Thank you for considering a workshop from the Basic Needs Programs at UNH! Please note the following before requesting a workshop:
- We offer in-person and virtual workshops. Note: The group must be all in person or all virtual- we find that it does not work well to have some of the group in person and some virtual.
- Minimum attendance of 10 is required. If you are requesting a presentation for a student organization or residence hall, we ask that you make pre-registration available.
- Requests should be submitted at least two (2) weeks in advance of your preferred date. Due to limited staff resources, we may not be able to accommodate requests that do not have a two week lead time.
- Our staff is available to consult with you on creating an program that aligns with your goals and learning objectives. To ensure we have ample time to collaborate with you and design a program that meets your specific needs, please provide at least 3-4 weeks of advance notice.
Please complete our
Workshop Descriptions:
Brief Basic Needs overview (10-20 minutes)
Dangers of Empathy (60 minutes) In this presentation, we examine the dangers of empathy and how sometimes the best of intentions can be unintentionally harmful. We will explore volunteerism/donation efforts through the lens of critical service, which puts the community as the experts and allows for community driven response.
Financial Wellness (60 minutes): In this presentation, we’ll explore the foundations of financial wellness, covering essential topics like budgeting, saving, credit, and debt management. You'll gain a deeper understanding of why financial wellness matters and how it directly affects your long-term financial security.
We’ll also cover:
- Basic money management skills
- How to set and reach your personal financial goals
- The role of credit scores and how they impact your finances
- Common financial pitfalls to watch out for
- Practical tools and resources to support smarter financial decisions
By the end, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and strategies to take control of your finances and build a more secure financial future.
Playspent Activity (45-60 minutes) This is an interactive presentation utilizing the online game Spent to engage in a conversation around class, financial decision making, and awareness of the challenges so many US citizens are facing.
Tree of Power (75 minutes) : The Tree of Power is an interactive workshop geared towards helping us understand that in order to create lasting change, we need to understand and shift the underlying power structures that support these problems. By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Identify symptoms related to systems of power and the institutions that maintain/perpetuate them
- Articulate the root causes of social issues and understand the concept of intersectionality
Why is it so difficult to ask for help? (45 minutes)
Asking for help—something so simple in theory, yet incredibly hard in practice. In this presentation, we explore the emotional, psychological, and social barriers that make it difficult for people to reach out when they need support. From fear of judgment and vulnerability to cultural expectations and personal pride, we'll uncover the deep-rooted reasons behind our hesitation. Through real-life examples, research insights, and interactive discussion, we'll not only understand why asking for help feels so hard—but also how we can begin to change that mindset, both in ourselves and in the communities we live and work in.
