Description: Cass County, while rural, defies expectations with its impressive diversity. Home to Logansport Memorial Hospital (LMH), this county exemplifies a blend of cultures within its rural landscape. However, despite this diversity, the Logansport Memorial Hospital (LMH) has faced challenges in educating patients from various linguistic backgrounds about safe sleep practices. The changing demographics of Cass County, including a growing Hispanic and Haitian population, have highlighted the need for effective communication and education in these communities. Recognizing this gap, Purdue University’s Community Transformation Team played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between Cass County Doulas from the Hispanic and Haitian communities and Logansport Memorial Hospital's Labor and Delivery nurses. Together, we created a culturally tailored Safe Sleep story with assistance from an outside vendor. This unique course, available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole, utilizes a story-based approach to convey essential safe sleep information to new mothers and families in a language and format they understand. The course was developed iteratively, with continuous input and support. LMH collaboration with doulas and Purdue epitomizes an innovative framework for transcending linguistic and cultural barriers in healthcare education. As a vanguard of inclusive healthcare, the forthcoming Safe Sleep course presents a groundbreaking solution for delivering vital information to multifaceted populations. We plan to expand this transformative initiative to neighboring counties, with assistance from Purdue Extension, amplifying its potential to effect widespread positive change across Indiana.
Presenters: Tisha Reid, Lead Health Equity Analyst, Purdue University Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering/Statewide; Angela Washburn, Senior Health Equity Analyst; Sylvia Saxena, Health Equity Analyst Purdue Center for Healthcare Engineering
Thursday December 5, 2024 8:30am - 9:15am EST
Room 1
Description: Learn about evaluation questions that are ready-to-use for your programs. Build your surveys to ensure questions address the core expectations and outcomes of Extension programs.
Track: Program & Project Development, 4-H Youth Development
Description: Clover Crate is a "4-H Club Year in a Box" resource that involves thoughtful planning, organization, and attention to detail. The goal is to provide volunteers with everything they need to facilitate engaging, educational, and fun experiences for club members. From traditional favorites to innovative new experiences, Clover Crate selection ensures a robust and fulfilling journey for every participant. Join us as we cultivate skills, foster connections, and make memories that will last a lifetime in the dynamic world of 4-H.
Presenters: Kathleen Bohde, 4-H Youth Development Educator, Hamilton County; Amber Barks, 4-H Youth Development Educator, Hancock County; Stephanie Gay, 4-H Youth Development Educator, Boone County; other Area Six 4-H Youth Development Extension Educators
Thursday December 5, 2024 8:30am - 9:15am EST
Room 3
Description: Social Media has changed the way students communicate. Incidents of cyberbullying are on the rise and are a growing concern among community leaders. Students fear being threatened or harassed online and being “cancelled” by their peers. Victims of cyberbullying can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety. In this session, you will hear tips and strategies on how to help students use technology and social media responsibly and safely. You will be equipped with tools on how to identify and address cyberbullying and support the mental health needs of our young people as we collectively delete cyberbullying in our schools and communities.
Presenter: Sherri Cripe, director of School Bullying Prevention, Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication
Thursday December 5, 2024 8:30am - 9:15am EST
Room 4
Description: Looking to increase volunteer participation, recruitment and support? Then this roundtable is made for you! Come join the conversation to share your successes and struggles, hear from colleagues and gather helpful strategies and suggestions in your own program! There may not be a magic wand to instantly engage volunteers with your program, but there are ways you can work to create a culture of connection that may act like magic!
Presenter: Jamie Morris, 4-H Volunteer Specialist
Thursday December 5, 2024 8:30am - 9:15am EST
Room 5A
Description: The presenter has about 40 years’ experience in writing a personal column and can share ideas on how to start, who to send it to, how to come up with ideas, advantages of writing, the struggles of writing, etc.
Presenters: Jeff Burbrink, ANR Educator, LaGrange County; Emily Christ, HHS Educator, Elkhart County; John Woodmansee, ANR Educator
Thursday December 5, 2024 8:30am - 9:15am EST
Room 5B
Description: This session will address a balanced approach to preventing grain bin related entrapments through enhanced attention to maintaining grain quality and appropriate emergency response. Attention will be given to planning and conducting local programming with the greatest potential of preventing or mitigating grain storage related incidents.
