VMN EmpowerU Course 2026

Overview

Have you been working on natural resource issues but feel compelled to do more? Taking part in the EmpowerU Advocacy Training Program will move your natural resource work to the next level!

In this 4-6 week course, master volunteers and natural resources professionals can grow their skills to meaningfully engage decision makers about natural resource issues. Through a series of self-paced online learning activities and three live online sessions, participants will: 

• Gain 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 in interactions with decision makers
• Know where to find reputable information on natural resources 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 resource management
• View engagement with decision makers as a norm and encourage others to do it
• Network with other people passionate to make a difference for natural resources

Target Audience

This program is open to natural resource volunteers and anyone else who has an interest in developing skills to engage decision-makers about natural resource management. Virginia Master Naturalist volunteers are our primary audience, but others are welcome to participate.

Course Outline and Expectations

• Course length: 5-6 weeks
• Delivery method: online with self-paced portions and three live Zoom workshops
• Time commitment: Participants will complete 8 online modules which should take about one hour each. We will have three Zoom workshops of up to 2 hours each. Each workshop is different and builds upon the previous, so participants need to plan on attending all three. The Zoom workshops will not be recorded, as they will be highly interactive with one-on-one and small group exercises.
• 2026 Course Timeline:
  • Registrations open: September 15 – October 8
  • October 9 – November 12: Participants go through the self-paced online course. We suggest that you use the deadlines indicated below to complete the modules, but you may choose to complete them more quickly.
  • Thursday, October 15, 7:00 – 9:00 pm: Workshop #1 (live on Zoom). Participants should complete online modules 1, 2, and 3 by this date.
  • Thursday, October 29 – 7:00 – 9:00 pm – Workshop #2 (live on Zoom). Participants should complete online modules 4, 5, and 6 by this date.
  • Thursday, November 12, 7:00 – 9:00 pm – Workshop #3 (live on Zoom). Participants should complete online modules 7 and 8 (including their engagement plans) by this date.
• Technology requirements: 
  • We will be using a program called Canvas as the online course delivery system.  You will need reliable internet access and a computer or mobile device with an updated web browser. In addition, you will need the ability to play media content (including audio and video).
  • Supported operating systems and web browsers: Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser. Canvas supports the last two versions of every browser release. We highly recommend updating to the newest version of whatever browser you are using. Learn more which browsers Canvas supports.
  • Word processing software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs to write your Engagement Plan.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader or another supported PDF reader.

Find additional EmpowerU course information, including participant testimonials, on the Virginia Master Naturalist program website.