Reminder: Project Management Training Video & Survey

Thanks again to everyone who participated in the December Foundations of Project Management webinar. Video is available for review and sharing with colleagues who may have missed the presentation, and all district staff are encouraged to complete a Project Management Training Survey to help guide development for future project management offerings.   

Coming Soon: the 6^th Annual Conservation District Video Awards

For six years, we’ve asked districts to share their video content so we can come together to celebrate their hard work, learn about their process, and recognize their excellence.  The quality of submissions has increased every year, and the eleven entries for 2025 continue that trend.  Mark your calendars and plan to join us on February 12 at 12pm as we screen the best of district-produced video and award the coveted CONDIVA trophy. 

Register Now for February Webinars

We’ve teamed up with Piper Strategies this year to offer a pair of webinars to help district staff develop skills and strategies to more effectively promote their districts through online and traditional media. On February 18, From Message to Media: Amplifying Impact Through Local Outreach will present basic media relations concepts with a tactical focus on working with local broadcast and print outlets to help promote and build awareness for your district’s work and mission. 

The February 25 webinar, Smarter Social Media: Campaigns, Curation, and Content will present a concise, practical overview of effective social media campaign strategies, the role of content curation in strengthening credibility, and the responsible use of AI tools to enhance content development. 

Financial and other support for the Building for Tomorrow Leadership Development Program is provided through a grant from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Guidance for the Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Development Committee.

The 2026 Staff Training Initiative focuses on building communication skills for all district staff with webinar and workshop programs in February and March.

Our webinar series starts on February 12 with the 6^th Annual Conservation District Video Awards. We’ll screen clips from eleven district videos and hear from the producers before awarding the coveted CONDIVA trophy for 2025.

The February 18 webinar, From Message to Media: Amplifying Impact Through Local Outreach, will demystify local media relations, examine how to integrate media engagement into your broader district outreach strategy, and share examples and case studies of successful initiatives.

On February 25, we follow up with Smarter Social Media: Campaigns, Curation, and Content, which will offer a concise, practical overview of effective social media campaign strategies, the role of content curation in strengthening credibility, and the responsible use of AI tools to enhance content development. Participants will gain clear guidance on improving the consistency, quality, and impact of their social media presence.

The March 4 QuickBooks User Forum will include a breakout by QB version, with prompted discussion on tips and training resources, followed by a panel discussion.

In March, the focus shifts to practicing skills for dealing with communication challenges. The Assertive Communications and Empowered Conflict Management Workshop will empower attendees to apply assertiveness skills to improve their encounters with difficult people, increase their confidence in difficult situations, and get their wants or needs met. The session includes a presentation, as well as individual, full-group, and team exercises to help attendees compare and analyze their conflict-response choices and assess when and how to apply assertiveness tools in conflict management. Workshops are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (networking with refreshments begins at 9 a.m.). All are open to all district personnel and partner staff, and lunch will be provided.

Workshop Schedule:

Tuesday, March 10: French Creek State Park, Elverson

Tuesday, March 17: St. Vincent College, Latrobe

Thursday, March 19: Ramada Conference Center, State College

Wednesday, March 25: Camp Orchard Hill, Dallas

Tuesday, March 31: Wanango Country Club, Reno

Staff Training programs are open to all district personnel and partner staff. Visit Building for Tomorrow to register.

Financial and other support for the Building for Tomorrow Leadership Development Program is provided through a grant from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Guidance for the Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Development Committee.

The Leadership Development program’s 2026 Board Development Initiative will include a regional “Back to Basics” Orientation Workshop designed for newly appointed Directors and Associate Directors. The program will include a condensed overview highlighting crucial information on district form and function, Director roles and responsibilities, legal requirements, partner relationships, and board development.

Regional Orientation Training Sessions are scheduled for March 11 at the Clinton County Conservation District, March 12 at the Cumberland County Conservation District, March 18 at the Westmoreland Conservation District, March 24 at the Monroe County Conservation District, April 1 at the Lawrence County Department of Public Safety, and April 23 at the Berks County Conservation District. Networking starts at 9 a.m., the training will run 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and includes lunch. All Directors and Associate Directors, as well as district and partner staff, are welcome to attend.

Visit Building for Tomorrow for more information and to register.

Financial and other support for the Building for Tomorrow Leadership Development Program is provided through a grant from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Guidance for the Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Development Committee.

The Board Development video series begins its second year with a January installment that includes a welcome and thank you to all new Directors & Associate Directors, a reminder on the importance of Director engagement, and a preview of upcoming board development programming. 

Financial and other support for the Building for Tomorrow Leadership Development Program is provided through a grant from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Guidance for the Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Development Committee.

Registration is open for all 2026 Staff Training webinars and workshops, visit Building for Tomorrow for more information.

Webinars:

• 6th Annual Conservation District Video Awards – Thursday, February 12, 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
• From Message to Media: Amplifying Impact Through Local Outreach – Wednesday, February 18, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
• Smarter Social Media: Campaigns, Curation, and AI-Driven Content – Wednesday, February 25, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• QuickBooks User Forum – Wednesday, March 4, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Workshop: Assertive Communications and Empowered Conflict Management

• Tuesday, March 10 – French Creek State Park, Elverson
• Tuesday, March 17 – Fred Rogers Institute at St. Vincent College, Latrobe
• Thursday, March 19 – Ramada Conference Center, State College
• Wednesday, March 25 – Camp Orchard Hill, Dallas
• Tuesday, March 31 – Wanango Country Club, Reno

Financial and other support for the Building for Tomorrow Leadership Development Program is provided through a grant from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Guidance for the Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Development Committee.

