|
As our mission states, we are dedicated to building the communications capacity of environmental groups. We feel this is a critical component of achieving environmental and conservation goals, yet we know that many groups work with tight budgets that don't provide for communications staff. There may be a staff person working on raising the profile of the organization, but not always someone who is thinking strategically about advancing the mission of the organization using consistent messages. This is where the Biodiversity Project is able to help.
Our workshops, typically half-day or full day, are available to train staff in strategic values-based communication. Workshop topics range from basic "do's and don'ts" to the methods for designing a strategic communications plan. Through our workshops we share our knowledge of applicable public opinion research and teach participants how to use the data to meet their organization's goals.
Recognizing the increasing cost of travel (both financially and environmentally) the Biodiversity Project has also begun offering online trainings and workshops. These computer and conference call-based sessions are usually one to two hours in length and offer increased flexibility for our participants.
Examples of Our Work
Healing Our Waters Coalition Trainings
The Biodiversity Project has offered ongoing support and trainings for the Healing Our Waters (HOW) coalition's 50+ members. HOW members are all participating in the Healthy Lakes, Healthy Lives campaign with the goal of generating public and political support for federal legislation for Great Lakes restoration.
The Biodiversity Project has provided in-person and online trainings for the HOW members over the past two years. These sessions are designed to build member capacity through training in strategic, values and research-based communications. They are also a way to help HOW members "get and stay on message" through activities that help members incorporate the Healthy Lakes, Healthy Lives message and campaign materials into their existing efforts.
"The right message, delivered the right way at the right time, has been just critical for the Healing Our Waters Coalition's Great Lakes campaign. The Biodiversity Project's guidance and training to the 100 organizations in our Coalition has been essential in the campaign's success. Biodiversity Project staff really know their stuff and they've been great to work with. Thanks to their support, we're seeing remarkable progress in our Great Lakes restoration campaign."
—Andy Buchsbaum, Regional Executive Director, National Wildlife Federation -
Great Lakes Office
Land Trust Alliance Communications Workshops
In addition to campaign specific workshops, Biodiversity Project also provides independent communications workshops. For instance we have given a number of workshops for the land conservation community through the Land Trust Alliance. These half or day-long sessions provide an overview of strategic, values-based communications grounded in real-life examples. They also allow participants to apply the concepts to their own organization's work through activities and discussion.
|
