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 three-hour staff development workshop (Real Colors) where Ozaukee County employees increased their ability to recognize their strengths and the strengths of others, build rapport quickly with others, understand how others process information, and modify their communication to connect with others. The workshop is intended to help workplace teams work together more effectively.
Since 2014, Community Development Educator Paul Roback has facilitated Real Colors workshops in response to organizations and local governments expressing a need for staff development in effective communication and team building. These goals align with the outcomes for Real Colors, which is an interactive three-hour workshop that teaches skills to understand human behavior and improve communication with others. Paul has been teaching Real Colors workshops for Ozaukee County Employees since 2025. Recently, Paul taught a three-hour workshop for eight county employees from five departments. Participants completed the Real Colors assessment to understand their personality type, participated in small group conversations, and gained insights on the four personality types through large group discussions. Participants (n=7) completed end of session evaluations. From attending the workshop, 100% increased their ability to recognize their strengths and their ability to recognize the strengths of others. Additionally, 86% increased their ability to build rapport quickly with others, 86% increased their ability to understand how others process information, and 57% increased their ability to modify their communication to connect with others. Overall, participants evaluated Paul’s facilitation of the workshop as a 5.0 on a 5-point Likert Scale (1=poor and 5=excellent). Commenting on Paul’s facilitation, one participant said, “I like you asking questions and hearing how all other colors react/respond.”
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
A countywide Cloverbud program for youth in grades K–2, where participants explored outdoor education and animal science through hands-on activities designed to build curiosity, confi dence, and connections to 4-H. Through these experiences, youth discovered personal interests while developing knowledge and skills in multiple 4-H project areas.
As Cloverbud enrollment and interest in youth programming continue to grow in Ozaukee County, families have expressed a need for developmentally appropriate opportunities that allow young children to explore interests outside of traditional club experiences. Early exposure to a variety of project areas helps youth identify their sparks, build confi dence, and develop a sense of belonging within 4-H. Animal science and outdoor education are two areas that consistently generate strong interest among young youth and families, creating an opportunity to engage participants through hands-on experiential learning. A countywide Cloverbud program was delivered for youth in grades K–2 featuring two educational tracks: Outdoor Exploration and All About the Animals. Participants engaged in hands-on activities that encouraged active learning, inquiry, and discovery. During the Outdoor Exploration portion of the program, youth participated in nature-based activities that strengthened observation skills and encouraged curiosity about the environment through exploration, sensory activities, and nature discovery experiences. During the All About the Animals portion, youth learned about animal characteristics, care, behavior, and responsible stewardship through age-appropriate games, discussions, and experiential learning activities. Youth and adult volunteers supported program delivery by leading activities, encouraging participation, and creating a welcoming environment where youth felt comfortable asking questions, sharing experiences, and trying new activities. The program was intentionally structured to provide positive fi rst experiences in multiple 4-H project areas while fostering meaningful connections between youth, families, and 4-H. Participants demonstrated enthusiasm and engagement throughout both program areas, actively exploring new topics and building knowledge through hands-on learning. Youth asked questions, shared observations, and demonstrated an increased understanding of the natural world and the care and needs of animals. The program supported youth in discovering personal sparks and developing confi dence in exploring new interests. By experiencing multiple 4-H project areas in a supportive environment, participants expanded their awareness of future opportunities available through 4-H while strengthening their sense of belonging within the program. The involvement of trained volunteers and youth leaders also strengthened local capacity to deliver high-quality Cloverbud experiences. Collectively, the program provided an accessible entry point for young youth and families, supporting positive youth development and fostering continued engagement in 4-H and community-based learning opportunities.
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 weekly Thursday dairy radio segment for dairy producers, consultants, agency staff, and other industry professionals to share updates about state and local Extension resources, information, and events relevant to dairy operations. The goal of this effort is to maintain a regular connection between the dairy community and Extension resources, providing tools and timely insights to support informed decision-making related to herd management, nutrition, reproduction, farm profi tability, among others.
As another Agriculture Educator in my area has already built a strong connection with farmers through regular radio updates, I have been invited to contribute a dairy-focused segment as part of the daily Farm Report. This provides a valuable opportunity to engage an established agricultural audience and expand Extension’s outreach within the dairy community. Through this segment, it is possible to share research-based, science information relevant to dairy producers, along with timely updates on educational events, resources, and tools that can support informed decision-making and strengthen farm viability. Agricultural producers use a variety of sources to obtain information, including radio. Each Thursday morning, I provide a UW–Extension dairy segment as part of the daily Farm Report. This segment focuses specifi cally on timely dairy production topics, herd management strategies, seasonal nutrition and health considerations, and updates on upcoming events, webinars, and educational opportunities relevant to dairy operations. Delivering this information through public media allows us to reach producers who may be underserved, unable to attend in-person programs, or unaware of Extension’s agricultural resources. This expanded outreach strengthens our connection with the dairy community and helps ensure that research-based information is accessible, practical, and timely. Additionally, the segment provides dairy producers with greater insight into the work being done through Extension and creates consistent opportunities for them to engage in programs that support informed decision-making, farm profi tability, environmental stewardship, and long-term business sustainability.