\, but it doesn’t have to come from that place. It takes time and it needs to understand and to really assess what is the landscape that’s out there\, who is doing what\, how can we work collectively towards the same goal and slowly picking those people up along the way to help with that effort before deciding what is the best solution? How do we move forward? \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (27:43) \nSo\, Eric\, you’ve mobilized over 80 businesses and secured 20-plus legislative testimonies. What does that recruitment conversation sound like? How do you get people on board? \nHow would you get a CEO to write an op-ed on community care? Like how does that conversation start with a new person? \n  \nERIC HALE (28:01) \nFirst off\, I haven’t done that. That is the impact of the groups. \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (28:07) \nMm-hmm. \n  \nERIC HALE (28:08) \nBut bring me back in a year and I will hopefully be able to say that. I would love to be able to say that. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (28:13) \nYou could give us a master class on sales for this topic! \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (28:18) \nHa ha. \n  \nERIC HALE (28:19) \nBut that is\, I mean\, we had the right partners and the right people together. When Employers for Childcare was first formed\, it was a partnership between Texas Association of Business\, which is our like kind of our statewide Chamber of Commerce\, a really smart policy group called Texas 2036\, and then the Texas Restaurant Association\, because the pandemic really impacted non-traditional hours. and like they were asked to still be there\, still working. They have become some of our strongest supporters and advocates for the need for child behavior because the system doesn’t fit the way that they are operating. \nSo we were able to bring in a lot of voices that recognized and wanted to see this change. And once you have that buy-in\, it’s just giving them the right opportunities and coordination. \nIt’s still building that trust of\, “Here’s some steps you could take.” We have a phenomenal partnership with an organization that was built out of Texas called Best Place for Working Parents that Tessa mentioned earlier. It starts with this simple three-minute assessment that just looks at\, is your business doing X\, Y\, and is one of these like 10 best approaches and recognizing and celebrating\, yes\, you’re you meet the bark\, fantastic. You were the best place for working parents\, you can put it on your website\, hurrah. \nBut then like it allows us to then say\, what do you want to do next? Like there’s more out there. Here’s what you could be doing. Here’s the return on investment on it. There’s so many things that if you’re struggling\, like when I talk with CEOs\, I always start with\, “What is your biggest struggle?” And eventually through that conversation\, retention and recruitment of talent always comes up. \nSomewhere in there\, there are really hard positions to fill. And there’s simple first steps you can take to ensure you’re improving culture\, that they know that they can have access to reliable childcare or they can have a more flexible schedule that can increase their retention and their satisfaction with their organization. A recent survey showed that 83% of millennials would leave a job if there was a place with better family-friendly policies. \nSo it makes it competitive. It’s also an economic development issue. If your community\, if you want new businesses to come into your community\, you need to be able to show that you have the structure to be able to support all of these new employees that might come with it\, or that they can come in and they don’t have to leave children behind. You have the structures already in place for that growth and that ability. And that’s a huge incentive for larger companies that might want to invest locally. \nSo like I said before\, I think a lot of business leaders\, when they peel back the layers\, they get it and they want to be champions for it. And we have a great ecosystem in Texas for that\, which has been the ones coming up with innovative solutions. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (31:27) \nSo Eric\, I don’t mean to put you on the spot here\, but do you have any examples of a business? I mean\, it sounds like you have lots of examples of businesses who are really into this idea and wanting to make some change and help usher in some change in this space. Are there any specific examples that you have of a success that has occurred? Like some are there any employee surveys that were put out where the employees said\, ‘“Yeah\, I definitely have stayed here longer because this is a family-friendly business.” I’m not sure if that’s the right question to ask you or you’re welcome to find the question within that. But do you have any examples of that? \n  \nERIC HALE (32:09) \nYeah\, I think as I said before\, a lot of business leaders want to do more. They just don’t always know how. And it does start with surveying your employees because you need to understand what the need and the demand is and then be able to better understand how the approach could be more effective. You may think on-site childcare is the option\, but you may find after surveying your employees that they would much rather have their child care closer to their home than have to drive their kids in to be there with them. \nYou may find that there’s a desert somewhere else out there and that it’s maybe just like the cost of care or just having some flexibility and backup care might make shift work so much easier. And most of these companies are kind of figuring it out on their own. \nTexas Mutual is a great example. When they were building a new facility\, they found the location and kind of did this work and decided to work with an existing childcare provider and built that into the center of their new facility so that their children are right there and available. But that’s not always the option for everyone. Bigger companies do have some of the resources and pieces for that\, but it can be simple things. I was just speaking with a small\, I think 40 something person design team called Brit Design Group in Austin. And when they were deciding on their parental leave policy\, they decided to actually provide a percentage of the salary\, but then extend it to 12 weeks\, which is close to double what the national norm is. \nAnd that allowed parents to have the time and ability to stay with their children all the way through\, and progress back into work when they were ready. And that came from also surveying and talking with their employees\, and knowing what was best fit for them. So I’m really excited because there’s some great new federal tax changes that have happened that will allow for more of these options to occur. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (34:22) \nMm-hmm. \n  \nERIC HALE (34:24) \nBut for most of the time\, there’s not a place to easily find what they should be doing. And I mean\, San Antonio’s leadership has strong leaders who have really stepped up in this space as well. \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (34:35) \nThat’s a good point\, Eric. Our board chair\, Peter Holt\, has done so many things to help the early education community. Part of the origin story of Early Matters San Antonio and a big part of the impact plan\, from things like donating land for a new program to supporting pipeline work and and funding educator credentialing. There’s ways he’s plugged into even chairing the government task force on governance and early education governance currently. \nSo businesses can plug in in different levels. Of course\, small business may have different assets than a larger one\, but there’s ways for people to plug in. It’s most of the time to Eric’s point\, people just don’t know necessarily how to\, but they’re open to it and interested in it because they know that will help their employees. \n  \nERIC HALE (35:20) \nAnd this is such a complex issue that like this is not gonna fix everything\, but it can reduce the cost of care. It can increase and allow families to choose higher quality care and like actually have the capacity to then go out and find care that might fit their needs\, which makes them more assured and feel safer and be more present when they’re at their jobs. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (35:49) \nWow. Actually\, speaking of\, you know\, kind of shifting over to community partners\, which I know a lot of the businesses are part of that story\, Tessa\, I really want to ask you: you earlier mentioned that you have 102 community partners and they’re working on 55 concurrent strategies. That’s incredible. I need to take a moment just to recognize how incredible it is. It is really difficult to organize that many partners. And it’s even more difficult to organize 55 strategies being worked on at the same time. \nHow do you keep the coalition members\, those partners\, engaged and accountable to the work and to each other? \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (36:38) \nI’ll just say I get the opportunity to speak on behalf of Early Matters San Antonio\, but we are a shared work from partners to to colleagues. We are a giant team of seven\, I think now. So moving this work forward has taken some really brilliant brilliant people and good planning on behalf of the whole group. Thinking about how you keep the work moving forward\, accountability I’m putting to the side just for just for a second. \nThe group built the work. And so when the group built the work\, you don’t have to sell it or remind them about it. There’s shared ownership of it. One thing I think we try to keep front of mind when doing the backbone work here is to move\, and I think Collective Impact Forum calls it strategic urgency\, where we have to de block this line of making enough space for really quality programming\, pilots\, projects to be developed\, but also moving quickly enough for people to stay engaged and to see impact and results. \nAnd that’s hard and there’s no fine 12 week plan\, this is 6 weeks. Like you have to kind of drive with your feet on the gas and the brakes simultaneously. We’re doing this as a community\, but we also need to get it done quickly because our kids are here looking for us to make change. And so I think because this group is known for and and not due to me\, but due to us\, big us\, getting stuff done\, people stay engaged. They know this work is going to happen\, that we are going to make decisions\, and so hopefully you’re here and present\, that we are actively fundraising for the next big thing\, that you can walk around and see the impact. \nAnd so I think because this group\, the whole 102 are really effective and really engaged\, that it feeds itself. And we get to see the benefits come out of it and that’s a reward or a nice example of what we can do as a collective\, and that inspires the next round of work across the community. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (38:47) \nSo what’s a common mistake you see communities make early on when they try to do this kind of collective impact work? And what would you tell someone to avoid? \n  \nERIC HALE (38:57) \nI think they often want to just get to the solution. They see that a little bit of momentum has happened and they want to jump into the meat of the work that exists without doing the groundwork that needs to happen. There needs to be time spent really identifying the problem\, mapping out who’s involved\, really understanding where there’s overlap. \nBecause if you don’t have those norms as Tessa referenced to\, if you don’t have those shared values and that clear North Star of like what we’re trying to work towards\, then oftentimes people start moving in opposite directions. We’re not rowing together. We’re not actually working towards a measurable piece. And that friction builds over time and there’s not that shared ownership that exists. \nSo those pieces that seem\, especially people who do nonprofit work who care about community\, they feel like\, “Yeah\, we know that already. We don’t need to worry about that.” We trust that\, but that has to be built. Like\, especially as you’re going into this work\, collective impact is not easy. It takes a lot of ownership and development to then be able to get to a place like San Antonio has. