Community Development
Community Development provides educational programming to assist leaders, communities, and organizations realize their fullest potential. We work with communication to build the vitality that enhances their quality of life and enriches the lives of their residents. In short, the Community Development Institute plants and cultivates the seeds for thriving communities and organizations.
Paul Roback, Community Development Educator
Two strategic planning sessions for the board and staff of the Ozaukee County Tourism Council, a local nonprofi t, where we worked on updating the organization’s mission statement, created a vision statement, and developed strategic priorities. The intent of the planning process is to clarify the organization’s purpose and develop achievable steps to realize their vision.
Leadership from the Ozaukee County Tourism Council (OCTC) contacted Paul to facilitate a process that would create a strategic plan for the organization. The OCTC is a local nonprofi t that is “Promoting Ozaukee County tourism through local, regional, national, and international partnerships.” To achieve the planning objectives, Paul fi rst engaged the organization’s staff and board with an online survey to solicit feedback on updating the organization’s mission statement and input for creating a vision statement. Next, an external feedback survey was used to gain insight into how well the organization achieves its mission, the importance of each of the organization’s programs, and opportunities the organization should consider. Then, Paul facilitated two strategic planning sessions attended by thirteen staff and board members where we reviewed the responses from both surveys and updated the organization’s mission, created a vision statement, and identifi ed strategic priorities. From evaluation (N=11), 100% of participants agreed that the updated mission statement helped clarify their role as an organization. Additionally, 100% agreed that creating a vision statement assisted them in understanding the general direction for their organization’s future and that the process of identifying and prioritizing goals increased their ability to identify issues and set priorities. Participants evaluated Paul’s facilitation as a 4.9 on a 5-point Likert Scale (1=poor and 5=excellent). One participant commented that “Paul let us talk and decide on our own but helped to keep us focused and on track.” Another commented “I’m always skeptical about meetings like this but it was a great session! Lots of progress!” Moving forward, Paul will facilitate a meeting with members of the organization’s leadership to further refi ne the strategic priorities and develop an action plan with steps to move forward with.
4-H Youth Development
Positive Youth Development prepares the youth of today to become the effective, empathetic adults of tomorrow. Our research-based youth enrichment programs. 4-H clubs, camp and after-school programs give young people the hands-on experience they need to develop an understanding of themselves and the world.
Abi Quinlan, 4-H Program Educator
To prepare for a successful and well supported summer camp experience, Ozaukee County 4-H implemented a comprehensive training approach that intentionally prepared both youth leaders and adult volunteers for their roles. Fourteen youth counselors and directors participated in hands-on leadership training focused on camper engagement, peer leadership, and responsibility. Adult volunteers and chaperones participated in role specifi c preparation that emphasized supervision, safety procedures, youth protection expectations, and support of youth led programming. All training was grounded in Wisconsin 4-H camp policy and Positive Youth Development practices. This coordinated effort ensured that all camp staff were prepared to contribute to a safe, inclusive, and empowering camp environment where youth voice was valued and supported by trained adults.
Ozaukee County 4-H utilizes a youth led and adult supported model for its overnight summer camp at Camp Lakotah. The program engaged fourteen youth counselors and activity leaders and two youth directors in meaningful leadership roles supported by adult volunteers who provided supervision, mentorship, and risk management oversight. Youth leaders actively led designing the camp theme, daily schedule, and activity structure. Adult volunteers are positioned to uphold safety expectations, ensure policy compliance, and support youth leadership without taking over decision making. Both youth and adults participated in targeted training to clarify responsibilities, establish appropriate boundaries, and build a shared understanding of camp culture focused on safety, inclusion, and positive youth development. Youth and families in Ozaukee County have identifi ed a need for leadership opportunities that are meaningful, developmentally appropriate, and supported by clear safety expectations. Adult volunteers have also expressed the need for preparation that clearly defi nes their supervisory responsibilities. In response, the 4-H Educator provided role specifi c training aligned with Wisconsin 4-H camp policy, youth protection requirements, and Positive Youth Development principles. Youth counselors and directors were trained in camper supervision, age appropriate engagement, behavior management, communication skills, and recognizing when adult support is required. Adult volunteers and chaperones were trained in youth protection policies, mandated reporting responsibilities, supervision expectations, medical and emergency procedures, and appropriate adult youth boundaries. This structured approach ensured that youth leadership was encouraged while adults retained responsibility for safety, compliance, and risk management, resulting in a camp program that supports youth voice within a consistent and policy aligned framework. As a result of this intentional training approach, youth leaders and adult volunteers enter the camp season with clarity, confi dence, and shared purpose. Youth counselors and directors are prepared to lead activities, support younger campers socially and emotionally, collaborate as a leadership team, and model 4-H values through their actions. Adult volunteers are prepared to ensure camper and staff safety, respond appropriately to health, behavior, or emergency situations, and support youth leadership in ways that protect both youth voice and program integrity.
Agriculture
If it happens on a farm or in a field, the Extension Institute of Agriculture works with you to achieve better results. Our innovative dairy management programs range from genetics to farm and business management. Extension researchers work hand-in-hand with row crop, forage, and fresh produce growers to provide best practices for every aspect of the growing phase. We also advise communities on using sustainable practices to create inviting spaces free from invasive species.
Crops I Manuel Pena, Regional Dairy Educator
Planning with Extension Dairy and Livestock educators to improve producers’ understanding and implementation of daily biosecurity protocols within their herds or fl ocks. Established daily practices help prepare producers for enhanced biosecurity measures that will be implemented during a foreign animal disease response.
Livestock disease reduces U.S. animal productivity by 10–20%, depending on the sector. Routine biosecurity failures lead to hidden losses that often contribute more to productivity losses than obvious outbreaks. When farms don’t have strong biosecurity or good planning, outbreaks get bigger and cause more damage. But with good biosecurity and business continuity plans, farms can reduce infections by up to 60% and shorten outbreaks. Experts agree that improving biosecurity is the most cost-effective way to protect livestock and limit economic losses. Extension Dairy and Livestock Educators are exploring their combined biosecurity programming to enable improved access by producers. They are also exploring a state-wide producer biosecurity needs assessment (survey) and developing short biosecurity topic talks or demonstrations to be held at their 2026-27 programs. A Biosecurity topic page will be added to the Extension Livestock website and linked to the Dairy website. The biosecurity survey is being developed. Outcomes from biosecurity topic programs will be reported as they become available.