General Presentation (20 minutes-1hour)
A general overview of the MFRSL: its history, mandate,
services, what is farm and rural stress, and managing stress.
Audience: producers, professionals, general public
The Farm & Rural Stress Toolkit (1 to 3 hours)
Signs and symptoms of stress, unique features of farm and
rural stress, stress management as a business management
tool, developing a personal stress management ‘toolkit’.
Audience: producers
Communication On The Farm (45 min - 1 hour)
Whether you are discussing financial matters with your
banker, talking with your spouse, or making business decisions
with a farm family partner, it is important to effectively
communicate your needs to others. However, when stress levels
are high, communication can break down. This workshop examines
ways to manage your stress, and to enhance communication
with family, friends, and in business.
Audience: producers, farm women, farm couples, intergenerational
farm families
Balancing Acts: A Workshop for Farm Women ( 1
to 3 hrs)
Many farm women are holding down off-farm work, playing
a greater role in the farm business, juggling domestic and
child care duties and trying to maintain other volunteer
commitments. How do we do it all and still take care
of ourselves? This workshop looks at the realities of farm
women’s lives and how they can better manage the many
“hats” they wear.
Audience: Farm women
Transition and Change
Change is all around us. How we perceive change can determine
how well we cope with it. This workshop explores the stages
of change and helps participants regain a sense of control
over their situation. You will learn how being “Hit
by the Storm”, wading through “The Foggy Middle”
and achieving “Higher Ground” will help you
navigate through life’s changes.
Audience: producers, farm families, general public
Responding to Farmers Under Stress
Rural Stress and the Service Provider: What You Need to
Know
This hands-on workshop examines the ‘culture of farming’
as well as the specific stressors and challenges experienced
by farm families today. We will look at some of the unique
characteristics of farm and rural stress, barriers to help-seeking
behaviors among farmers, and how to respond to farmers under
stress. This workshop is designed for health and social
services providers who may be providing services to farmers
who are attempting to navigate systems in an urban setting.
Youth Workshops
Speakers are also available to address issues facing farm
and rural youth. Topics may include but are not limited
to the following: Communication, signs and symptoms
of stress, youth suicide, youth wellness, and resiliency.
Speakers can respond to requests from schools, 4-H groups,
Farm Safety Camp for Kids, parent groups, schools, youth
groups, etc.
Please contact us for more information on our workshop topics,
sliding fee schedule and speaker availability.
Download
these printable documents for your own use or as a resource
for your community group. Most of them are just a single page,
in PDF format. These can be printed out and serve as a starting
point for discussions and workshops.