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (40:17) \nWe were talking a little bit about this before we hit record\, and one of the things that I see over and over is skipping over some of those really important parts. Tessa\, you mentioned earlier that you start every one of your meetings by reminding everyone of those norms that you guys develop together. You do an orientation to help new people really understand and get folded into how you guys operate. \nBut one of the things that I see over and over is that\, you know\, people are like\, “Well\, we’re adults. We can figure out how to work together.” And we can. We really can. We have great capacity for that. And also\, Erin\, I don’t know if it was you before we hit record\, you said\, “Well\, do we want to find out how we’re going to work together the hard way? Or or do we want to talk that through on the front end?” \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (41:02) \nI think that was me\, yeah. \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (41:02) \nHa ha ha. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (41:04) \nSo I really appreciate everything you’re saying\, Eric. I think that that kind of stuff is more important\, but it also feels like you’re not getting anything done\, but you are getting so much done by talking through all of those things. \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (41:19) \nHundred percent agree. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (41:21) \nAnd Tessa\, what some of the lessons learned that you’ve experienced in this work? \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (41:26) \nI think we’re still wildly in the learning phase. If we keep reaching out and trying and asking for\, you know\, who else is doing this work that’s like ours\, or who else can we learn from? And I think to those questions\, we’ve learned that there’s no one way to do this. There’s not a website we just haven’t visited yet that has the answers to how to do collective impact successfully across time and and scale. \nSo I’d say\, stay flexible. Listen to your community. Don’t try to make things into what it looks like for some other organization or region. Like listen\, listen to the folks at the table. That’s why they’re there. They know what your community needs. Don’t be so rigid or try to fit it into some framework that exists. Create boundaries\, create check-ins\, create what it looks like for success to happen\, but plan for ideation. \n  \nERIC HALE (42:20) \nYeah. I mean it’s I think leaving the door open for opportunities. Like even as you move through the process\, allow for other people to join and move with you. It may take some more backwork to get them adjusted and understand this approach\, but solutions may come because you have the right people at the table and doing that work ahead of time. You may find new issues that need to be covered\, find experiences that may bring more understanding and yeah\, it definitely is an important piece of just seeing who’s at the table and leaving space and leaving a chair for them. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (43:02) \nWell\, I’m hearing so much of this in your voices\, but also I’d love for you to just articulate what’s giving you hope about this work right now. \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (43:12) \nI think the fact that we’re talking about early education and care gives me a lot of hope. Like I said\, my family\, both my mom and dad owned little tiny childcare programs when I was growing up. This has been a part of my life from jump. And I never heard about it on TV or I didn’t see it in the newspaper\, or people weren’t talking about it on a podcast. \nSo I think that we’re talking about it\, that more people that are not directly involved in early education and care are talking about it. \n  \nI also think that it’s a connector. Even in this climate that we’re in right now where there’s\, you know\, binary choices for everything. Childcare is something people can coalesce around. Early education and family support\, people can all kind of coalesce around and support. \nAnd we’re hearing that. We’re hearing that in lots of different spaces that never really spoke about this before. So I’ve got a lot of hope that people are coming to the table that never have before\, and that we’ll have some opportunity to see some really interesting and creative support put in for families in the future. \n  \nERIC HALE (44:11) \nI think one thing\, as I alluded to before\, the federal tax code has shifted and it has opened a door and opportunities for employers to have a larger investment where it is financially feasible. Before it was such a small thing. And so this just allows for new approaches that I think can make a huge impact. \nBut more than anything\, like I’m always just inspired by our regions. They are doing such creative work. There’s been work around shared services that has been done\, a lot of that has been done in San Antonio. But we have currently four regions who have identified that also this is a problem\, found their own approach to the way that they’re going to work on that\, and now we have four test examples that we can point to and be like\, “This is working for this\, and this approach might be working for this.” \nSo I’m so excited to see how that grows and develops and then be able to really dig into what are the best practices that come out of that. So this model is working and it is making real impact for families and children in Texas. And that’s what really makes me happy. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (45:29) \nRight. Well\, our final question\, I think: When we don’t do interviews on this podcast\, we teach people skills. And I’m curious if there are any practices that you use\, given your work is very complex and highly collaborative. \n  \nERIC HALE (45:43) \nI would love to say I do this all the time\, but my go-to is just finding and carving out time for reflection. This issue is so deeply personal\, so complex and sticky that we can be so in the weeds and the urgency of it feels so strong that we often don’t take the time to like step back and look at what we need to be doing long term: strategizing and celebrating and talking about what’s actually working to refill ourselves. \nSo that’s something that I try to set time aside for\, because there’s never enough time. it does not happen. It’s not going to happen on your own. So that has really been a practice that’s been important for me. \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (46:31) \nAwesome. I need to do more of that\, Eric. I promise. Maybe that’s what those long car rides are for. \n  \nERIC HALE (46:36) \nYes. \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (46:37) \nAnd so if I was thinking about my role at Early Matters as Director of Partner Engagement\, a lot of my work is the peopling aspect of this organization. So I think being transparent and authentically yourself is a must. We’re building trust. We’re asking people to do things differently or try something or be vulnerable or donate\, and you have to be trusted to do that and to build trust\, you need to authentically be yourself and be transparent about what you’re doing\, where you’re at\, where the work is. \nAnd then the other one I’d say meet in person as much as possible. Zooms are great. They’re very convenient\, but that person to person connection\, those groups when we’re all together and the the meeting wraps and everyone kind of pairs into groups and they’re planning other things and the the work is spawning from itself\, is is magical\, and it helps refill fill your cup. \nAnd so be yourself and be in person as much as possible. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (47:33) \nWell\, thank you both so much. It makes me very happy to hear you say\, Eric\, that you recommend self-reflection. So many of our practices on this podcast are based in self-reflection. And Tessa\, I would say that when you talk about being authentic\, showing up authentically\, a huge part of that cycle starts with self-reflection. So knowing yourself so well that you can show up confidently and authentically as yourself\, but also maintaining that kind of openness to people so that you can take in other perspectives as well. \nSo thanks so much for the work you guys do. And thank you so much for joining us\, Eric and Tessa. \n  \nTESSA HARLIN (48:13) \nThanks so much for having us. This is fun. Thank you all. \n  \nERIC HALE (48:16) \nYeah\, thank you both. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (48:18) \nThat’s Eric Hale\, Director of Business Partnerships and Strategy at Early Matters\, Texas\, and Tessa Harlan with Early Matters\, San Antonio. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (48:26) \nThat’s it for this episode. Thank you so much for joining us. If this conversation got you thinking about how communities can pull together\, we hope you’ll share it with a colleague\, partner\, or neighbor who’s doing that work too. You can find more resources from today’s episode in our show notes\, along with links to some of the examples we talked about today. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (48:45) \nWe’d like to thank our announcer\, Kaylin Goebel Mathis\, Maggie Lucas\, and Joyce Fawn 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. \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/collective-action-and-working-together-at-scale/
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:20261008T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261008T170000
DTSTAMP:20261008T172527Z
CREATED:20261008T100022Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261008T172527Z
UID:10001804-1791439200-1791478800@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Inviting on Purpose: Empowering Others to Participate
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]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTkxMTUxOCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmJ1enpzcHJvdXQuY29tJTJGMjA5OTk4MyUyRmVwaXNvZGVzJTJGMTk5MTE1MTgtaW52aXRpbmctb24tcHVycG9zZS1lbXBvd2VyaW5nLW90aGVycy10by1wYXJ0aWNpcGF0ZS5qcyUzRmNvbnRhaW5lcl9pZCUzRGJ1enpzcHJvdXQtcGxheWVyLTE5OTExNTE4JTI2cGxheWVyJTNEc21hbGwlMjIlMjB0eXBlJTNEJTIydGV4dCUyRmphdmFzY3JpcHQlMjIlMjBjaGFyc2V0JTNEJTIydXRmLTglMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0U=[/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 41) \nWhether you’re planning a single meeting or inviting people into a long-term community change effort\, the invitation is where it succeeds or fails. Here are five principles to get it right. \nInvitations aren’t just logistics – they’re where a gathering succeeds or falls apart before it even starts. \nIn this episode\, Jessica and Erin dig into why a well-crafted invitation saves time\, keeps efforts on track\, and empowers people to actually participate\, whether you’re inviting someone to a single event or into a long-term community change effort. \nDrawing on Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering\, they walk through five principles for better invitations: letting your purpose act as both bouncer and recruiter\, removing (or naming) barriers to full participation\, matching your invitation to the participation you actually want\, being clear about what’s in it for the invitee\, and never skipping the practical details. \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”]JESSICA BECKENDORF (00:03) \nHi\, thanks for listening to the Practicing Connection Podcast. I’m Jessica. Today we’re talking about how to make better invitations. Later\, Erin and I will discuss five principles to help you craft your next invitation. I am so excited about this topic. \nHi\, Erin. Maybe I could bring you into this conversation. What is your favorite invitation that you’ve received? \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (00:27) \nWow. Hi. That’s a great question. Okay. I have two that come to mind for completely different reasons. One is\, I got an invitation to a Muppet themed costume party. I may have talked about it before on this podcast. I’m sorry if I have. Genuinely delightful. Like every single thing was even the words were Muppet themed\, and just the sheer delight of realizing I would get to dress up as a Muppet. I had something to look forward to for months. Genuinely so fun. