A new report from the Pacific Centre for Climate Solutions (British Columbia) offers candid lessons around what has worked and what hasn’t for a handful of provincial climate “social mobilization” campaigns, from digital media, to city-wide conversations, to grassroots organizing and beyond.
WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE A LOOK
Mobilizing the silent majority is a key component in addressing climate change. Fortunately, an innovative arsenal of strategies and tools to bring climate change home for the general public is rapidly expanding. These projects from British Columbia offer field-tested learnings and recommendations for governments, NGOs, community groups and others.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Different strokes for different folks. Approach social engagement for any particular stakeholder or community group using multiple pathways. By presenting various opportunities to engage, you increase the likelihood of reaching individuals with different preferences, values and needs.
Target your media. Using digital media that speaks to the community in question is key to building momentum and interest in community engagement. For example, visualizations of areas can make figures and numbers meaningful by providing an image of what change might look like.
Go local. Grassroots groups that promote collective problem solving at the neighbourhood scale are particularly conducive to engagement. High-level solutions may not reach communities in the same way.
Outside organizations have power to innovate and lead. Third party interveners (such as NGOs, applied researchers, and scientific bodies) can play an important role in introducing new tools and stimulating community and government engagement.
image via (cc) flickr user
