January 20, 2026
Facilitation in Action – RSVP for February 12 | All Are Welcome
Engaged Extension professionals often find themselves in the middle of heated community conversations—whether about local policies, resource allocation, or emerging issues. These moments matter. They shape trust, influence outcomes, and can determine whether communities feel heard and supported.
Strong skills in facilitation, active listening, and conflict resolution aren’t optional in these settings—they are essential. When discussions become tense, our ability to remain calm, impartial, and empathetic helps guide groups toward constructive dialogue. Navigating these moments with professionalism ensures that diverse voices are valued and that communities can move forward together.
As you begin a new year of work in communities, consider the following questions:
- When conversations become heated, what helps me stay grounded and present in the moment?
- How do I intentionally create space for multiple perspectives—especially those that differ from my own?
- What practices help me manage my own reactions so I can respond with curiosity rather than defensiveness?
- How do I know when a conversation is moving toward understanding, even if agreement isn’t reached?
If you are interested in building or strengthening these skills, we invite you to join us on February 12 for the Facilitation Drive In, held in Manhattan. This interactive learning opportunity is led by the Facilitation Initiative Core Team and is open to everyone across our Extension system. Participants will have time to learn and actively practice facilitation skills designed to help us “handle the heat” in challenging conversations.
Please RSVP here:
Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
Looking for additional ways to connect with the Facilitation Initiative? Join us for an all-call on Tuesday, January 20, from 10:00–11:00 am to hear updates, upcoming opportunities, and available resources.
Zoom link: https://ksu.zoom.us/j/92893939757?pwd=xzq6Pqc9X2XdV9kLxjG3r2CUNEI1Vj.1
Ready to take a deeper dive? Consider applying for the three-day Facilitation Initiative Intensive Training (FIIT), offered in April and November.
Application: FIIT Application 2026 Fillable.pdf