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (01:10) \nWhat about that made like you said\, it was very joyful? Is there anything about that invitation that made you feel special for having been invited? Not that that’s a prerequisite\, I’m just curious. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (01:23) \nI mean\, no. Like\, I mean\, this was a friend of mine who has a birthday party every year. But hilariously\, the second invitation I was about to talk about was I had a friend who was running like an experience for college students. And she specifically asked me\, “Hey\, will you come run this with me? Because you have all these gifts and skills that I don’t have. And I trust you as a collaborator. Here’s a specific role I would love if you would come fill.” \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (01:58) \nThat’s cool. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (01:59) \nAnd this was\, I don’t know\, maybe 2020. This was six years ago. I still think about that invitation regularly because I’ve never felt so seen\, known\, and valued as that invitation. And it wasn’t like a super formal thing. It was just in a conversation. But I felt very honored to be getting this invitation and it was clear like\, this person really trusts me. \nAnd sees expertise that I wouldn’t necessarily have thought of\, a thing you need expertise in. Sometimes you’re really skilled at something\, and you don’t realize you’re good at it until someone else points it out and you realize\, “Wait\, not everybody can do this.” \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (02:43) \nYeah. I don’t know if it’s a compliment or not\, but the first time I ever heard and understood something like that\, someone told me it was because they told me that they really appreciated that I can’t not open my mouth. And I feel like that’s in some circles\, that’s maybe not a compliment\, but they really did mean it that way. Because they were very opposite that. And I really appreciated how they were able to ask me questions so that I could think\, in a way\, but I always appreciated their ability to sit back and contemplate. \nAnd I didn’t realize that they had also appreciated my ability to just say what’s on my mind. You know\, maybe I’m less direct than some people who when they say what’s on their mind\, they’re like super direct\, and even blunt about it. I wouldn’t say that I’m blunt at all\, but I definitely do attempt to say what’s on my mind\, and I can’t stop myself\, frankly\, most of the time. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (03:40) \nThat’s fair. Do you have an invitation that you still remember? \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (03:46) \nWell\, you brought up a good example of\, I think there’ve been a lot of times in my life when someone has just specifically said to me\, “I really want you there. I really think I need you specifically to be there. I need someone like you there.” \nAnd there’s been a number of times when I’ve heard something like that. Like an example is\, you know\, it’s very hard for me to say no\, and I was going through a practice of trying to say no to this one. I’d been invited to be part of this planning team. We were trying to do some professional development for our callings. It was on a topic I was skilled in and they invited me to be part of it. \nAnd I tried at first and after a while I was like\, “You guys\, I can’t. I just don’t have the capacity or the time.” And then like a week later I got a call from one of the organizers. This was one of the people who had really been pushing for this effort. And they said to me\, “You know\,  I think we really specifically need you there. Your innovative way of thinking\, your kind of pushing the boundaries of the box. Like we really\, really need that. And we need you.” \nI said\, “I can’t give you much. All I can really do is like comment on what you guys are developing. I can be a reviewer. That’s about all I can do.” \nAnd they were like\, “You know what? We’ll take it. We just need you involved.” So things like that I think have stuck out to me as great invitations. And I’ll say one other\, someone I know was having a wedding and they did black tie. And I had never been to a black tie event\, and there aren’t a lot of black tie – I feel like there aren’t a lot of black tie things happening in my circles and in my area of the world where I live. \nAnd so for me that just felt special. Really\, really special. Do I aspire to dress in black tie all the time? No\, but being able to say that I went to a black tie event\, where the dress was required\, the dress was black tie\, that feels nice. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (05:57) \nYeah\, that makes sense to me. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (05:59) \nSo let’s get into why we’re focusing on invitations today. So why are invitations worth spending time on? \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (06:07) \nYes. I have very passionate feelings about this. Which I didn’t fully realize until I was writing this episode. And then it was like\, “Wait a minute. No\, I care so much.” \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (06:18) \nAlso\, can I back us up? I’ll come back to these questions\, but I actually want to back up for a second. What’s an invitation\, Erin? \nI’m so sorry I’m putting you on the spot. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (06:31) \nI would say an invitation is when you ask someone or a group of people to participate in something. \nSo it can be a vulnerable thing where you’re extending\, you’re taking a risk\, but it can also be a trust building exercise. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (06:53) \nYeah. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (06:55) \nIt can be power sharing. That’s not like a good dictionary definition of an invitation\, but I think it maybe gets at the essence of what an invitation is\, which is inviting someone to have\, I think for me\, the participation point. \nSpace is very important. It’s like you can participate in lots of different ways\, but offering space for people to participate. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (07:19) \nYeah\, so part of the invitation probably outlines that. And so let’s go back to the original questions that I had\, which is why are we focusing on invitations today and why are they worth spending time on? \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (07:30) \nYes. I think the primary reason you spend time crafting an invitation is because it saves you time\, energy\, and sanity later. And I know that sounds a little bit too many magical things to really hang on an invitation\, but I think it really can help an event or meeting or party or whatever kind of thing you’re inviting people to. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (07:57) \nAnd effort\, like if you’re trying to do a large scale change community change effort\, right? \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (08:05) \nYeah\, that’s probably the most prevalent and most relevant example to people. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (08:10) \nYeah. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (08:12) \nThe thing about crafting your invitation is if you do a good job\, it empowers other people to participate and it empowers somebody to know if they should say yes or no to it. \nSo\, like a really good invitation helps people know what to expect\, so that they know how to prepare\, so that they know if it’s a good fit for them\, so they know if they even care about what’s gonna happen. And I also think a really good invitation helps you figure out what you are trying to make happen. What do you want? \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (08:44) \nAnd what do you want from your participants? \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (08:46) \nAnd what do you want from your participants? Yes. I think it’s very easy to forget or not have time. If you don’t bother to spend time crafting your invitation\, it’s really easy to forget about shaping what you want and deciding what you want. And often shaping the invitation can help really filter is not quite the right word I’m looking for. \nI think it helps with pruning your event down to the essentials. We’ll get into that a little bit more later\, but y that’s what I was thinking. What about you? Do you have thoughts about invitations? \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (09:22) \nI do. I am probably very similar\, but coming at it maybe from a slightly different angle. This reminds me of something we’ve talked about in the past on this podcast\, in the way past\, I would say. And that’s something called the logic of co-production. And I don’t remember them all off the top of my head right now. But when you’re having an event\, whether you’re in charge of the event and people are just participating\, there’s still co production happening. You know\, people are showing up\, they are participating in whatever manner the invitation indicated\, or whatever manner you were trying to create. \nBut when you’re talking about those longer range community change types of efforts\, then you might be talking about a purpose where you’re trying to co create deeper\, longer relationships or you’re trying to co create in deeper and longer relationships with people. And so you’re trying to co create that change. \nAnd sometimes one of the logics of co production is that you invited people because to say that you invited them\, right? You invited them so that you could say\, “I invited them.” They didn’t come or I invited them and I got their opinion\, but you don’t really do much with their opinion. So there’s sort of that logic like you invite people in to say that you invited them in\, but you already knew what you were gonna do to begin with\, right? \nAnd then there’s the logic of co-production go all the way to\, of course\, the extreme of that\, which is more of that really co-creative an invitation not just to come in and share your opinion where the event is extractive of your thoughts and your perspective\, but an invitation where you are invited to share the power equally with everyone else. \nAnd you don’t put it that way on the invitation\, but basically\, you know\, meaning that this whole process\, no change is going to happen without all of us together. And it recognizes that. \nSo anyway\, I’m getting way too in the weeds on the these ‘logics of co-production\,’ but that’s what this reminds me of\, right? The invitation is super important to not only save yourself sort of time and headache and effort\, but also to really communicate what your purpose is so that like you said\, people can decide\, and be empowered to choose whether this is for them or not for them or whether to ask questions about the invitation or not. Does that make sense to you? \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (11:58) \nThat makes a lot of sense to me. Well\, I think we should dive into these principles before we start spilling the secrets. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (12:05) \nYeah\, do it. Do did I already start spilling secrets\, or I think we both did. