EFNEP Educators from across the state recently met in Raleigh for a Back to the Basics Training Conference. Staff gathered to collaborate and connect over training topics ranging from ensuring quality programming to sharing success stories.
The goal of the conference was to bring educators “back to the basics” by strengthening foundational EFNEP skills, ensuring high-quality program delivery, and fostering collaboration that promotes meaningful community impact. One attendee shared that the most valuable part of the conference was: “Getting to spend time with people who do the same job as me, and understand the work.”
Guest presenters shared valuable insight on topics related to EFNEP’s mission. Julie Hayworth-Perman, Extension Marketing and Communications Specialist at NC State, kicked off the conference with an engaging session designed to help educators improve their pitch when promoting EFNEP. This session included interactive components that provided practical skills to increase recruitment efforts.
Catherine Hill, Nutrition Programs Manager, led an engaging, hands-on session in the Dinah E. Gore Teaching and Research Kitchens. Educators rolled up their sleeves, practiced essential culinary techniques, and even received a complimentary knife sharpening. The practical skills they gained will strengthen the cooking confidence they bring to EFNEP participants in their local communities.
Staff also gained valuable knowledge from a workshop led by Ellen Shumaker, Ph.D.,Director of Outreach, Safe Plates. She broke down the fundamentals of food safety in a way that was both practical and eye-opening. Food safety is often an afterthought for many, but these tips will help empower participants to keep themselves and their families safe as we head into the holiday season and beyond.
We were honored to welcome special guests Katryn Eske, Ph.D., representing NC A&T State University, along with NC State’s Annie Hardison-Moody, Ph.D., and Sarah Kirby, Ph.D. They joined us to deliver uplifting messages that reminded educators of the importance of EFNEP and how much their work matters, now more than ever.
View this blog to learn more about all of our award winners from this year's conference.
