Rural Prosperity Nebraska is teaming up with NU Advance, the University of Nebraska’s non-credit professional development platform, to offer the course “Public Participation and Engagement” for the second time, beginning Oct. 5. The curriculum focuses on helping community leaders, professionals and stakeholders in community development enhance their public engagement skills.
“We’re excited for Round 2 of this course,” said Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, a Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension specialist and course co-teacher. “By the time the spring course concluded, most of our students were already using what they’d learned in in the class in their jobs. This course is about giving participants knowledge and confidence to implement community engagement strategies, and it’s been inspiring to see their plans in action.”
The eight-session course, Oct. 5 through Dec. 7, consists of self-paced, online modules, homework assessments, interactive discussion boards and optional Zoom sessions with the two instructors, Burkhart-Kriesel and Marilyn Schlake, an emeriti Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension educator. The coursework takes about 10-15 hours to complete, upon which participants will receive a microcredential badge and certificate of completion.
“It was a great opportunity to learn more about public engagement, and making the plan was helpful!” wrote one student from the spring course.
Another student wrote, “This was exceptional! I will take much away with me as I continue engaging with partners and communities to participate in providing input and/or participating in project planning and implementation.”
The course aims to address the needs of those working in chambers of commerce, tourism and economic development. It also covers material for nonprofit leaders, such as those working with civic groups and parks and recreation; event coordinators; and youth and church group coordinators. Elected officials, public service employees and private-sector professionals (such as consultants and business leaders engaged in public initiatives) will also find material focused on their needs.
“After seeing the momemtum our students left with in the spring, we’re looking forward to keeping that momentum going,” said Schlake. “We’ll be exploring an expanded list of new tools that help individuals facilitate meaningful discussions and dialogue, not just among themselves, but with their neighbors, coworkers and fellow community members. This course really does act as a springboard for continued, informed, collaborative decision-making.”
Burkhart-Kriesel has 30-plus years of experience in rural community collaboration, focusing on workforce development and community engagement, while Schlake has 25 years of experience in community development, especially entrepreneurship, community visioning and facilitation techniques.
The course costs $250. Participants must register by Oct. 3.
For more information and a schedule, click here.
For more details, contact Burkhart-Kriesel at cburkhartkriesel1@unl.edu or Schlake at mschlake1@unl.edu.
