2016 Two-Day All Organizational Meeting

Enhancing Extension’s Mission through Narrative

October 26 and 27
Wells Conference Center, Orono Campus

All Extension staff are invited. Please plan to join us!

Richard Brzozowski standing beside a fence with Maine apple producer
Richard Brzozowski with apple producer Robert Boothby at Boothby Orchards, Livermore, Maine. Photo by Edwin Remsberg.

Narrative is a tool for engagement and connection. Our work gives us reason to engage with each other, our audiences, and stakeholders. Collectively these narratives tell​ ​the story of our organization. Sharing narratives builds rapport, is educational, memorable, persuasive, and allows us to articulate our value — as is true with the success stories shared annually​ through reporting​. In this meeting​,​ we will have a chance to practice narrative development that will enhance our connection to one another, our programming, our understanding of the work we do and will increase our understanding of and ability to convey the value of UMaine Extension.

In addition to narrative development​, ​you will have 12 breakout workshops to choose from with topics ranging from​ social media, coaching, county finances, innovation engineering, active learning, and more. There will be tours of campus facilities. John Rebar will present an organizational update. Our federal partner and Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture will share information about the history and continued relevance of Extension. There will be a poster session with social time, and local food and beverages​. An Extension band ​is ​forming and preparing to provide us with after-dinner entertainment and this is not all.

2016 Organizational Meeting Planning Committee Members

  • Jason Bolton, Food Safety Specialist, Orono
  • Mike Eckardt, Faculty Associate, Orono
  • Angela Hart, Administrative Specialist, Orono
  • Andrew Plant, Agricultural Educator, Aroostook County
  • KymNoelle Hopson, Administrative Specialist III, Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Counties
  • Gere Stevens, Eat Well Community Education Assistant, York County
  • Fran Sulinski, Assistant Director, Orono
  • Alisha Targonski, 4-H Professional, Kennebec County

Do not hesitate to contact any of us individually.