EmpowerU Program Now Available at Reduced Cost

BREVARD COUNTY, FL -- Are you concerned about natural resource issues and feel compelled to do more? Then consider taking part in the EmpowerU Training Program! Learn how to influence natural resource management decisions, engage with decision-makers, and make a difference. Participants have also used the information they learned in this course to work with their homeowner association to incorporate more native plants in their neighborhood. So, whether it is resolving a neighborly dispute or working with your local government to change policy, you can apply what you learn to any issue you have!

In this 6-week course (August 15- September 19), master naturalists, master gardeners, forest landowners, natural resources professionals, or anyone interested in natural resources can grow their skills to meaningfully engage decision-makers about any issues they are concerned about. Invasive species management will be the example issue during this course. As you work through 8 hours of self-paced online learning activities and live workshops (2 via zoom and 1 in-person), participants will:

• Gain an understanding of the roles and levels of government and who to contact regarding natural resource management.
  
• Learn to use skills such as influence, power, persuasion, framing, questioning, and listening during interactions with decision makers.
  
• Know where to find reputable information on the status of invasive species and other natural resource issues in your area.
  
• Create an engagement plan and experience practicing it in a safe, peer-learning environment.
  
• See yourself as a resource to decision makers on natural resources management.
  
• View engagement with decision makers as a norm and encourage others to do it.
  
• Network with others who are passionate about making a difference around natural resource management.
  

Registration

• Register online at https://bit.ly/3PkD9MU
  
• Registration will close when capacity is reached or on August 10th at 8 a.m.
  
• The registration fee has been reduced to $95.00
  

For additional information and questions, please contact Angelika Keene, Community Development Agent, at angelika.keene@ufl.edu or (321) 633-1702