Location: Lessie B. Price Aiken Senior & Youth Center, 841 Edgefield Ave NW, Aiken, SC 29801

Description: Small water systems, especially in rural communities, face multiple challenges to support, replace and build their workforce. Attracting younger generations to the industry is especially difficult. In this two-day workshop small system managers, operators and board members will learn how to improve their communications and outreach to appeal to Gen Z, Gen X and the Millennials in between. Day one will focus on improving outreach skills from preparing a better job description to pitching your system on social media. Day two will bring those newfound skills to community members so they can learn about the opportunities in the industry and how small systems protect their health and environment, while providing safe drinking water to homes and businesses.

Please Note: This is a two-part training over the course of two days. In order to qualify for a certificate, you must attend both days:

• Tuesday, July 28, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM EDT
• Wednesday, July 29, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT

Learning Objectives:

• Understand your personality type as well as the people you work with, to avoiding unnecessary conflict.
• Evaluate your leadership footprint
• Identify and communicate your Mission, Vision, and Values
• Identify and reach your target audience
• Create and promote your narrative, then develop your messaging
• Put it all together to make a pitch to your desired workforce

Trainers: Sarah Diefendorf, Director, Elaine McCarty, Associate Director, and Kathleen Kirkpatrick, Southeast Manager, The Capacity Collaborative

Continuing Education Credits: We will provide a certificate of attendance to eligible attendees, but cannot guarantee it will meet your PDH or CEU requirements.

Who Should Attend:

• Managers, owners, and operators of water systems serving less than 10,000 people, or wastewater systems with an average daily flow of less than 1 million gallons
• Decision-makers for water and wastewater utilities, including mayors, finance officers, utility managers, public works directors, city councilors, board members, tribal council members, and clerks
• Consultants and technical assistance providers serving water and wastewater systems

Partner: