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University of Florida - Brevard County Extension
3695 Lake Drive
Cocoa, FL 32926
http://brevard.ifas.ufl.edu
Office: (321) 633-1702
Fax: (321) 633-1890
Uf/Brevard County Extension Services Office
Halley Heribacka
Family and Consumer Sciences Program Assistant
(321) 633-1702
Hheribacka@ufl.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 8, 2025 9:04 AM

EmpowerU Program Now Available



BREVARD COUNTY, FL. – EmpowerU is a hybrid program designed to teach participants how to use science-based information to engage decision-makers about issues they are concerned about meaningfully.  Instructors are not advocating for any particular outcome; they only teach communication skills, how to use science-based information, and help participants engage with decision-makers.  

The program occurs across 8 weeks (September 15- November 8, 2025) with approximately 11 hours of interactive online training (via Canvas) and assignments due every week, AND 4 live workshop sessions (3 via Zoom and 1 in person). 

Workshop Dates:

Live Workshop Schedule:

  • Tuesday, September 15, 2025, 1.5 hours (Zoom) (6:00 pm-7:30 pm)
  • Tuesday, October 7, 2025; 1.5 hours (Zoom) (6:00 pm- 7:30 pm)
  • Tuesday, October 21, 2025; 1.5 hours (Zoom) (6:00 pm-7:30 pm)
  • Saturday, November 8, 2025, 4 hours (In-person) (9:00 am-1:00 pm) *

* In person will be located at 3695 Lake Dr., Cocoa, FL 32926

The online modules will guide participants to:

  • Learn about engagement
  • Learn how to find reliable information
  • Identify who can solve specific problems
  • Understand influence, power and persuasion
  • Review best practices for listening and questioning
  • Learn about framing an issue
  • Create a plan to engage the right people to move their issue forward.

During the Zoom and in-person training, participants will:

  • Understand commonalities and practice reflective listening
  • Develop questions and frame issues
  • Practice one-on-one meeting skills or presenting at a public meeting
  • Review their engagement plan with others to make it better

For more information, please register online: https://loom.ly/47Ha1GU
Registrants will receive additional information about enrolling in the online course before the start date. 

If you have any questions, please contact Angelika Keene, angelika.keene@ufl.edu, or call 321-633-1702. 

The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact the UF/IFAS Brevard County Extension Office at Brevard@IFAS.UFL.edu or (321) 633-1702 at least 2 weeks in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.