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
A workshop where board and staff from a regional nonprofit reviewed and discussed organizational survey results to identify topics to cover in a future strategic planning process. This pre-planning process is intended to engage the team with an environmental scan and analyze data to set the stage for strategic decisions.
Paul was approached by a board member of the Lake Michigan Bird Observatory, a regional nonprofi t, to facilitate a process that would engage the organization’s board and staff in pre-planning activities that will assist them in defi ning the scope of a future strategic planning process. The organization has undergone several changes in recent years, and the intent of pre-planning is to engage board and staff to set the stage for strategic discussion. Paul developed and implemented an online survey for board and staff to identify organizational strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges; solicit feedback on three strategic questions; and identify stakeholders. Then, Paul facilitated a two-hour session attended by 17 board members and staff. At this session, a history of the organization was presented, survey results were discussed, and topics were identifi ed for a future strategic planning process. Through evaluation (n=17), 82% of participants agreed that the overview of the organization’s history helped set the context for discussion. Additionally, 88% agreed that the survey results and discussion identifi ed key strategic issues the organization needs to address through a strategic planning process. All participants agreed that the discussion prepared the organization to develop an RFP for a strategic planning process. 94% agreed that the session allowed them the opportunity to share their ideas while also allowing others to share their thoughts. Overall, participants evaluated Paul’s facilitation of the session as a 4.5 on a 5-point Likert Scale (1=poor and 5=excellent). One participant commented that “this was very helpful to get staff and board and new board members together to have this discussion.”
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
An overnight summer camp experience for youth, where participants engaged in hands-on activities, outdoor learning, and group living to build confidence, independence, and friendships. Through this experience, youth strengthened life skills and a sense of belonging that supports their growth as engaged members of their communities.
Youth benefit from opportunities to build independence, develop social connections, and practice life skills outside their everyday routines. Overnight camp provides a setting for young people to step outside their comfort zones, try new activities, and connect with peers. Growing interest in both traditional and challenge-based camp experiences highlights the need for programming that supports youth at different skill and comfort levels. In response, Abi coordinated and delivered a multi-day overnight 4-H Summer Camp experience held June 18–21, 2026, offering both Base Camp and Adventure Camp tracks. Base Camp included 25 youth, supported by 14 youth counselors and 9 adult volunteers, while Adventure Camp engaged 15 youth with support from 1 youth counselor and 2 adult volunteers. Youth participated in outdoor activities, team-building, camp traditions, and shared group responsibilities. The Adventure Camp track offered additional opportunities for leadership, advanced outdoor skills, and problem-solving. The camp experience had a meaningful impact on participants. Youth demonstrated increased confidence and independence while strengthening their ability to work with others and build new friendships. Many tried new activities and expanded their comfort zones. Youth counselors gained leadership and mentoring experience as they supported younger campers. Overall, the program fostered a strong sense of belonging and helped youth build skills that support their growth as capable, connected members of their communities.
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
A calving management workshop for dairy producers, farm managers, veterinarians, and calf care professionals, where participants learned best practices in calving management, colostrum delivery, calf nutrition, health, and rumen development to improve calf survival, growth, welfare, and long-term herd productivity.
Dairy producers and calf care teams face ongoing challenges in raising healthy, productive calves while balancing labor demands, rising input costs, animal welfare expectations, and long-term farm profitability. The preweaning period is one of the most critical stages in a dairy animal’s life, as management practices related to calving, colostrum delivery, nutrition, housing, disease prevention, and weaning can have lasting effects on calf survival, growth, health, and future milk production. Poor early-life management can increase the risk of illness and mortality, reduce growth performance, and negatively impact lifetime productivity, while effective management can improve animal welfare and economic outcomes. In response, the Calving Management Workshop was developed to provide producers, farm employees, veterinarians, and industry professionals with current science-based recommendations, and hands-on management strategies, The program aimed to improve knowledge and decision-making related to calving management, calf care, nutrition, rumen development, and weaning practices, ultimately supporting healthier calves, improved animal welfare, and greater long-term productivity and profitability for dairy operations. The workshop had a big impact on the attendees. They thought the information was delivered in a good manner and would be able to share with others and be part of other events like this one. The main topics of this workshop were bovine obstetrics, common mistakes in the maternity pen, and rumen development, in addition to educational stations about feed tubing, dystocia assistance, and record keeping.