2025-2026 ESP Webinar Series

The 2025-2026 Webinar Series, brought to you by the National ESP Professional Development Committee, will include six webinars from October through April. Webinars are selected through a blind peer review process.

Webinars will be offered at the times listed below. Each webinar is described below and contains a link to register when registration is available.  You will receive virtual connection information after registering.

Monday, September 8, 2025, at 1 PM (ET)/ 10 AM (PT)

Ready, Set, Retire!

Panel Discussion with Juanita Reed-Boniface, Retired from Univ. of Minnesota, 4-H; Sharon Strouse, Retired from Ohio State, Community Development; Tyrone Gentry, Retired from Univ. of Kentucky, 4-H / ESP Board: National 2nd Vice President; Julie Buck, Retired from Univ. of Idaho, NAEFCS

Are you dreaming of retirement—or just beginning your journey into it? Whether you're counting down the days or recently stepped into this new chapter, retirement from Extension and higher education can feel like a big leap. This webinar will help guide you through the transition with confidence, clarity, and community.

What You’ll Explore:

• How do you know when it’s time?

• What’s one thing you wish you’d known before retiring?

• How can you prepare your office for a smooth handoff to the next Extension educator?

Hear real stories, gain practical tips, and connect with others navigating the same path.

Register Here

Monday, November 10, 2025, at 1 PM (ET)/ 10 AM (PT)

Are You Disability Aware?

Vanessa Spero, Alpha Delta Chapter, Florida and team member: Darcy Cole

This presentation will break down the barriers we face in recognizing, accommodating, and understanding those with disabilities.  Participants will learn a brief history of the disability movement; important terminology related to disability culture and learn how to make programming more inclusive.  The presenters will share personal and professional experiences, so participants feel comfortable to address disability ideas and concepts amongst one another.

Register Here

Monday, December 8, 2025, at 1 PM (ET)/ 10 AM (PT)

Building Entrepreneur Friendly Communities in the Outdoor Recreation Sector

Gwynn Stewart, Alpha Eta Chapter, Ohio and team members: Nancy Bowen-Ellzey (OH), Myra Moss (OH), Kyle White (OH), Ami Choi (MN), & Neil Linscheid (MN)

Building Entrepreneur Friendly Community for the Outdoor Recreation Sector shares a community-based entrepreneurship curriculum tailored to the growing Outdoor Recreation (OR) Economy which represents 2.3% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024). Gateway communities near protected areas and public lands are crucial for supporting outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism but often face limited technical assistance and resources. Funded by a grant, two universities collaborated to customize the curriculum to help gateway and rural communities leverage OR economic opportunities. This session explores curriculum adaptations and strategies to strengthen economic resilience and promote growth in these communities.

Register Here

Monday, January 12, 2026, at 1 PM (ET)/ 10 AM (PT)

Invest in Community

Shannon Carter, Alpha Eta Chapter, Ohio 

We are wired for social connection, but we've become more isolated over time. Social connection significantly improves the health and well-being of all individuals and plays a critical role in community and societal health. Learn about the Surgeon General’s national challenge to encourage you to prioritize your relationships: the "5-for-5 Connection Challenge:' Through the challenge, you will take simple but powerful actions to build and strengthen your own relationships and inspire others to incorporate connection as a daily part of their lives. Together, we can advance social connections and improve our nation's public health.

Register Here

Monday, February 9, 2026, at 1 PM (ET)/ 10 AM (PT)

Knowing Your Audience: Enhancing Cultural Competency for Effective Engagement

Anna Glenn, Tau Chapter, Maryland and team members: Vernelle Mitchell-Hawkins, Arnelle Quashi, & Joseph Cho

This session is designed to be an introductory workshop that will allow Extension Professionals from all backgrounds and program areas to explore the meaning and application of equity and cultural competence within Extension. This workshop starts by inviting the audience to look inwardly to connect with WHY this work is essential for everyone - not just those serving minority communities. This workshop will combine research-based insights, Extension-focused case studies, and group discussions in order to encourage Extension Professionals to reflect on their programs through the lens of getting to know their audiences better so that they can better adapt their programs to the diverse needs of their community members. Research-based tools will be provided to help participants through the process of evaluating their programs and tips and tricks will be shared with participants to help them make their programs more accessible and attractive to different audiences.

Register Here

Monday, March 9th, 2026, at 1 PM (ET)/ 10 AM (PT)

Public Speaking: Building Resiliency In Yourself

Melissa Bright, Alpha Xi Chapter, New Jersey 

Public Speaking: Building Resiliency In Yourself follows the 4-H philosophy of learning by doing and provides a hands-on approach to enhancing public speaking skills. Participants engage in activities that build confidence and practical knowledge on delivering effective, professional presentations. The workshop covers key topics such as selecting appropriate visuals, determining presentation length, understanding context, citing sources, and connecting with the audience. By actively participating, attendees develop a toolkit of strategies to become more confident speakers and create visually compelling presentations. This easily replicable workshop is designed for youth, volunteers, and colleagues.

Objectives include understanding the components of a professional presentation, building self-trust and collaboration, supporting peers with confidence issues, and reducing stress while increasing overall speaking confidence. The session begins with icebreakers to build confidence, followed by a 20-minute PowerPoint presentation on professional speaking, and concludes with a 30-minute series of confidence-boosting activities where participants apply the strategies learned.

Register Here