We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities.

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Addressing Polarization through Civic Assemblies

In an era of increased political polarization, innovative approaches to bringing diverse voices together may offer ways for communities to rebuild trust and increase civic dialogue. Polarization has far-reaching consequences. As Americans increasingly distrust those with different political views, polarization can erode trust, narrow social connections, and discourage everyday civic conversation. Public meetings can become […]

Bridge with cars driving over a river. Bridge is surrounded by green trees and interspersed with roofs of houses and a brick clock tower peeking over the tree line on the far side of the bridge.

Strengthening Rural Economies through Wisconsin REV: Advancing Economic Development in Merrill

Like many rural and northern Wisconsin communities, Merrill’s population decline is shaped by an aging population and fewer young people moving to or staying in the area. “If you don’t address those and turn those around, what happens is your city, no matter what you do, will struggle to remain vibrant,” said Scott Steele, former […]

Extension’s AI Forums build foundational skills for local and tribal governments

As the New Glarus Village Administrator, Kelsey Jenson is thinking about AI and how it affects her work. “AI is here and continuing to grow, whether we like that or not. I think it’s imperative for local government officials to know how AI is already being used in our work,” she said. For public entities […]

Rural Livability Resources

Losing critical institutions and services makes it more difficult to have a thriving community and live in rural places. For communities in Wisconsin, there are planning tools and resources that are focused on increasing livability. The Rural Livability Project “Livability” is what makes somewhere a good place to live and work. But what livability looks […]

Extension and AmeriCorps build community capacity to serve youth through new partnerships

This past summer in Richland County, youth had new opportunities to interact with science and art thanks to Wisconsin 4-H AmeriCorps members who joined Extension under a special grant. Through a partnership with the Brewer Library in Richland Center and UW–Madison Extension’s 4-H program, AmeriCorps members Izeah Currier and Autumn Carter offered a six-week series […]

2026 Raising Wisconsin’s Children Conference

Registration is now open for the Raising Wisconsin’s Children Conference: HelpingChildren Thrive When Life Gets Tough, happening Tuesday, February 4, 2026.This free, virtual conference provides practical, research-based strategies for parents,caregivers, and professionals supporting children and teens. Topics include resilience,emotional regulation, mindfulness, preventing burnout, and supporting teen mental health. The Raising Wisconsin’s Children Conference is a […]

Sally Schoenike Honored Nationally for Lifelong Dedication to 4-H

Sally Schoenike, a retired 4-H Youth Development Educator from Dodge County who now lives in Oconomowoc, was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony held in Atlanta on Oct. 27.

OneOp Recognized for Innovation and Collaboration by NEAFCS

OneOp, a professional development resource for military family service providers, recently won multiple awards from the National Extension Association for Family and Consumer Sciences. Jessica Beckendorf, a Community Economic Development Specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, contributed to these award-winning efforts through her work on the 2024 Military Family Readiness Academy, an […]

Gov. Evers declares National 4-H Week in Wisconsin

It’s official — the entire state is celebrating National 4-H Week! By proclamation of Gov. Tony Evers, Oct. 5-11, 2025, is National 4-H Week throughout Wisconsin. See the proclamation, also signed by Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, below.

A community visioning exercise maps out community goals

Design Wisconsin Named Outstanding Program by International Community Development Society

Design Wisconsin, a community visioning program, was named the 2025 Outstanding Program by the International Community Development Society. A program of the UW-Madison Division of Extension’s Community Economic Development Program, Design Wisconsin was recognized for exemplifying best practices in community development and empowering communities through the approach it brings to the community visioning process. Design […]