Rural Prosperity Nebraska course focuses on community engagement

Rural Prosperity Nebraska is teaming up with NU Advance, the University of Nebraska’s non-credit professional development platform, to offer a new online course, “Public Participation and Engagement,” beginning Feb. 23. The curriculum focuses on helping community leaders, professionals and stakeholders in community development enhance their public engagement skills.

“When done well, engagement fosters dialogue, builds trust and strengthens communities,” said Marilyn Schlake, a Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension educator and course co-teacher. “This course doesn’t just give participants knowledge, but it gives them the confidence to plan and implement effective community engagement strategies so their public decision-making processes are more inclusive and productive.”

The 10-week course, which runs through May 1, consists of 10 self-paced, online modules that include homework assessments, interactive discussion boards and optional Zoom sessions with the two instructors, Schlake and Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, a Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension specialist. The coursework takes about 10-15 hours. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a microcredential badge and certificate of completion.

The course aims to address the needs of those working in chambers of commerce, tourism and economic development. It also covers material for nonprofit leaders, such as those working with civic groups and parks and recreation; event coordinators; and youth and church group coordinators. Elected officials, public service employees and private-sector professionals (such as consultants and business leaders engaged in public initiatives) will also find material focused on their needs.

“Too often, engagement efforts fall short because they lack strategy and structure,” Burkhart-Kriesel said. “Successful public participation requires more than good intentions — it demands a well-thought-out approach that considers diverse perspectives, effective communication techniques and the right tools for facilitating meaningful discussions. By exploring real-world case studies, interactive discussions and proven strategies, our students will gain the skills they need to instigate inclusive dialogue, navigate challenging conversations and, in the end, strengthen their communities with informed, collaborative decision-making.”

Burkhart-Kriesel has 30-plus years of experience in rural community collaboration, focusing on workforce development and community engagement, while Schlake has 25 years of experience in community development, especially entrepreneurship, community visioning and facilitation techniques.

The course costs $250. For more information and a schedule, click here. Participants must register by Feb. 21.

For more details, contact Burkhart-Kriesel at cburkhartkriesel1@unl.edu or Schlake at mschlake1@unl.edu.