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (12:08) \nThat’s okay. Okay\, so the first one I read is Priya Parker’s book\, The Art of Gathering\, and she has a whole chapter called Let Your Purpose Be Your Bouncer. Her premise is that you decide what is the purpose of the gathering\, what’s the point of the gathering\, what are you trying to make happen at the gathering? And then you think about who can make that happen by showing up and who will prevent it from happening by showing up. \nAnd then if someone is either going to hinder or not contribute to the purpose of your meeting\, you don’t invite them. And that is scary\, but I think it is a very interesting principle to have. I also like to add\, ‘let your purpose be your bouncer and your recruiter\,’ because sometimes you need to think about well\, who is going to invest in this purpose with me and are they on my list of people to consider? \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (13:02) \nYeah. And I would think that with those longer term community change efforts\, for example\, that it’s not about not inviting the people who are going to be naysayers so much as it’s about maybe developing relationships with them before you start your effort\, and working with them on the change effort. So I think if they would prevent it from happening by showing up\, I think there’s a lot of ways to deal with that too before you get to the invitation stage. \nBut there’s a lot that we could talk about when it comes to those kinds of efforts. And this is not the focus of this episode. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (13:41) \nYeah. You could go really deep on that. And also I don’t want to make this an hour long episode. So I’ll just say this is the principle that you start with\, because figuring out what you want to make happen and who’s going to help you do that\, you want to think about that before you even set the event\, before you pick the location\, before you pick the date and time. You want to think about what am I trying to do and who’s going to help me do it. \nBecause then we get to principle two\, which is\, figure out what will prevent people from participating fully\, and pivot. Which is essentially thinking about who wants to be a part of this\, and how do we make it easier for them to participate. So that’s location\, that’s time of day\, that’s place\, that’s if the meeting lasts the duration of a time when people normally eat dinner\, for heaven’s sake\, feed them. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (14:34) \nHa ha ha. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (14:36) \nOr encourage them to bring dinner if they need to. If you’re talking to a parent group\, provide child care. That’s not always easy\, but if you want parents to participate in something\, as a community leader who’s specifically having an event for parents\, have a plan for how people aren’t going to be able to come if there’s nobody to watch their kids. Those are two kind of more basic things. \nBut another thought I have is there are lots of places where maybe they don’t have good internet access. So if your meetings are on Zoom\, how do they show up? Can they call in? Is there a way for people to participate if their internet’s too slow to do a video? Yeah\, that’s kind of the main principle there. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (15:20) \nOkay\, that’s great\, Erin. This is one of those things where we invite people\, and if you want to come\, well you’re on your own. You’ve got to figure out how you’re going to do it. And sometimes we do need to consider what those needs are and if there’s any barriers. So what’s the third principle for a good invitation? \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (15:36) \nYeah\, your invitation should match the participation you want. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (15:41) \nHmm\, explain. What does that mean? I think we’ve touched on this a little bit. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (15:48) \nOne of the first things that comes to mind with this principle for me is avoiding a bait and switch. So I’ve been to a lot of events where the invitation is a networking event to connect with others around a topic. But you get there\, and it’s auditorium seating and you’re all staring at a speaker and the whole time is spent by somebody giving a presentation. \nAnd I just get so mad. It feels like someone specifically is rage baiting me because I learn and grow a lot through conversation. I specifically search out opportunities to have dialogue with people who have different ideas than me. And so when I come expecting that\, and then I get there and it’s one person standing at a microphone talking to an auditorium\, and you called it a discussion or a networking event\, I was just like\, “You lying liar! Your pants are burning.” Like\, what is happening here? \nAnd I think what that also gets at is this idea of your invitation should give people a picture of what their role at a meeting is. What is the expectation for them as a person? Are they showing up and listening? Are they showing up and participating? Should they bring something with them? Should they have something prepared to say? What do you want them to do? And that should match their actual experience at the meeting. Which seems intuitive\, but it’s really easy to accidentally bait and switch people. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (17:16) \nYeah. So if you had gone or if they’d\, as part of their invitation\, if they had said\, “We’ll start with about a thirty minute lecture\, and the last thirty minutes of our time together will be spent in discussion\,” or something\, is that what you’re talking about? Manage the expectations up front? \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (17:34) \nYeah\, absolutely. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (17:37) \nAnd so that tells them that\, like\, hey\, if you don’t want to talk with people\, leave after the presentation\, or if you wanted to talk to people\, stay. Like just bear with us and stay through the presentation\, and you’ll get a chance to talk about the topic after. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (17:52) \nYes. Okay. And I think a lot of people are scared to include this type of information in an invitation\, because they don’t want to overwhelm people with too much information. And I definitely think this is a time where pruning is your friend. So write everything you think you want to say\, and then go in and make it shorter without losing content\, the best that you can. \nBut\, you know\, I think it’s also it could also look like getting a casual invite to something. “Hey\, we’re having this check-in meeting. Would you come just to meet this person?” And then you show up and everybody else is wearing a suit and it’s in like a fancy business suite\, and everybody has like an agenda and it’s very formal. \nBut you got the most informal invitation. So you didn’t come wearing your suit jacket today. And then you stand out and you feel awkward and uncomfortable and like\, “I don’t really fit here.” That’s the kind of thing we’re hoping to avoid. \nAnd that can look really different depending on where you are and what situation you’re in. So unfortunately\, all of these are principles because you have to actually stop and think about your circumstance\, the people you’re inviting\, what you’re trying to do. There isn’t like a magical\, ‘just do this.’ You have to actually think about it. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (19:09) \nSo that principle seems to go really hand in hand with the next one that you have down in our notes\, which is\, what will the person you invite get out of this meeting? it seems like those two really go hand in hand. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (19:21) \nYeah. I almost combined them\, but I think they’re just separate enough. \nSomething I see frequently is people will come to me and say\, “Man\, we invited\, we did so much outreach to get people to come to this event\, and nobody showed up.” And then I was like\, “Well\, what was the event? Tell me about it.” And they told me about it. And I was like\, you wanted them to pay for that? And it’s something where you were asking them to pay to do work. \nOr like they weren’t going to get anything out of it\, or it just was a very thinly veiled timeshare pitch or something. I think those are really hard to sit through personally. So I think often this can happen in academic spaces\, or anytime someone’s like\, “Well\, come and tell us your opinions.” But then it’s like\, “Well\, what are you going to use them for? What are you going to do with them? Are we wasting our time?” \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (20:20) \n“Why should I?” \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (20:21) \nYeah. \nWhy should I? And I think it’s good to consider if we’re asking someone to show up and participate in something\, which as I said\, that’s what I think an invitation is\, is not show up to just stand at the back of the wall. We want participation. Or at least I do. You look like you maybe don’t agree with that. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (20:43) \nNo\, no\, no. I very much agree. I love participation. And in fact\, it’s mostly what I do. I’m a facilitator. I design meetings practically for a living\, it’s a big part of my role. But this reminds me though\, and I keep bringing it back to this idea of like long range community change projects. That’s not the only thing that we’re talking about here\, but I keep bringing it to that because that’s where my background is. \nAnd one of the things that comes up for me is that when there’s an immediate crisis or some sort of immediate need\, a lot of people are very interested in having the conversations and trying to get some solutions done. But when someone’s like\, “Hey guys\, this is something that could happen\,” or\, “If we don’t start talking about this now in twenty years\, we could be in a pickle.” I find that much fewer people want to talk about that and perhaps it’s partly the invitation. I’m not sure\, but I’m curious about whether\, you know\, the way we talk about long range planning is dry and droll enough that maybe we’re not – I don’t think we need to like zhuzh it up and make it super exciting. \nI just mean\, you know\, it seems like when you are in a role like I am and you’re trying to get people to think way ahead into the future\, when they’re not dealing with any crises right now related to the things they need to talk about for the future\, it’s difficult. Maybe this doesn’t match up with invitations\, but I do wonder how are we doing our invitations? \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (22:26) \nYes\, I think that that’s a good example. Because the thing here is when I say\, what will a person get out of this meeting\, my hope is that you will think through why would this be valuable to somebody else? Why would coming be valuable to somebody else? And how do I communicate that? \nAnd to be clear\, I’m not asking you to lie because that’s baiting and switching\, and we don’t want that. So I think in your example\, if you’re trying to get people to come help\, \n  \nmake decisions or work towards something that will prevent a future problem that could happen long distance from now\, you’re going to have to make the case for why it’s important now\, because there are currently crises happening. \nSo why are we taking time away from that to prevent these future things? And this is where you can strategically communicate this idea of the purpose of this meeting is to help us build the future that we want. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (23:21) \nYeah. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (23:23) \nAnd it’s impacted by the things that are happening now. So we want to input it now. We want to think about our future now so that we can do it on purpose. And that\, of course\, is a hard sell and not everybody’s going to say yes to it. \nBut the people who have capacity to care about it now will hear that and go\, “I hate all of the things that we’re in now and that we’re responding to crises in the moment\, and making expensive\, hard decisions.” And what if we did this on purpose? Those are the people who are going to be like\, “Yes\, this is for me. This is my thing. I’m going to show up and come because I would love to solve things before they get bad.” \nAnd so that’s the point of this thing is\, what is the value for the person who’s attending\, and how can I say it clearly so that the people who value that thing want to say yes to the invitation. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (24:05) \nYeah. Great. Well\, I feel like this starts to get into the next one that you have in our notes. Don’t forget to share the details. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (24:13) \nYeah\, look\, the amount of invitations that I get that don’t have an address\, where to park\, how to pay\, how to RSVP. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (24:21) \nMy gosh\, where to park?! \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (24:23) \nLook\, I live in the Milwaukee area. And if you do not share how someone will park\, people will not show up. Parking is a nightmare. And we’re not even that huge of – we’re a big city for Wisconsin\, but we’re not like a big\, big city. And maybe you’re in a community where parking is not a factor whatsoever\, there’s never missing parking. But you have to talk about like mosquitoes or you know\, like what is the thing that people need to know? \nAnd for me\, the most egregious thing is when you ask somebody to do something in the invitation and you don’t tell them how to do it. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (24:59) \nMm-hmm. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (25:00) \nSo it’s if you want somebody to RSVP message this person\, but you don’t provide any contact details for that\, I have seen that shockingly more times than I thought possible. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (25:12) \nOr one is provided\, but they don’t answer questions. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (25:17) \nSure. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (25:18) \nProbably because they’re an overworked volunteer. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (25:22) \nYes\, sure. Exactly. So again\, some of these things are pretty basic\, but it’s so easy to forget the basics when you’re in a rush\, when you have a huge workload\, when you just need to get it done so you can make some progress. \nSo the reason I bring up the principles is just that they’re really helpful things to keep in mind to pause and just check before you send something. Because let me tell you\, I have been the person who has sent an invitation and then ten minutes later sent a follow-up email to an entire giant group being like\, “I apologize\, here is the correct link.” \nOr one time I accidentally put my personal cell phone number on something for work. And so I was getting all of these calls to sign up for a class to my cell phone. Horrifying. I wish I had spent just like two minutes rereading my email before I sent it. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (26:19) \nI can tell you though\, sometimes as someone who used to prepare public notices and stuff for a city\, you can have sometimes five people look at it and every one of you miss the mistake. And that might mean another thirty days to sixty days to wait for that project to begin. So that’s great… \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (26:37) \nYeah. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (26:38) \nOkay\, so what is the smallest step someone can take? \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (26:45) \nPause and think about what you’re doing. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (26:50) \nAnd there we have it. Mic dropped. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (26:53) \nYou know\, I think essentially all of these boil down to like\, “stop and think.” \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (26:59) \nYeah. I love that. And you know what? Just because you said stop and think\, and because you’ve got these\, they can’t see our notes\, but you’ve got these so beautifully summarized in our notes. I’m not going to summarize all of them\, but I am going to go through the five different areas if you don’t mind. So when Erin says pause and think about what you’re trying to accomplish\, keep these in mind. \nSo let your purpose be your bouncer and your recruiter. So what’s the purpose? Figure out what will prevent people from participating fully and pivot where you need to\, so what barriers might be in place? Your invitation should match the participation you want. What will the person you invite get out of this meeting? And don’t forget to share the details. Where are they gonna park? \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (27:46) \nIs there a bathroom there? \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (27:48) \nExactly. \nWell that’s it for this episode. Thanks so much for joining us. If you like this episode\, please consider sharing it with a friend or coworker. We’ll be back next week. Until 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/inviting-on-purpose/
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:20261008T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261008T123000
DTSTAMP:20261008T203617Z
CREATED:20260630T184743Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261008T203617Z
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” 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/QTAnAhKDfWc”][/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]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”][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_24Uq0IHKXZYnk4S”][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 October 8\, 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 October 8\, 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 October 8\, 2027. \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 October 8\, 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 October 8\, 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 October 8\, 2028.\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 October 8\, 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_24Uq0IHKXZYnk4S. 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_1791394818381{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Webinar slides (handout) \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: 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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261013T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261013T123000
DTSTAMP:20261021T164507Z
CREATED:20260708T143437Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261021T164507Z
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_video link=”https://youtu.be/UDYHWqdlWZQ”][/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_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”][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_77Yvsun5typBE4C”][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 October 13\, 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). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close October 13\, 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 October 13\, 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 October 13\, 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 October 13\, 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_77Yvsun5typBE4C. 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_1792601104816{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Slides \nResources[/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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261015T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261015T170000
DTSTAMP:20261008T181724Z
CREATED:20261015T100037Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261008T181724Z
UID:10001805-1792044000-1792083600@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Get on the Balcony and Find Your Leverage
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]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTkxODMwOSUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmJ1enpzcHJvdXQuY29tJTJGMjA5OTk4MyUyRmVwaXNvZGVzJTJGMTk5MTgzMDktZ2V0LW9uLXRoZS1iYWxjb255LWFuZC1maW5kLXlvdXItbGV2ZXJhZ2UuanMlM0Zjb250YWluZXJfaWQlM0RidXp6c3Byb3V0LXBsYXllci0xOTkxODMwOSUyNnBsYXllciUzRHNtYWxsJTIyJTIwdHlwZSUzRCUyMnRleHQlMkZqYXZhc2NyaXB0JTIyJTIwY2hhcnNldCUzRCUyMnV0Zi04JTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNF[/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 42) \nIt’s easy to talk about ‘the system’ like it’s something happening to us. But what if you’re already standing inside it – and holding one of the levers? \nWe often talk about “the system” as something distant – a force acting on us rather than something we’re part of. In this episode\, Erin and Jessica offer a practice for stepping onto the balcony to see your place inside a system you’re frustrated with or curious about\, whether that’s at work\, in your community\, or even in your own evening routine. \nBuilding on ideas from a past episode on network mapping and borrowing from Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey’s Immunity to Change framework\, this practice walks through mapping your actual points of contact within a system\, identifying where you might have real leverage\, and naming the hidden commitment that may be keeping things exactly as they are. \nIt’s less about assigning blame and more about finding your specific foothold for change. \nLinks and resources from this episode: \n\nImmunity to Change framework: https://www.gse.harvard.edu/hgse100/story/changing-better\nPracticing Connection episode\, “Who’s Missing From Your Network?”\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 (00:03) \nHi\, thanks for listening to the Practice and Connection podcast. I’m Erin and I’m here with my co-host Jessica. \nJessica\, today’s practice is something I’ve been really interested in for quite a while. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (00:15) \nErin\, me too. I’ve done a few variations of this practice on my own\, but what I love about it is that I love any practice that lets us both zoom out and see the bigger picture and zoom in and see our place in it. And this one in particular also encourages us to look at things that we’re already dealing with\, rather than trying to add more to our plate. \nSo we take a look at a system that you’re frustrated or curious about\, and then you can from there just tweak and adjust what you’re already doing and figure out where you’ve got some room to move. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (00:50) \nI like that\, especially as we’re thinking about systems\, it can be really overwhelming to even figure out what’s my foothold. And this feels like an exercise that’s\, you know\, when you’re learning how to rock climb\, you don’t start with free climbing a rock. You need to go to a rock climbing gym and find some handholds and footholds and build up your skills. And so this feels like a good transition into that. \nSo tell us more\, why are you bringing this forward now? Why do you think this is a useful practice to try? \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (01:20) \nSo a while back\, we did an episode called Who’s Missing from Your Network\, where we mapped out relationships. And we pretty often talk about applying systems thinking to local issues on this podcast. And this practice is kind of a bridge between those two. Instead of mapping the people that you know\, you’re mapping one of the systems you’re in and noticing where you show up in it. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (01:46) \nI like that. Okay. You know\, it’s very easy to talk about a system as this far-off\, detached thing that happens to us\, rather than something we’re standing inside of and interacting with. So it feels like you’re almost telling me to like draw a floor plan and where I am in the floor plan. \nI’ve been reading lots of poetry\, so I’m going straight to all of the metaphors on our episode! \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (02:09) \nAll the metaphors\, yeah. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (02:11) \nBut that’s so interesting to think of yourself as ‘in it.’ Okay\, tell me more. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (02:16) \nYeah\, exactly. And I think it’s really easy for us to say things like\, “The system’s broken\,” and not think about how we’re contributing. So there’s actually a systems thinking analogy I’ve seen that talks about getting on the balcony. \nSo imagine that you are at a ball\, at a fancy ball\, or whatever\, at a club\, you’re dancing\, everyone’s dancing on the dance floor. This is about stepping back from the dance floor\, getting up to the balcony. So that you can look down at everyone dancing and see the patterns that you’re a part of when you are a person that’s down on that dance floor. \nAnd once you start to see yourself in the system\, you can start asking a different question. Where do I have some leverage? Where can I change things? It gets away from asking who’s to blame\, because I think a lot of times when we’re like\, “The system’s broken.” \nA lot of times we’re thinking\, you know\, well\, someone caused it. Someone or someone’s\, something caused it. So it really gets away from asking who’s to blame\, which is really often not as helpful\, because sometimes we’ve all had a hand in keeping broken systems broken. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (03:25) \nMm-hmm. Okay. So you would say this practice is less about finding who’s at fault\, and more about finding footholds and pathways to changing it. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (03:36) \nYes. Maybe new dance steps in that other scenario. And once you find that leverage point. So in this practice\, we’ll talk about how to find that leverage point. And once you find that leverage point\, we’re going to borrow from a framework called “Immunity to Change\,” developed by Robert Keegan and Lisa Leahy at Harvard. \nTheir whole idea is that when we say we want something to change\, but it doesn’t. It’s usually not because we lack willpower\, and actually that’s empowering and it’s uplifting to think\, right? I think a lot of times we get down on ourselves because we think\, “Well\, I just must lack willpower or I’m too lazy to change things.” \nBut what they say is that it’s because that there’s some hidden competing commitment that’s silently protecting the status quo\, and we don’t even know it’s there. So this series of questions that we’ll share with you brings to light what might be hidden. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (04:35) \nRight. Well I’m ready. Walk us through the practice. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (04:38) \nAll right. So grab a piece of paper when you are able to. You could also open up a notes app or a blank document. So\, you know\, if you’re commuting or whatever\, you can just pull out a notes document. Pick a system that you’re frustrated with or curious about. So it could be something at work\, in your community\, or even at home. For example\, we’re going to use this example throughout: maybe the system is your evening and weekend routines. \nStart with something really familiar and really manageable\, because we’re not trying to solve affordable housing here\, not at this time\, right? You can do this with bigger systems later\, but let’s start with something familiar. So just write it down in a few words. In this case\, we would say my evening and weekend routines. \nNow list five to seven things you personally touch inside that system. Don’t list everything you touch inside that system\, right? If it’s your evening and weekend routines\, you don’t have to list every single 15 minute time block or every hour or whatever. Just list five to seven things that you touch inside the system. So your actual points of contact\, maybe a meeting you sit in\, a report you write\, a relationship you hold. \nIn our example\, you might list the hour after dinner where you might currently spend time scrolling on your phone. Your weekly meal planning task that eats up part of Sunday afternoon\, a recurring commitment like an errand or family time. Your personal space\, is it set up the way you like? A person or people that you usually spend the evening with and what that time with them looks like? Maybe an energy dip that hits after a long day\, but before you’ve had a chance to do anything for yourself. What are those things for you in this scenario? \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (06:27) \nQuestion: Are we looking for actions that we’re taking\, or like beats that we notice over the time? \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (06:39) \nMm. I like that framing of it\, beats that you notice. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (06:43) \nYeah. I think I’m a little lost about how to decide which things to pull into my short list. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (06:50) \nI would say\, just from my experience with doing this activity\, that I would pull in those beats that you notice over time. So like the things I just mentioned\, a lot of them are\, well\, it might be every Friday for dinner we have family time. And I participate in that and it feels like a big chunk of time. I don’t have space for the things that I want to do in my free time setup. Everything always has to be put away behind closed doors and I have to drag it all out every time. \nYou could look at it as big chunks of time. It really depends on the system that you’re trying to identify\, right? In this case\, we chose a time-based system\, which is your evening and weekend free time. And so in that case\, we’re looking at time chunks. So things that feel like they’re taking a lot of our time. And maybe we’re not getting a lot of bang for a buck out of them. So scrolling isn’t a good example of that. \nAnd we’re looking for things that are possibly non-negotiable that we want to also make time for. So we picked a time-based thing. And so those things are going to be based on probably time\, ease and convenience. If you’re choosing something else that might look a little different\, it is sometimes going to be a task. Like maybe that task just bugs you. \n  \nAnd so you end up mapping it in your list or adding it to your list because it bugs you. You can’t get it out of your mind. Well\, it’s taking up real estate in your mind. \nSo it’s okay if it’s a small task. Put it there. Maybe as you go through and find your leverage points\, maybe that ends up being a leverage point that you can adjust. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (08:38) \nCan I summarize what I think you said? \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (08:41) \nYeah\, please. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (08:42) \nSo what I’m hearing is when you think about that system\, for example\, your evening and weekend routines\, probably the touch points you should write down are the ones that come to mind first\, which tend to be things that reoccur frequently\, things that annoy you\, or things that are really life giving. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (09:04) \nYeah. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (09:06) \nGreat. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (09:07) \nOkay\, so you’ve got your list of five to seven things that you personally touch inside that system. So then you’ve got your list. I want you to step back. It can be a physical step back if you need it to be\, but I want you to kind of lean back a little bit from your paper or your screen\, look at the whole list at once. Kind of like\, right\, you’re on that balcony looking down at the dance floor. These items are on the dance floor. \nSo now ask yourself\, “What’s one change I want to see in this system?” In our example\, maybe it’s\, “Well\, I’d like to find more time for my hobbies. And all these things I wrote down take up my time\, having to take everything out for my hobby and then have to put it all away every single time. I’m done. It takes too much time. It’s very annoying. I don’t want to do it.” Whatever that is\, what’s the one change you want to see in this system? \nSo we’ll use the example of\, ‘I want to find more time for my hobbies.’ Now I would write down what that change is that you want to see. So write that down. “I’d like to find more time for my hobbies.” And then the same thing\, you know\, step back from your list\, and you’re going to take a look at the list and the change you want to see. And ask yourself\, “All right\, which one of these things that you touch feels like it might actually move something in the direction you’d like if you shifted it even slightly?” \nSo what if you just made a tiny shift? That’s your leverage point. Maybe it’ll be more than one thing. Maybe you’re like\, “I could do all of these.” I don’t recommend doing them all at once. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (10:46) \nWhat? We shouldn’t make a billion changes all at one time?! \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (10:49) \nExactly. crazy. I would pick one. Just pick one to start with. Let go with that. But there might be several of them and that’s okay. I wouldn’t try them all at once. So maybe the hour after dinner where you scroll on your phone can be adjusted. Maybe you can instead you could just play YouTube\, your favorite YouTube channels or playlists while you’re doing your hobby. I don’t know what that is\, but maybe that little piece could be adjusted. \nMaybe you can set up a dedicated space somewhere in your home or in your basement\, if you’ve got a basement\, where you don’t have to put away your hobbies tools all the time so that it’s always ready when you are. What is the one shift you can make in one of those items? You might be able to shift all of them. Awesome. Don’t do it. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (11:40) \nOkay\, my thought is\, if you have a lot of ideas about what you could do\, write them all down so that if the first one doesn’t work\, you can try the next one on your list. But you’re not trying to do them all at once. Okay. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (11:56) \nSo then ask yourself\, what am I currently doing or avoiding doing that keeps the system as is? Maybe you haven’t had a hard conversation where you need to say\, “You know what\, I need at least one night a week where I’m not gonna be watching TV with the family. I need to be doing this other thing.” Maybe it’s that you keep scrolling\, no matter what. Maybe you thought that that was where you’re going to make a change\, but you keep scrolling anyway. \nWhat are you doing or avoiding doing that keeps the system as is? And what are you afraid would happen if you stopped? It’s a lot of questions\, but I want to quickly summarize where we’re at so far. All you’re doing is making a very short list of things\, right? You’re picking a system that maybe you’re frustrated with or curious about. You’re listing five to seven things you personally touch inside that system. \nAs we established\, it might be the things that come to mind first because they’re just top of mind. So there’s something there that you feel energy behind related to that item. So you’re just listing those five to seven things. Then you’re looking at it and saying\, “What change do I want to see with this system?” Write that down. And then\, “Okay\, where can I make a shift even slightly? What am I doing or avoiding that keeps the system as is?” And\, “What am I afraid will happen if I stopped?” \nThose are all just very short\, very common reflection questions that you can employ really any time. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (13:31) \nYeah\, this does feel pretty simple. I’m not going to say it’s ‘easy’ necessarily\, especially those last ones. What am I avoiding? What am I afraid of? Those questions I think always can feel like a can of worms\, or like that Tupperware container you left in the back of your refrigerator for a month and you don’t know how much mold is going to be there when you open it up. \nMaybe that’s not a common universal experience\, but just to say it’s okay if these aren’t easy questions\, but it is pretty simple. So don’t be intimidated by complexity. I’m curious about\, you know\, you gave one example of how to use this. I’m curious about when are other times we can use this exercise? \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (14:16) \nYeah\, we were thinking the same thing. I was actually about to say\, thinking about using this at work\, for example. I have some clues or I have some ideas for how you might know that you need to use this. But before we do that\, I just want to think through an example at work. \nMaybe the system that you want to go through at work is how your team makes decisions\, for example. And look\, I was originally going to tell you to map this out where\, you know\, put the system in the center and then you draw lines out to it. Much easier in a podcast format to talk about a list and making a list\, but thinking about like how your team makes decisions and kind of mapping out not the system\, not the entire like\, here’s how I see it. \nFirst\, this person says something\, then this person okay’s it\, then that person. No\, no\, no\, no. What are the parts that you touch? When does it come to you? And when do you have a role in how your team makes decisions? And then from there\, where are your leverage points? And what change do you want to see? What are you doing or avoiding that’s keeping the system as is and it’s not marching you toward the change you want to see? What are you afraid would happen if you stopped or if you spoke up? \nSo there’s a lot of different ways that we can employ this to any number of different sizes of systems\, from the micro to macro. I’m suggesting you start with the micro\, and with things that are really familiar\, so that you can get practice with it. \nBut I think a great way to notice when you need to use this is when you’re looking to place blame on some piece of the system or on an individual or a group of people\, or even when you catch yourself complaining about something without offering any ideas of what you’d do differently\, right. You’re just complaining about it or you’re just saying\, “This is wrong. I don’t like it.” \nI think that there’s something to be said about being able to say\, “This is wrong and I don’t like it.” And I need to think about how I would suggest to do it differently before. Like I think it’s okay sometimes to speak up and say that. But I think when you catch yourself maybe repeatedly complaining about something\, without ever offering any ideas on how to make it different\, that’s a clue that maybe you need to go through these questions. \nOr sometimes when you’re just turning something over in your head\, like when I’m walking my dog or something\, I’ll do this. You can explore these questions about really anything. I think to me\, the most important trigger question is\, “What am I doing or avoiding that keeps the system as is? That’s not marching it toward change.” \nThat to me is a really great pivot point for me to be like\, “Okay\, well\, here’s what I am doing or what I am not doing that is keeping it as is. And what is my fear? Why have I not stopped doing this already\, or why have I kept avoiding this? What am I afraid of?” Seriously\, what’s there? What am I afraid of? \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (17:21) \nYeah. And then I like this because I think it’s a very simple way to start looking at your own actions\, because we talk a lot about how you can’t control other people. And you can’t control a whole system typically unless you are\, I don’t know\, the accountant and it’s an accounting procedure. But even then there are federal laws in place too. \nBut I like this because it feels like a way to help you really hone in on where are the places where I can do something? Because often what I see is people getting discouraged and giving up on change\, because they can’t see anything that they can control\, which is their own actions. That’s typically what you can control. So I really like this activity and how it gives us an opportunity to question and find those places where we can do something. \nEven if it’s something that we would like to avoid or is maybe a little scary\, it can really help us see\, well\, here’s the system\, and here are the places where I can try to make a change. And maybe there’s one that’s slightly less intimidating\, and you can start there. And then if that doesn’t work\, you can build up to harder things. So it kind of gives you a game plan. I think it’s a really beautiful system too\, because there’s a lot of trust\, like trusting yourself to both see and challenge yourself to acknowledge hard things in it. \nAnd I think that’s a really lovely aspect of this list is that you can trust yourself to notice systems and make changes in your own actions. \n  \nERIN CARLSON RIVERA (19:04) \nYou just said that beautifully. Thank you. \n  \nJESSICA BECKENDORF (19:07) \nThank you for sharing this practice with us. I’m really excited to give it a try. \nThat’s all for this episode. Thank you for joining us and we’d love to hear from you if you try out this activity. You can reach us at practicingconnection@oneop.org. We see and respond to every message and can’t wait to hear from you. \nWe’ll be back next week. Until 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/find-your-leverage/
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:20261022T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T123000
DTSTAMP:20261023T144012Z
CREATED:20260901T134541Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261023T144012Z
UID:10001742-1792666800-1792672200@oneop.org
SUMMARY:The Gut-Brain Connection: Microbiome and Mental Health in Military Populations
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/CPPKRi69qJU”][/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 gut microbiome is increasingly recognized as an important contributor to both physical and mental health through complex interactions among the gastrointestinal\, immune\, endocrine\, and nervous systems. This webinar will introduce the gut–brain axis and examine how diet\, environmental and occupational exposures\, social determinants of health\, medications\, and other life experiences can influence the gut microbiome and potentially contribute to health outcomes. Drawing on research involving military service members and Veterans\, Drs. Lisa Brenner and Andrew Hoisington will highlight emerging evidence linking the gut microbiome and intestinal permeability with posttraumatic stress\, traumatic brain injury\, depression\, and other health conditions. The presentation will also discuss the rapidly evolving science of microbiome-targeted interventions and distinguish promising findings from areas where the evidence remains preliminary. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nDescribe the gut–brain axis and the biological pathways through which the gut microbiome may influence physical and mental health.\nIdentify factors that can influence the gut microbiome\, including diet\, medications\, environmental and occupational exposures\, social determinants of health\, and military-related experiences.\nEvaluate current evidence linking the gut microbiome and intestinal permeability with mental and neurological health outcomes and discuss the emerging potential of microbiome-targeted interventions.\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=”234306″ 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 Brenner\, PhD” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Professor\nDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation\nUniversity of Colorado\, Anschutz Medical Campus[/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=”234308″ 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 J. Hoisington\, PhD\, PE\, LtCol Ret.” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Assistant Professor\nUniversity of Colorado\nAnschutz School of Medicine[/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_6RMp6m3aqW3rDa6″][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 October 22\, 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 October 2\, 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 Prior Approval Program. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close September 16\, 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 October 22\, 2028.\nRegistered Nurses & Nurse Professionals: This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by Montana Nurses Association\, an accredited approver with distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. No individual with the ability to control the content of this activity has any relevant financial relationship with ineligible companies to disclose. 1.5 Continuing education credits are available. Completion of a post-test with 80% or higher is required to receive a certificate of completion via email containing verification you can submit to your credentialing agency to receive CEUs. Eligibility for CE credit will start on October 22nd\, 2026\, and will close on October 22nd\, 2028.\nCertificates of Attendance: OneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.\n\nIf the button above does not appear\, please access the continuing education survey through this link: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6RMp6m3aqW3rDa6. If you have any questions\, please email ce@oneop.org. \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_1792682416800{padding-left: 15px !important;}”]Webinar 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: piotr_malczyk via iStock.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160142/
CATEGORIES:Health and Well-Being
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/iStock-1301830934.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261110T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261110T123000
DTSTAMP:20261020T195454Z
CREATED:20260901T134436Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T195454Z
UID:10001774-1794308400-1794313800@oneop.org
SUMMARY:TRICARE 101: What Service Providers Need to Know
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]TRICARE is the healthcare program for uniformed service members\, retirees\, and their families worldwide. It provides comprehensive coverage through health plans\, prescription drug benefits\, special programs\, and dental and vision options. \nDesigned to help service providers better support military families as they navigate the TRICARE system\, this webinar provides an overview of TRICARE plan options\, including Prime\, Select\, and TRICARE Remote\, and examines key considerations that influence healthcare decisions. Presenters will discuss services covered by TRICARE\, enrollment requirements\, and how the evolution of the benefit may affect beneficiaries. Participants will also explore how healthcare benefits contribute to a service member’s total compensation and use this information to help equip families to account for healthcare expenses in their monthly spending. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nDifferentiate among major TRICARE plan options\, including Prime\, Select\, and TRICARE Remote.\nDescribe services\, enrollment requirements\, and factors that may influence TRICARE plan selection.\nExamine healthcare considerations for military families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP).\nIdentify vetted resources that can help military families navigate TRICARE\, understand healthcare benefits\, and make informed healthcare and financial decisions. \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=”233472″ 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=”Zelly Zim” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Ms. Zelly Zim is a Health System Specialist in the Policy & Programs Division\, for the TRICARE Health Plan (THP)\, within the Defense Health Agency (DHA) in Falls Church\, VA.  Her primary role is as the policy manager for the TRICARE Select program. She is also a subject matter expert (SME) for the other private sector care enrollment policies\, involved in the promulgation of Statute into Regulation and Policy benefitting the Military Health System’s 9.6 million beneficiaries. [/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 approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) units by the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close  11/10/29. \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 11/10/28.