Presenters: Bill Field, Professor, Agricultural & Biological Engineering; Ed Sheldon, Outreach Coordinator
Thursday December 5, 2024 8:30am - 9:15am EST
Room 6
Track: Program & Project Development (Hybrid - This session will also be offered via Zoom)
Description: We will be discussing the ways we as educators can work with the special needs community through our programs. We will be discussing the opportunity for programming across all program areas to provide information and training to an audience that is often overlooked in our communities. We will discuss resources and ways to best reach this audience.
Presenters: Adam Tyler, CED, ANR, 4-H Youth Development Educator, Fountain County; Liz Beiersdorfer, 4-H Youth Development Educator, Dearborn County; Valerie Clingerman, ANR Educator, Knox County
Thursday December 5, 2024 8:30am - 9:15am EST
Room 7
Description: Purdue Extension Community Development is the Indiana lead for the Great Lakes Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC). The TCTAC effort supports organizations and local governments serving disadvantaged populations in navigating federal funding opportunities to access resources for projects such as enhancing community quality of life, clean energy, conservation efforts, pollution clean-up, and green workforce development, among others. Sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy, the TCTAC initiative involves multistate partnerships providing a broad range of technical assistance to increase the impact of grant-funded projects. The technical assistance effort focuses on building collaborative partnerships, accessible education and training, and engagement experiences to support communities in reaching self-directed resiliency goals.
Presenters: Kara Salazar, Assistant Program Leader for Community Development, Sustainable Communities Extension Specialist; Michael Wilcox, Program Leader, Community Development; Kris Parker, Regional Educator, Community Development; Tamara Ogle, Regional Educator, Community Development; Kayla Wright, Community Resilience Extension Specialist
Thursday December 5, 2024 8:30am - 9:15am EST
Room 8
Description: Through collaborative discussions, hands-on activities, and real-world examples from all program areas, you will learn four adaptable concepts. These will enhance your instructional efficacy while catering both to your individual strengths as an educator, and to the unique needs of your program participants.
Presenters: Jayde Grisham, Urban Agriculture Educator, Marion County; Ashley Shufflebarger, 4-H Youth Development Educator, Marion County; Katie Howell, CWC, Marion County; Shalee Bradley, ANR Educator, Johnson County; Abigail Creigh, HHS Educator, Noble County; Amanda Bullion, HHS Educator, Delaware County; Dallas Evans, CD Educator, Marion County; Tara Beckman CD and HHS Educator, Harrison County
Thursday December 5, 2024 8:30am - 9:15am EST
Room 9
Description: Have you ever considered the difference between Latino, Hispanic, and Latinx? Or found yourself unsure about which term to use? As Extension professionals, our mission is to serve all members of our community, regardless of background or identity. As our communities evolve, so do the ways we engage and communicate with them. There has been a significant growth of the Latino population in Indiana, which doubled from 2000 to 2010 and now makes up around 8% of the population. This demographic shift highlights the importance of understanding and using inclusive language in our work. In this workshop, we will learn about the nuances of terminology, exploring the differences between Latino, Hispanic, and Latinx. Through interactive discussions, you'll gain clarity on when and how to use each term appropriately. Join us as we navigate these important topics together, creating a more inclusive, excellent Extension service for all.
Presenters: Cassandra Salazar, Extension Community and Staff Engagement Administrator; Esmeralda Cruz, Hispanic Community Engagement Specialist
Thursday December 5, 2024 8:30am - 9:15am EST
Room 10
Description: Health First Indiana is a state investment in local public health to provide core services to the community. There are many opportunities for Purdue Extension to partner with local health departments to provide these core services. Join us to explore ideas and possibilities for collaborating with your local health department!
