Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts

We support Pennsylvania’s Conservation Districts who work for clean water and healthy soil every day.

Free Fall Communication Series for Conservation District and DEP Staff

Conservation district and DEP staff are invited to register for Verbal Judo and The Art and Science of Deception this October. Registration is free and some meals are included. See below for course descriptions, locations, and dates. Click here for more information and to register. (Clean Water Academy login required.) Question? Contact Molly Burns at mburns@pacd.org.

Verbal Judo

Wyndham Garden State College | October 12-13, 2023

Verbal Judo is a tactical communications course originally designed for law enforcement officers that has applications for anyone who regularly deals with the public. Drawing on his personal experiences, our presenter has specifically adapted the course for regulatory inspectors and other government enforcement personnel. Attendees will learn techniques to redirect and handle emotionally charged verbal attacks in order to generate voluntary compliance. Attendees will leave this course with improved verbal communication skills and enhanced professionalism.

The Art and Science of Deception: Detecting Deception and Getting to the Truth

Toftrees Golf Resort | Choose Wednesday October 25 or Thursday, October 26

This course is designed to provide practical information to people who deal regularly with the public and must rely on the truthfulness of the information they receive, but do not formally interrogate others. The class will cover both the linguistic and non-verbal clues potentially indicating deception, with a focus on identifying opportunities to ask more and better questions in order to reduce the possibility that the attempted deception is successful.

This training was funded through a grant from the PA Department of Environmental Protection and made possible through the cooperation of the PA Association of Conservation Districts and Pennsylvania’s conservation districts.