Community Meeting 5

Key Idea Synthesis

Beyond the Classroom: Engaging Learners in Climate Solutions

Dec 6, 2022, 10 am - 12 pm CT

During this session, we heard from Cathy Techtmann with Climate Strong! and Lorenza Zebell with Sustain Dane about strategies that have worked for engaging adult audiences in sustainability and climate educational programs.

From Cathy Techtmann, we heard about the importance of exploring other ways of knowing and using educational resources published by Indigenous communities. For example, the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment explores the vulnerability of important cultural beings to climate change using both Ojibwe Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Scientific Ecological Knowledge. Cathy also shared curriculum resources that she had a part in creating, that talk about climate change using both TEK and SEK ways of knowing. The GWOW curriculum explore place-based evidence of climate change and promotes action. Minisan (island, in Ojibwe) is anther resource, which looks at climate change in the Apostle Islands of Wisconsin. In response to participant questions, we discussed that since these resources were created in collaboration with Indigenous communities who were aware of the uses and gave consent to publish the information enclosed, utilizing these resources in your classroom is not a form of cultural appropriation.

Additionally, we had a group discussion about forging relationships with local Indigenous communities to start collaborating on projects. Some of the advice that came from participants included:

  • Start early. Don't wait until you have a grant proposal or project need to approach Indigenous communities. Start building relationships before then.
  • Most tribes have designated liaisons, like a Tribal Historic Preservation Officer. Reach out to these individuals about connecting with their respective tribe.
  • Attend existing events. Most tribes host events like gardening nights, cultural ceremonies, dinners, etc. that will be open to the public. Attend these!

 

From Lorenza Zebell, we heard about Sustain Dane's successful programming. For example, they run a Master Recycler recycling class that includes 2- 1.5 hour virtual sessions. In 2022, they had 737 people participate in these classes! Lorenza explained that they add programming based on criteria including: receiving multiple requests for programming or inquiries in the topic area, a willing partner to be an expert, and a partner with a large network of sphere of influence. For example, they partner with the city's recycling program to create content that accurately describes local recycling guidelines, but also leverage the city's vast influence to ensure participation in their program. As they receive new requests and find new partners, they will add programming (like their new Water Stewardship Program, started in 2022).

Lorenza provided tips for keeping content accessible and engaging, including:

  • Provide all content at a 5th grade reading level
  • Build in lots of time for questions. Their programs are planned for 1.5 hours, but only 1 hour is content. They take questions for the remaining time. 
  • Provide diverse engagement opportunities. For example, they provide minimal training in person  for accessibility concerns. When they plan their programs for the year, they plan some to occur during the lunch hour, and others to occur in the evening to allow for audiences with different work schedules to participate. 

 

Resources: 

(List compiled by presenters and participants via small group discussions)