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 6th 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.
PACD is now accepting nominations for the 
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) poster contest, open to students in grades K-12, offers young people an opportunity to express their views on natural resource issues through the medium of art. The NACD theme for 2026 is “Soil: Where it All Begins.” This theme celebrates the incredible power of soil to support life in all its forms. Soil is not just the ground we walk on. It is the starting point for healthy food, clean water, thriving habitats, and resilient communities. From backyard gardens to forests and city parks, everything begins with what is beneath our feet.
PACD will randomly spotlight one social media post from a conservation district each week. Don’t forget to share or tag other districts to share good news or something others could learn about.
PACD Executive Director Amy Brown attended the annual Adams County Conservation District Planning meeting on December 18, 2025.