EXCITE Newsletter December 5th, 2025

There are still spots available for December and January workshops! As one of the curricula available through EXCITE, these competency workshops not only equip you with impactful tools, but also empower you to become trainers for your community health partners. Register to attend here!

About the workshops: For most people without direct exposure to poverty, media is the primary source that informs their beliefs and attitudes about the issue. United Way reports that 42% of American households in 2023 fell below the ALICE threshold, earning incomes insufficient for basic survival needs. Considering the reach and presence of Cooperative Extension across all US counties, we are undoubtedly interacting with local community members struggling under the weight or threat of poverty. Extension is synonymous with reliable, evidence-based information. We cannot afford to be uninformed or operating from perspectives built upon stereotypes; it simply does not align with our role as trusted messengers. Advancing Poverty Competency in Cooperative Extension will offer reliable data about poverty and how it challenges common misperceptions; theoretical foundations for poverty-informed approaches; the concepts taught by the experience of poverty; and poverty-informed communication strategies. Participants will be presented with information and provided opportunities for both small group discussion and individual reflection.

This workshop series totals six hours, offered as two 3-hour online sessions. Participants must complete the sessions in order (Session #1 before Session #2), but may select different time options for each.

Presenter: Lindsey McConnell-Soong, EXCITE Regional Health Agent and Beegle Certified Poverty Coach, University of Idaho Extension.

See the dates/time and register to attend here.