Presenters: Ashlee Sudbury, CWC Training Specialist, Nutrition Education Program; Mindy Duckett, CWC/State Specialist - Emergency Food Assistance, Fulton & Miami Counties; Beckie Lies, CWC/State Specialist - Local Foods & Community Gardens, St. Joseph & Marshall Counties; Jeff Walker, CWC/State Specialist - Physical Activity & Built Environment, Jennings, Ripley, & Dearborn Counties
Thursday December 5, 2024 9:25am - 10:10am EST
Room 1
Description: Have you ever heard of the "Unified Evaluation Approach?" This is the approach that Purdue Extension uses to collect and report program evaluation data from statewide or Signature Programs. Attend this presentation to learn more about this approach and how you can use it to lower the burden of evaluation, freeing up more time for program development and delivery.
Presenters: Brad Sewell, Program Measurement and Evaluation Coordinator; Lauren Ulrich, Student Worker
Thursday December 5, 2024 9:25am - 10:10am EST
Room 2
Track: Personal Development, 4-H Youth Development
Description: Join us to take a look at tips and strategies to making camping (and other programs with youth) more enjoyable for staff and young people. Behaviors run deeper than we usually look, so join us to get a different perspective on youth behavior through a trauma informed lens and take away strategies to use when working with youth.
Presenters: Mitch Wagoner, 4-H Youth Development Educator, Knox County and County 4-H Camp State Coordinator; Lesley Lodmell, 4-H Youth Development Educator, Lawrence County; Carla Kidwell, 4-H Youth Development Educator, Warrick County
Thursday December 5, 2024 9:25am - 10:10am EST
Room 3
Description: The Farm Stress Team presents "Farming Futures: Cultivating Mental Strengths in Agri-Youth," a newly developed curriculum aimed at addressing the mental health challenges faced by youth in agricultural communities. This session offers an in-depth overview of the program, highlighting its key components and strategies for effective implementation. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the unique stressors impacting young people in agriculture and learn how "Farming Futures" equips them with the tools and resources needed to build resilience and promote mental well-being. Additionally, practical guidance on distributing the curriculum within county youth networks will be provided. Join us to explore the future of youth mental health in agriculture and discover how you can play a pivotal role in supporting the next generation of farmers. Presenters: Emily Kresca, ANR Educator, Kosciusko County; Abby Heidenreich, ANR Educator, Gibson County
Thursday December 5, 2024 9:25am - 10:10am EST
Room 4
Description: After one year of the Lilly grant allowing further development of the Next Chapter, Juntos, and Project Achievement programs, let's check in to review what is currently in place and what is to come. Your team of Regional Educators is eager to share early successes and get feedback from you to help guide advancement of these innovative programs.
Presenters: Jennifer Abrell, Regional 4-H Educator, 4-H Next Chapter; Heather Von Dielingen, Regional 4-H Educator, 4-H Juntos; Bill Decker, Regional 4-H Educator, Project Achievement
Thursday December 5, 2024 9:25am - 10:10am EST
Room 5A
Description: This session, led by the ESP Professional Development committee, aims to equip Extension Educators with strategic insights into diverse professional development opportunities tailored to their program areas and to focus areas (e.g., leadership, time management, conflict resolution, DEI, program planning). Attendees will explore a spectrum of in-person, virtual, local, and out-of-state options, while also learning effective strategies for securing funding and seamlessly integrating professional growth endeavors into their demanding schedules.
Presenters: Lori Bouslog, CED & HHS Educator, Vermillion County; Tanya Hall, Community Development Regional Extension Educator; Pandora Taylor, HHS Educator, Boone County
Thursday December 5, 2024 9:25am - 10:10am EST
Room 5B
Description: The Diverse Corn Belt project began with the vision that a future agriculture with more diversity of crops, livestock, and production systems will bring important benefits to farmers, communities, the environment, and society generally. A big part of the project involves learning about opinions and experiences related to diversification from farmers and other ag stakeholders. In this session we will present farmer views on what constitutes diversification, barriers to and opportunities for diversification, and how these vary for different categories of farmers. We will share ideas gathered from discussion groups about the future of agriculture in the corn belt. We will include time to brainstorm about whether and how the information could influence our work.
Presenters: Liz Maynard, Clinical/Engagement Professor, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture; Aaron Thompson, Associate Professor, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture; Emily Usher, Senior Project Manager, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
Thursday December 5, 2024 9:25am - 10:10am EST
Room 6
Track: N/A (Hybrid - This session will also be offered via Zoom)
Description: Want to earn free money for your county?! Learn how to plan ahead to make the most of your Purdue Day of Giving. Hear some best practices from both a large county educator and a small county educator who landed 1st and 4th in the 2024 Purdue Day of Giving, earning them an extra $1800 collectively, in addition to their donors’ funds.
