A Note From Mia
Hello from Community Development!
Welcome to the latest edition of the Outagamie & Winnebago Counties Community Development Newsletter. I’m Mia Ljung, Community Development Extension Educator serving Outagamie and Winnebago Counties.
This newsletter highlights upcoming educational programs, community development opportunities, and resources that support local governments, nonprofit organizations, libraries, community groups, and engaged residents across our region. You’ll also find a spotlight on a remarkable community response effort that demonstrates the strength and resilience of the Fox Valley.
Thank you for all you do to strengthen our communities. I hope you find something valuable to support your work this fall.
Contact Information
📧 mia.ljung@wisc.edu
📞 920-470-4645
Extension Outagamie County
3365 W. Brewster Street, Appleton
Extension Winnebago County
625 E. County Road Y, Oshkosh
Fox Valley Tornado Recovery Efforts Demonstrate Community Strength
This quarter, I’d like to recognize the incredible compassion and resilience demonstrated across the Fox Valley following the devastating July 27 tornado.
Local governments, nonprofit organizations, volunteer groups, and residents came together to support affected neighbors throughout Menasha, Neenah, Fox Crossing, Appleton, and surrounding communities. Through coordinated response efforts, thousands of volunteers contributed their time and energy when it was needed most.
Organizations such as Volunteer Fox Cities played a critical role in mobilizing volunteers and coordinating response efforts. With more than 6,000 volunteer shifts recorded during the most critical cleanup period, community support has been inspiring, and volunteer needs continue as recovery efforts move forward.
A notable example of regional collaboration is the Community Response Fund, a partnership among United Way Fox Cities, the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, and the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation. The fund provides both immediate and long-term recovery support for impacted communities. I want to thank each neighbor and organization that keeps showing up for one another through trying times.
Learn More
Rally for the Valley, Oct 3, Downtown Menasha
Volunteer opportunities
Wisconsin Public Radio story on recovery efforts and photo restoration
Community Response Fund Announcement
Northeast Wisconsin Housing Summit Planning Kickoff
The UW-Madison Division of Extension has successfully hosted Housing Summits throughout Wisconsin, and planning is now underway for a Northeast Wisconsin Housing Summit anticipated in early 2027.
Housing summits bring together housing professionals, nonprofit leaders, community organizations, elected officials, planners, developers, and local governments to exchange ideas, share best practices, and strengthen regional collaboration.
If you would like to help shape this effort, please join the kickoff planning meeting.
Date: Thursday, October 1, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Virtual
Introduction To Plain Language Is Back!
Registration Now Open!
Join this in-demand FREE virtual workshop to learn strategies for word choice, font selection, grammar use, user testing, and more that help us communicate quickly and effectively.
Registration is now open for:
📍 Tuesday, October 6 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Noon)
Spring 2027 dates will be scheduled!
🔗Register at: http://go.wisc.edu/plain
Introduction to Plain Language is a collaboration between UW-Madison’s Cultural Linguistic Services and UW-Madison Division of Extension.
Foundations for Team Building: Real Colors® 101
Strong teams are built on understanding, communication, and respect. Real Colors® 101: Foundations for Team Building helps participants explore four distinct personality types and learn how different styles influence communication, decision-making, and work place interactions.
Through engaging activities and discussion, participants gain practical tools for working more effectively with colleagues, volunteers, and community members. The training is designed for nonprofits, community organizations, local governments, libraries, and other groups looking to strengthen team work and collaboration.
Both youth and adult versions are available.
Training Details
- Approximately 3 hours
- 15 to 40 participants
- In-person delivery
- Cost: $20 per participant (workbook included)
- Ideal for nonprofits, community groups, local governments, and libraries
Learn More
https://leadershipdevelopment.extension.wisc.edu/programs/real-colors-workshops/
Introduction to Plain Language for Teams
Bring plain language training directly to your staff, board, or volunteer team!
This interactive workshop helps organizations improve communication, increase efficiency, and create clearer materials for community members.
Training Details
- Two-hour workshop
- Scheduled around your team’s availability
- 5 to 20 participants
- Available in person or virtually
- No cost
Ideal For
- Nonprofits
- Community organizations
- Local governments
- Libraries
Introduction to Plain Language is offered through a partnership between UW-Madison Cultural Linguistic Services and the UW-Madison Division of Extension.
Fast Pitch Business Competition
Your Big Idea Starts Here
Do you have an innovative business idea or a venture ready to grow? Fast Pitch, part of the New North Pitch Series, provides entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their ideas, receive feedback, and compete for prizes.
UW-Madison Extension for Outagamie & Winnebago Counties is proud to support this event for the sixth year.
Event Details
Date: Monday, November 9, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Sage Hall, UW-Oshkosh
Pitch Format
- 4-minute presentation
- 2-minute question-and-answer session
Application Period
October 1-31, 2026
Lean more and apply: https://www.startupwi.org/new-north
Small Acreage Farmers and Growers Gathering
Please help spread the word about this excellent learning and networking opportunity for Wisconsin’s small-scale growers and food entrepreneurs.
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Location: Wausau
Highlights:
- Free to attend
- Offered in both Hmong and English
- Designed for small-scale growers and food entrepreneurs
Resources:
Download printable bilingual flyers: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BRkgekpMmgoYVhU36hPukjzlsohAcvdy
Register and learn more: https://farms.extension.wisc.edu/small-scale-fruit-vegetable-farmer-events/
Share on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1J4MhiSUV9/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Mia’s Recommended Resources
Listen:
Practicing Connection Podcast “What Cooperatives Can (and Can’t) Do for Childcare”
Learn:
RESET Renewable Energy Information Sessions
Explore the opportunities and challenges associated with large-scale wind and solar development in Wisconsin communities.
Attend:
Fall 2026 Town & Village Officials Workshops
Explore More Extension Opportunities:
UW-Madison Division of Extension
Community Development Institute
Appleton Seed Swap at Tardigrades
Do you have seeds to share, or are you interested in learning more about seed saving? Join local growers, seed savers, and food system leaders for an afternoon of learning, conversation, and community connection.
Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Tardigrades, Appleton
Learn more: https://commonrootsrising.org/event/seed-swap-appleton-seed-library-at-tardigrades/
Let’s Connect!
I love supporting local governments, nonprofit organizations, libraries, community groups, and community leaders throughout Outagamie and Winnebago Counties. Whether you’re exploring a new idea, planning a training, strengthening partnerships, or looking for community development resources, I’d be happy to connect with you 🙂
Mia Ljung
Community Development Extension Educator
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law. Contact the Extension Winnebago County at 920-232-1970 on Monday-Friday from 8am-4:30pm, excluding holidays, to request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, or other services.