2025 Governing Essentials Webinar Series

The Governing Essentials Series is designed for local elected and appointed officials looking to sharpen their skills and promote good governance practices. Those considering public office will also gain valuable insights.
The webinars can be viewed individually or as a 3-part series.


Open Meetings Act
The Michigan Open Meetings Act (OMA) furthers government transparency by requiring elected and appointed boards to provide notice and make decisions in an open public meeting. Participants will learn the requirements of the Act as well as answers to frequently asked questions.

Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure
Parliamentary Procedure based on Robert's Rules of Order is the most widely used parliamentary authority. This session will focus on parliamentary principles, motions, and debate and decorum during meetings. Participants will explore scenarios and practice skills.

Components of Extraordinary Governance
The Components of Extraordinary Governance draws the best ideas together for a thorough overview of board governance. This session will help your board improve its governance to positively impact your community. Better board governance leads to more effective organizations that improve our communities. That’s a goal we can all share! 

All sessions will be delivered via Zoom. All webinars will be recorded and sent to registrants. 

Cost: $20 per session, $50 for the 3-course series. The webinars can be taken individually or as a 3-part series. For the $50 series rate, applicants must register for either the spring, summer, or winter series. 

Time/Date:  noon to 1 p.m. ET (see below for dates)

1 Master Citizen Planner (MCP) credit per session

2 County Commissioner Academy credits for completion of the series

Session

Spring Series

Summer Series

Winter Series

Open Meetings Act

March 6

August 5

December 3

Parliamentary Procedure

March 13

August 12

December 10

Components of Extraordinary Governance

March 20

August 19

December 17


Governing Essentials is a program of the MSU Extension Government & Community Vitality Team, helping individuals and local and tribal governments build capacity to support thriving communities by:
  • Sustainably leveraging their land-based resources for the benefit of current and future generations;
  • Supporting locally elected and appointed officials and their staff in the stewardship of human and financial resources; and
  • Using our individual talents, interests, and expertise to meet the needs of our audiences.

Registration for Governing Essentials Series is open.

Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on December 16, 2025.

Accommodations

Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Contact Information

For more information, contact Extension Educators Bethany Prykucki (prykucki@msu.edu) or Mary Reilly (reillym8@msu.edu).