Presenters: Sam Williams, CED & 4-H Youth Development Educator, Pulaski County; Robby Kelly, CED & 4-H Youth Development Educator, Elkhart County; Lily Morrisey, Communications Coordinator, Purdue Extension; Rachel Dillhoff, Social Media Coordinator, Purdue Extension
Thursday December 5, 2024 9:25am - 10:10am EST
Room 7
Description: Join us for an engaging exploration of the myriad perks and benefits available to employees at Purdue University! In this lively session, we'll uncover the hidden treasures of Purdue employment, from exclusive discounts to wellness initiatives and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned staff member or a new hire, this session promises valuable insights and actionable strategies for maximizing the value of your Purdue experience.
Presenter: Rachael Smith, 4-H Youth Development Educator, Marion County
Thursday December 5, 2024 9:25am - 10:10am EST
Room 8
Description: Participants will learn with hands-on-experience how to use this software to edit videos that can be used for education and program promotion.
Presenter: Phil Woolery, ANR Extension Educator Starke and Pulaski Counties
Thursday December 5, 2024 9:25am - 10:10am EST
Room 9
Description: In this interactive conflict resolution session, participants engage in a series of conflict games designed to deepen their understanding of conflict dynamics. By combining emotional intelligence and collaborative approaches, the session aims to provide opportunities to think differently about conflict. The activities used in this session can also be taken back and utilized with groups, boards, and/or organizations you work with that come upon conflict.
Presenters: Amy Nierman, Purdue Extension Area Director; Gail Peitzmeier, CED & HHS Educator, Crawford County; Sonya Mitchell, HHS Educator, Washington County
Thursday December 5, 2024 9:25am - 10:10am EST
Room 10
Description: Parenting while being incarcerated presents distinct challenges for children, parents, co-parents, and families. This session aims to delve into these challenges and offer educational prospects for individuals who are incarcerated to become the best parents they aspire to be. “Parenting a Different Way” also capitalizes on the unique qualities each parent possesses, fostering valuable insights and empowering them to further enhance these qualities. This program was collaboratively developed with the women residing in the Hearten House Homeless Shelter in DeKalb County.
Presenter: Angela Sorg, HHS Educator, DeKalb County
Thursday December 5, 2024 10:20am - 11:05am EST
Room 1
Description: Join us as we cover the outcomes of the 2024 civil rights compliance report and explore the upcoming adjustments for 2025. Through recent consultations with the USDA, we've gained valuable insights into the nine areas under assessment during our review process. These nine focal points will serve as the foundation of our county compliance report. In this session, we will examine the findings of the 2024 compliance report and share the anticipated modifications for 2025. Discover USDA's evaluation criteria and gain a comprehensive understanding of the expectations we're tasked with meeting. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and equip yourself with the knowledge necessary for navigating the evolving landscape of civil rights compliance.
Presenter: Cassandra Salazar, Extension Community and Staff Engagement Administrator, Esmeralda Cruz, Hispanic Community Engagement Specialist
Thursday December 5, 2024 10:20am - 11:05am EST
Room 2
Track: Personal Development, 4-H Youth Development
Description: 4-H endowment funds help ensure that youth programs and scholarships are viable in the future. These forward-thinking investments are achievable when 4-H alumni, community leaders and philanthropy-minded companies are invited to the table. This session seeks to encourage discussion about donor recruitment and planning for endowments for future 4-H endeavors.
