Monday, November 16, 2026, at 1 PM (ET)/ 10 AM (PT)

Brian Raison, Alpha Eta Chapter, The Ohio State University

This session will introduce a new mentoring framework grounded in nonformal education and teaching practice. The approach incorporates adult learning, development, motivation, and transformation theories. Participants will learn how to renovate any formal mentoring program by overlaying the nonformal frame, adding flexibility, topic choice, multiple mentors, and tools for mutual growth. Attendees will receive links to free conversation-starting tools as well.

Monday, December 14, 2026, at 1 PM (ET)/ 10 AM (PT)

Patrick Nehring, Alpha Sigma Chapter, University of Wisconsin-Madison and team members: Noah Reif, Paul Roback, and Sarah Schlosser

This webinar will cover the planning, design and implementing a standardized medium to long term evaluation tool created to streamline data collection and analysis to understand the impact of educational programs on organizations in the state. We will share our tool, our process, and invite you to discuss direct application to your work as Extension professionals.

Monday, January 11, 2027, at 1 PM (ET)/ 10 AM (PT)

Eli Sagor, Pi Chapter, University of Minnesota and Angela Gupta

Throughout its history, Extension has evolved to anticipate and meet the needs of a changing society. Through a planned but unscripted conversation, we'll explore one current example: the deployment of novel tools to support region-wide targeted monitoring of priority invasive species. We'll touch on elements of the model applicable across a range of Extension domains such as strong external partnerships to continuously prioritize needs; innovative use of mobile technology; and an ongoing focus on streamlining instruction to maintain engagement while reducing barriers to access. We encourage and will respond to audience engagement throughout.

Monday, February 15, 2027, at 1 PM (ET)/ 10 AM (PT)

Christine Heverly, Alpha Psi Chapter, Michigan State University and team members: Laurie Rivetto & Janelle Stewart

Rumors and gossip can spread quickly and cause real harm—but they don’t have to define your group’s culture. In this interactive session, Extension professionals will explore how to recognize, respond to, and redirect gossip in positive ways. Participants will learn practical communication and response strategies to stop rumors in their tracks, promote respect, and build trust within their teams, community partners, and volunteers. Everyone will leave with a concrete action plan for fostering a more supportive and drama-free environment.

Monday, March 8, 2027, at 1 PM (ET)/ 10 AM (PT)

Mollie Toppe, Pi Chapter, West Virginia University, and Barbara Dunn Swanson (IA)

Many Extension professionals spend their days teaching life skills—yet when caregiving enters our own lives, we’re often unprepared for the “3rd shift”: working our jobs, caring for our households, and supporting an aging or ill family member. This webinar blends field-tested caregiving “wish we didn’t know this” lessons with an evidence-based caregiver education program that helps caregivers take better care of themselves while caring for someone else.

Through small group and large group discussion, participants will:

1. Identify immediate “caregiving readiness” steps (documents, access, contacts, and basic organization).
2. Use a set of guided questions to start family conversations about aging, finances, medical decisions, and end-of-life preferences.
3. Describe what Powerful Tools for Caregivers is (six sessions, facilitated format) and how it supports caregiver skills and well-being.

Monday, April 19, 2027, at 1 PM (ET)/ 10 AM (PT)

Amber Allen, Alpha Tau Chapter, University of Missouri, and Jessica Trussell

This webinar offers practical strategies for Extension professionals to supervise and mentor interns, supporting their development in both virtual and in-person settings. Participants will learn effective approaches to foster intern growth and prepare them for future roles within Extension.

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• The lead presenter must be a current member of ESP to submit a proposal. 
• An individual may be the lead presenter on one proposal submission. A person may be included as a co-presenter on one additional proposal. 
• Presenters are responsible for self-blinding proposals. Proposals should not include any names of states, universities, regions, counties, teams or individuals; if they are stated in the abstract, 15 points will be deducted from your score. 
• Sessions will be up to 60 minutes long. Presenters should allocate at least 10 minutes for questions and discussion within this time frame. 
• A session may be a presentation, panel discussion or other methodology appropriate for a webinar presentation. Zoom will be the platform used for the webinar. 
• Webinars will be recorded and made available to ESP members. 
• Presentation materials must be submitted to the Professional Development Committee for posting on the ESP website. 
• Dates and times for webinars will be arranged directly with presenters once abstracts are selected for the webinar series. 
• The ESP Professional Development Committee will sponsor several Professional  Development Webinars for ESP members. Webinars will be scheduled throughout the year. 
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