The 2026 Staff Training Initiative includes webinars and a regional workshop series for all district personnel and partner staff. Visit Building for Tomorrow to register for all events, and stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.

Webinars

• 6th Annual Conservation District Video Awards
  Thursday, February 12, Noon–12:45 p.m.
  Join us as we screen district video content from 2025, hear from the producers, and award the coveted CONDIVA trophy for best video.
• From Message to Media: Amplifying Impact Through Local Outreach
  Wednesday, February 18, Noon–1:00 p.m.
  This session will present basic media relations concepts, with a tactical focus on working with local broadcast and print outlets to promote and build awareness of your district’s work and mission. Presented by Stephanie Hendricks, Director of Public Relations at Piper Strategies. 
• Smarter Social Media: Campaigns, Curation, and AI-Driven Content
  Wednesday, February 25, Noon–1:00 p.m.
  This session will present a concise, practical overview of effective social media campaign strategies, the role of content curation in strengthening credibility, and the responsible use of AI tools to enhance content development. Presented by Line Storgaard-Conley, Director of Digital Marketing & Advertising at Piper Strategies. 
• QuickBooks User Forum
  Wednesday, March 4, Noon–1:00 p.m.
  This meeting will break out QuickBooks users by version to share tips and training resources, followed by a Q&A panel.

Workshop Series: Assertive Communications and Empowered Conflict Management

Avoiding conflict is natural, but increasing self-awareness is key to expanding the ability to manage conflict effectively. Workshop attendees will explore when and how to apply assertiveness skills to improve their interactions with difficult people, build confidence in difficult situations, and get their needs met. Rita Coleman Graham will facilitate this half-day training (10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.). Workshops are open to all district personnel and partner staff. Registration is required, and refreshments and lunch are provided.

Workshop Schedule:

• Tuesday, March 10 – French Creek State Park, Elverson, PA
• Tuesday, March 17 – Fred Rogers Institute at St. Vincent, Latrobe, PA
• Thursday, March 19 – Ramada Conference Center, State College, PA
• Wednesday, March 25 – Camp Orchard Hill, Dallas, PA
• Tuesday, March 31 – Wanango Country Club, Reno, PA

Financial and other support for the Building for Tomorrow Leadership Development Program is provided through a grant from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Guidance for the Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Development Committee.

 

Submit Your Videos for 2025

Did your district produce any videos this year? Please share with us by submitting an entry form for the 6^th Annual Conservation District Video Awards, scheduled for February 12, 2026. Every year, we screen a diverse range of video content from districts, showcasing some amazing work. We celebrate the effort staff put into producing this content and take the opportunity to learn more about their process. The district can send up to two videos. The deadline to submit your entries is Friday, January 2.

December Board Development Video: Associate Directors and Committees

The monthly Board Development Video Series provides information and review on governance, compliance, and programmatic topics. These short-format videos are intended for viewing and follow-up discussion at your district board meetings. The December installment focuses on the importance of Associate Directors and effective committee structure at districts.

Fall Leadership Webinar Series

There’s still time to register for the upcoming December webinars, Employee Handbook & HR Resources on December 17, and Foundations of Project Management on December 18. Visit Building for Tomorrow for more information and videos of previous webinars.

Important Reminder: Strategic Planning Grants Deadline

The Strategic Planning Grants program reimburses up to $1,500 in expenses for districts undertaking strategic planning activities. Interested districts can review the program requirements here, and contact Matt Miller with questions. The deadline to submit a Letter of Intent for 2026 is December 23, 2025.

Financial and other support for the Building for Tomorrow Leadership Development Program is provided through a grant from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Guidance for the Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Development Committee.

• Videos and other resources from the October (Strategic Planning) and November (AI) sessions of the Fall Leadership Webinar Series are now posted on the Building for Tomorrow website. Registration is open for two upcoming webinars: HR & Policy Resources on Wednesday, December 17, from Noon–1:00 p.m., and Foundations of Project Management on Thursday, December 18, from 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. Visit Building for Tomorrow https://www.paleadership.org/fall-webinar-series-to-focus-on-strategic-planning-ai-applications-and-policy/ for more information.
• All districts that produced video content this year are encouraged to submit to the Conservation District Video Awards, which will be presented on Thursday, February 12. The deadline to submit your entries is Friday, January 2, 2026.
• Districts interested in Strategic Planning Grants for 2026 should submit a Letter of Intent by December 23, 2025.

Financial and other support for the Building for Tomorrow Leadership Development Program is provided through a grant from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Guidance for the Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Development Committee.

The monthly Board Development Video Series provides information and review on governance, compliance, and programmatic topics. These short-format videos are intended for viewing and follow-up discussion at your district board meetings. The November 2025 installment focuses on Executive Sessions.

Financial and other support for the Building for Tomorrow Leadership Development Program is provided through a grant from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Guidance for the Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Development Committee.

You are invited to the Foundations of Project Management webinar on December 18, 2025, from 9:00-10:00 a.m. District staff often find themselves serving as a default project manager. With planning and proactive management, projects can succeed even in the face of adversity. This session will discuss three project management foundations (cost, time, and quality) and review management strategies. The webinar will be presented by Sarah Xenophon, Director of the Farm Viability & Natural Resource Division at the PA State Conservation Commission, and is open to all district personnel.

Visit Building for Tomorrow to register for Fall Leadership Series webinars.

Financial and other support for the Building for Tomorrow Leadership Development Program is provided through a grant from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Guidance for the Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Development Committee.