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L&D - Building online learning, Mental health first aid, Giving Day, AI in Fundraising, Inclusive mindset, Resistance to writing, Manage time

UC ANR Learning & Development

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Extension Methods & Delivery
Building Support
Inclusion & Belonging
Office, Team, & Personal Development


Extension Methods & Delivery


Building Online Courses for Adult Learning: Engagement, Interactivity & Community - Part I (Extension Foundation)

May 14 | 11 a.m.-Noon PT

Learn details & register
Content alone is not enough. This session focuses on creating learning experiences that are active, interactive, and engaging, so learners stay connected throughout your course. Hosted by Lisa Linfield Extension Foundation 

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Building Online Courses for Adult Learning: Launch and Facilitation - Part II (Extension Foundation)

May 28 | 11 a.m. – Noon

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A well-designed course still needs a thoughtful launch and ongoing facilitation. This session covers what to do before, during and throughout your course to help learners get started on the right foot and stay engaged once things are underway.

Contribute to the National AI Asset Map for Cooperative Extension

In partnership with the National Digital Extension Education Technology initiative and the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP) Broadband Program Action Team, the Extension Foundation is asking for your help in cataloging efforts related to the use and adoption of artificial intelligence across the Cooperative Extension system. View details about contributing to the AI Asset Map.

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What is Mental Health First Aid? (UC ANR Blog post)

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a training program that teaches how to provide initial care for people struggling with mental health challenges. Created in Australia in 2000, this evidence-based program has expanded worldwide to 50 countries with over 54,800 instructors training over 8.5 million people worldwide (Mental Health First Aid International, 2026). Just in the United States, MHFA has trained 4.5 million people. Continue reading this blog post by Matt Rodriguez, 4-H Youth Advisor.


Mental Health First Aid course  Parts I & II (Virtual, UC Learning Center) 

July 28 & 29 | 9 a.m. - Noon P­­­D­­­T

Learn details & register
This course focuses on recognizing the patterns of thoughts, feelings, behaviors and appearance that show there might be a challenge in the workplace. You will learn:

  • How to recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a potential mental health challenge

  • How to listen non-judgmentally and give reassurance to a person who may be experiencing a mental health challenge

  • How to refer someone to appropriate professional support and services

  • An action plan to apply to non-crisis and crisis scenarios in the workplace

Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. NOTE: Register early to save your seat.  

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Building Support


UC ANR Giving Day Webinar: Developing Your Plan (Recording)

You can listen to this recording to help you plan and manage your online campaigns whether you are new to UC ANR Giving Day or have participated from the beginning. Learn how your group can stand out from the crowd and harness the power of generosity to raise funds for your program. This webinar was moderated by Emily Delk, UC ANR director of Annual Giving and Donor Stewardship, on April 8, 2026.

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AI Fundraising and Grants Use Cases for Extension: The Fundraiser’s New Power Tool (Part I)

In the first session of the AI Use Cases for Extension Nate Birt introduces participants to a practical, jargon-free tour of AI’s current capabilities, limitations and opportunities for Extension fundraising. Learn the basics of prompting and see real-time demonstrations of AI accelerating grant-related tasks, from background research to drafting funder-ready language. Recorded on Jan. 20, 2026.

 
AI Case uses in Fundraising & Grant: AI for stronger proposals (Part II)

During the second session of AI Use Cases for Extension Nate Birt introduced participants to researching with AI for stronger proposals, focusing on writing a research prompt in AI and using the Deep Research function specifically to conduct a research study as an Extension professional. Recorded March 3, 2026.

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Inclusion & Belonging


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Critical Thinking & Context Amid Conflict (Recording 12:18, UC Davis)

Access to webpage and video
Professors Rose and Syed’s effort to create a space for open, respectful dialogue – without advocating for one viewpoint over another – reflects a deep commitment to fostering understanding with courage and academic integrity, one of the goals of Dynamic Discussions. The article, "UC Davis Scholars Tackle Antisemitism and Islamophobia," by Mario Sestito originally appeared in Letters and Science Magazine.

Brave, humble and dedicated: Building an inclusive mindset (eCourse 52:00, LinkedIn Learning)

Creating an inclusive environment is by no means a passive act. It’s a deliberately cultivated, highly complex skill set that can be learned over time with the right kind of mindset – and the right guiding principles: humility, bravery and dedication. Join instructor Dereca Blackmon to find out why inclusive communicators are better able to recruit and retain talent, navigate crisis and conflict, and develop higher levels of executive buy-in in practically any work environment. Request your LinkedIn Learning account by emailing ANR IT at help@ucanr.edu

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Office, Team and Personal Management


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 Moving from Resistance to Writing (NCFDD)

June 11 | 11 a.m. - Noon

Learn details & register
In this webinar, you will learn what resistance is and why academic writers experience it when trying to complete the work they want and need to do. You’ll explore how to identify what may be holding you back from writing and finishing your project, whether that’s an article, dissertation, book manuscript or grant proposal. The session will also cover the three most common types of writing “funk” and practical ways to move through them. Finally, you’ll learn how to build the kind of community, support and accountability that can help you stay on track and navigate whatever writing challenges you’re currently facing.

National Association of Extension and Staff Development Professionals (NAEPSDP)

Learn about NAEPSDP programs and resources
You may want to consider joining National Association of Extension Program & Staff Development Professionals if you’re interested in strengthening your work in training, program development and organizational learning within Extension. NAEPSDP brings together professionals across the country who are focused on improving how we design, deliver and evaluate programs – and how we support the people doing that work. Vikram Koudinya is currently serving as the president.

The organization exits to build connections and share resources across states, advance professional development practices, and Learn about NAEPSDP programs and resources. For UC ANR specifically, this can be a valuable way to:

  • Learn what peer institutions are doing (and avoid reinventing the wheel)
  • Access webinars, conferences and tools directly tied to our work
  • Build a national network around evaluation, training design and organizational development
  • Contribute to and shape the future of Extension professional development

If your role touches training, learning, evaluation or program design even partially, this is a relevant professional community for you.

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Mistakes to Avoid When Managing Your Time (eCourse, 31 min; LinkedIn Learning)

Access the course "Mistakes to Avoid"
What if in 31 minutes you could learn what to avoid so that you give yourself time to recharge, learn how to say no, and rely on support systems as crucial strategies to maintain balance and prevent burnout?

Being able to manage your time effectively is a game-changing professional skill. However, there are lots of errors that can occur as you hone it, so you need to remain aware. In this course, time management expert Brittany Hayles shares the common pitfalls that are made when attempting to manage your time and provides solutions to overcome them. Request your LinkedIn Learning account by contacting ANR IT at help@ucanr.edu.

Learn and use something new today.


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Photo by Wes Hicks on Unsplash
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
Photo by Luke Chesser on Unsplash
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Photo by Marcel Strauß on Unsplash

Learn something new today.