Presenters: Mark Evans, CED & 4-H Youth Development Educator, Putnam County; Rena Sheldon, CED & 4-H Youth Development Educator, Morgan County; Shelly Bingle, Director, Indiana 4-H Foundation
Thursday December 5, 2024 10:20am - 11:05am EST
Room 3
Description: Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers experience numerous stressors and mental health challenges that are specific to this community. While farm work is sometimes described as “low-skill” or “no skill,” the nature of this occupation requires dexterity, speed, skill, endurance, and mental acuity. Farm workers experience high rates of mental health and substance use problems due to numerous risk factors. Over the past few years, mental health has increased as a priority in farm worker communities. Barriers to mental health services prevent most farm workers from accessing mental health services. This session will explore farm stress and mental health challenges among migrant/seasonal farmworkers. This session will examine challenges for Extension Professionals and service providers in meeting the mental health needs of farm workers and their families. Participants will be engaged in critical conversations on meeting farm workers' mental health needs in their communities.
Description: Adams County and Steuben County Educators will share their experiences and resources from their 2024 Barn Quilt Creation Workshop Series. Not to be confused with hand-sewn fabric quilts, a barn quilt is a hand-painted wood piece to be hung outdoors. Held in both February and November using a hybrid, simulcasted format, the Educators taught lessons on color theory, geometry, history, science, mental health, and storytelling.
Presenters: Tami Mosier, 4-H Youth Development Educator, Steuben County; Amy Rumschlag, 4-H Youth Development Educator, Adams County
Thursday December 5, 2024 10:20am - 11:05am EST
Room 5A
Description: Pressing environmental challenges, such as climate change and declining biodiversity, necessitate the development of an environmentally literate workforce. Youth are also increasingly concerned about these environmental challenges. In this hands-on session, we will explore multiple learning activities that introduce youth to challenges and solutions related to environmental sustainability. These activities provide opportunities for youth to recognize the interdependencies of ecological, social, and economic systems and to consider sustainability-related educational and career pathways. These activities will also challenge youth to apply systems thinking to design solutions that meet the needs of communities while minimizing negative impacts on ecosystems. These activities can be used as grab-and-go lessons or organized into a series on sustainability, such as for a Spark Club or in-school programs.
Description: Trees are important assets in the home landscape. ANR Extension Educators often get questions relating to tree care and tree issues. Over my years in Extension, here are the top 10 or so biggest mistakes I've observed homeowners make regarding basic tree care. I'll also cover best practices that should be used. 4-H Educators may also incorporate elements of the presentation into natural resources youth programming or public service projects.
Presenter: John Woodmansee, ANR Educator, Whitley County
Thursday December 5, 2024 10:20am - 11:05am EST
Room 6
Track: N/A (Hybrid - This session will also be offered via Zoom)
Description: Ensuring ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance is crucial for making programs and services accessible to individuals with disabilities. ADA compliance extends to various aspects, including physical spaces, audio, visual, cognitive, digital content, and communication methods. Synergy in programming involves creating a harmonious and integrated experience for users by leveraging the capabilities of different tools and platforms. By incorporating these principles into programming efforts, educators can create a more inclusive, accessible, and synergistic program for diverse adult audiences.
Presenters: Kelsie Muller, Human Development and Family Science Extension Specialist; Linda Curley, HHS Educator, Lake County; Kristen Lowry, HHS Educator, Posey County; Meagan Salomon, HHS Educator, Vanderburgh County; and Megan Jaspersen, HHS Educator, Perry & Spencer Counties
Thursday December 5, 2024 10:20am - 11:05am EST
Room 7
Description: Do you hear about all these things on the Hub, a website, Qualtrics Form, 4-H Hub and more and but can't ever locate them? This session is for you! Learn the easy ways to keep track of all the resources and references you need to stay up-to-date and knowledgeable in your Extension Career.
Presenters: Katie Whiteford, CED & 4-H Youth Development Educator, Clark County; Lesley Lodmell, CED & 4-H Youth Development Educator, Lawrence County; Molley Hasenour, ANR & 4-H Youth Development Educator, Crawford County; Emma Finerfrock, HHS Educator, Clark County
Thursday December 5, 2024 10:20am - 11:05am EST
Room 9
Description: Working with people is a part of our Extension job and working with people can be fraught with conflict! If you have ever felt stressed, alone or frustrated when dealing with people in your Extension role, this session can help you! Come learn strategies to help manage your feelings in stressful situations and determine actions to take to create a constructive relationship and situation.
Presenter: Jamie Morris, State 4-H Volunteer Specialist
Thursday December 5, 2024 10:20am - 11:05am EST
Room 10