\nCertified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS): This webinar is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 11/10/28. \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 11/10/28. \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 11/10/28. \nBoard Certified Case Managers: This webinar is pending approval for 1.5 continuing education (CE) clock hours from the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 11/10/2027. \nBoard Certified Disability Management Specialists: This webinar is pending approval for 1.5 continuing education (CE) clock hour from The Commission for Case Manager Certification. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 11/10/2027. \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 September 15\, 2029.\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 11/10/2029. \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 11/10/2029. \nNursing (MNA): This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by Montana Nurses Association\, an accredited approver with distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. 1.5 contact hours are available. Completion of an evaluation and post-test with 80% or higher is required to receive a certificate of completion via email containing verification you can submit to your credentialing agency to receive contact hours. Note: Eligibility for 1.5 contact hours will close 11/10/2028.\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). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 11/10/2028. \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 11/10/2029. \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: Christopher Binnie\, Directorate of Prevention\, Resilience and Readiness\, DVIDS 9678261[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160156/
CATEGORIES:Military Service and Family Life
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Photo-by-Christopher-Binnie-Directorate-of-Prevention-Resilience-and-Readiness-dvids-9678261.png
LOCATION:https://auburn.zoom.us/j/83469322476
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261117T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261117T123000
DTSTAMP:20261015T174503Z
CREATED:20260922T143718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T174503Z
UID:10001766-1794913200-1794918600@oneop.org
SUMMARY:Dietary Supplements\, Energy Drinks\, and Operation Supplement Safety
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]Many service members choose to consume dietary supplements to improve their physical performance\, build muscle\, lose weight\, enhance their cognitive function\, boost energy\, and more. Unfortunately\, some dietary supplements can compromise rather than improve performance through the production of adverse events and positive drug tests. This presentation will highlight tools and resources available from Operation Supplement Safety (OPSS)\, the U.S. Department of War’s established program of record for anything related to health\, wellness\, and performance products\, to help service members and general consumers make informed choices about the use of dietary supplement products and energy drinks and other trending consumer products. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nDescribe how dietary supplements are regulated.\nDiscuss key topics related to dietary supplements and performance enhancing substances.\nIdentify concerns associated with the use of energy drinks.\nExplain how to use Operation Supplement Safety tools and resources to educate patients\, clients\, and service members on the informed use of dietary supplements.\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=”234944″ 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=”Andrea T. Lindsey\, MS” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Andrea T. Lindsey is the Director of Operation Supplement Safety (OPSS)\, Chair of the DoD Dietary Supplements and Other Self-Care Products Subcommittee\, and Assistant Professor at Uniformed Services University. A recognized expert in dietary supplements\, she oversees the Department of War (DoW) program of record\, reviewing\, evaluating\, and interpreting complex scientific literature on dietary supplements and performance-enhancing substances. She speaks regularly at national conferences and also educates Service Members\, military leaders\, and clinical professionals across military and civilian sectors. Partnering with federal and civilian organizations\, Ms. Lindsey translates applicable scientific research into actionable guidance\, driving national initiatives to safeguard consumer health\, ensure product quality\, and advance public health outcomes across the DoW enterprise and beyond.[/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 November 17\, 2027.\n\n\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 November 17\, 2027.\nRegistered Dietitian Nutritionists (RD/RDN) and Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians\, Registered (NDTR): This webinar is pending CDR review and approval for 1.5 CPEUs.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCertified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES): This webinar is pending approval for 1.5 continuing education credit from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close November 17\, 2027.\n\n\nRegistered Nurses & Nurse Professionals: This nursing continuing professional development activity is pending approval by the Montana Nurses Association\, an accredited approver with distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. No individual with the ability to control the content of this activity has any relevant financial relationship with ineligible companies to disclose. 1.5 Continuing education credits are available. Completion of a post-test with 80% or higher is required to receive a certificate of completion via email containing verification you can submit to your credentialing agency to receive CEUs. Eligibility for CE credit will start on November 17th\, 2026\, and will close on November 17th\, 2028.\nCertificates of Attendance: OneOp 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: Image via iStock[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160153/
CATEGORIES:Health and Well-Being
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/iStock-1414955598.jpg
LOCATION:https://auburn.zoom.us/j/89827660408
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261208T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261208T123000
DTSTAMP:20261023T164308Z
CREATED:20260818T183955Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261023T164308Z
UID:10001779-1796727600-1796733000@oneop.org
SUMMARY:2026 Military Personal Finance Year in Review
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 webinar explores key developments that shaped the finances of service members and their families in 2026. Drawing on insights from Personal Financial Managers\, this session describes military-specific financial events\, highlighting relevant research published in 2026\, and anticipated changes in 2027. Designed for financial professionals supporting military families\, this webinar strengthens your professional capacity to navigate the evolving military financial landscape. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nIdentify legislation and events that have impacted military personal finances during 2026.\nIncrease knowledge of personal finance research studies published in 2026.\nPrepare for anticipated changes impacting military personal financial counselors in 2027.\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=”233110″ 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=”Olivia N. Pierce\, M.S.\, LPC\, AFC®” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Financial Readiness Program Manager\nDepartment of the Army[/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=”209275″ 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=”Beth A. Darius\, Ed.D.\, AFC®” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProgram Analyst for Financial Readiness\nOffice of Military Compensation and Financial Readiness\, Office of the Under Secretary for Personnel Readiness\, Department of War \n\n\n\n\n\n\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=”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 approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) units by the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 12/8/2029.\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 12/8/2028.\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 12/8//2028.\nCertified Personal Finance Counselors (CPFC): This webinar is pending approval for 1.5 continuing education (CE) units from The Center for Financial Certifications (FinCert.org). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close 12/8/2029.\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 12/8/2029.\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: AI generated/ChatGPT[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160157/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/light-purple-MPFYIR-1-scaled.png
LOCATION:https://oneop.org/learn/160157/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270127T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270127T123000
DTSTAMP:20261023T145951Z
CREATED:20261023T145951Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261023T145951Z
UID:10001808-1801047600-1801053000@oneop.org
SUMMARY:2027 Tax Updates: What Service Providers Need to Know
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]Military life presents unique tax considerations for service members and their families\, whether on active duty or in the reserves. This webinar is designed to equip financial counselors with the knowledge they need to better support the military community. Participants will learn when military pay and benefits are taxable or non-taxable\, explore key tax advantages available to service members and their families\, and review important tax law updates taking effect in 2027. The session will also highlight the resources and expertise available through MilTax and Military OneSource to help service members and their families manage their taxes. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nUnderstand when a service member’s pay and benefits are taxable or non-taxable.\nDescribe the tax benefits available to eligible service members and their families.\nExplain key 2027 tax law updates that apply to most taxpayers\, including military service members and families.\nRecognize how MilTax and Military OneSource tax professionals can support service members year-round.\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=”184366″ 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=”Susan Mitchell” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Susan Mitchell is the Executive Director for the Armed Forces Tax Council and Tax Counsel in the Department of War Office of the General Counsel. In this role\, she serves as the principal tax advisor to DoW\, representing the Department on tax and compensation issues with the Internal Revenue Service\, Veterans Affairs\, Department of State\, Department of Justice\, and other entities within the Office of the Secretary of War.[/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 1/27/2030.\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 close 1/27/2029.\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 close 1/27/2029.\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 1/27/2030.\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 1/27/2030.\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: Ali/Adobe Stock[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://oneop.org/learn/160166/
CATEGORIES:Military Service and Family Life
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/AdobeStock_1991797241-scaled.jpeg
LOCATION:https://auburn.zoom.us/j/82422926233
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR