Jenifer McGuire, professor and extension specialist in Family Social Science, will co-present an Extension webinar on “Rural Resiliency in Times of Ambiguity,” noon (CST), Tuesday, March 28.

Building resilience is a proven strategy when facing adversity, but what if that adversity isn’t as clear-cut as something like a death, a sale, or a financial change? This webinar will discuss how to build resilience in times when loss, grief, and stress may feel unclear or unending.

McGuire and co-presenter, Emily Krekelberg, extension farm safety and health educator, will introduce the theory of ambiguous loss and its applications to agriculture, as well as share resilience strategies to use when facing the unknown and uncontrollable.

“Most farmers face factors that are completely out of their control, and that can’t be fixed by just working harder,” says McGuire. “A shift in gears and a new way of seeing the situation might be the key to farming success for years to come. We hope this workshop will be an opportunity for individuals and families to reflect on rural and farm stress and find alternative ways to remain viable.”

The webinar is free. Learn more and register on the UMN Extension site.

McGuire and Krekelberg recently updated “A Changing Way of Life: Ambiguous Loss and Farming,” an Extension research publication originally authored by Pauline Boss, ambiguous loss pioneer, researcher, author, and professor emeritus in the Department of Family Social Science. Extension also offers ambiguous loss facilitator training workshops statement. Visit this Extension site to learn more.

Extension offers slate of free webinars

Extension’s family-focused webinars support greater health, resilience, and well-being for all.

Join one or more of these free webinars to learn more about shopping and cooking, wellness and recovery, making your home healthier, and much more.

Webinars on how to save money, manage debt and stay on a budget will also be available in Spanish.

The UMN Wellbeing Program, administered through the Office of Human Resources, offers 200 well-being points per webinar for employees and spouses covered by the University’s medical insurance.

View the full schedule at the Extension web site.