Communications Strategy Advice for Conservation Organizations

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the importance of personalized communication from conservation organizations. He shares his frustrations with generic emails and constant donation requests, emphasizing the need for organizations to understand their audience's preferences and provide value beyond just asking for money. Andrew also reflects on his own journey in communications and his passion for using his skills to work with conservation organizations.

Tune in to learn more about effective communication in conservation and how it can help protect the ocean.

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The podcast host is currently enrolled in a Conservation Communications course offered by Conservation Careers. This online video course provides valuable knowledge and experience in communication strategies specifically tailored to the field of conservation. The host highly recommends the course, as it covers all the necessary tactics and strategies needed to excel in conservation communications. They are amazed by the success stories of individuals who have secured jobs after completing the course. Topics covered in the course include developing a communications plan, crafting engaging copy for conservation projects, securing press and media coverage, building and engaging social media audiences, creating content to support conservation initiatives, and measuring the effectiveness of communication activities. The host encourages listeners interested in a career in conservation and communications to visit the Conservation Careers website and sign up for one of their courses. As an added bonus, they provide a discount code for a 33% discount on any training course at Conservation Careers.

During the episode, the host suggests that an effective communication strategy involves allowing people to become familiar with the organization and the individuals working there. They believe that the people involved in these organizations are remarkable, passionate, and genuinely care about the environment. By showcasing the individuals and their projects, the host believes that it strengthens the organization's message.

The host emphasizes the importance of showcasing the people and projects to help the audience understand the magnitude of the problems at hand and how the proposed solutions can make a difference. This approach aims to establish a connection between the audience and the organization by humanizing the work being done. By getting to know the individuals involved, the host believes it fosters trust and engagement with the organization.

Additionally, the host highlights the significance of involving the community in the communication process. This goes beyond simply asking for donations and extends to seeking feedback, ideas, and stories from the audience. By actively involving the community, the host believes it creates a stronger and more supportive network. This engagement can take various forms, such as participating in call-to-action campaigns, signing petitions, or contacting relevant government representatives.

Overall, the host suggests that by allowing people to become acquainted with the organization and its members, and by actively involving the community in the communication process, it can lead to more effective communication and garner greater support for the organization's goals.

In the episode, the host delves into the importance of establishing an emotional connection between individuals and the conservation cause. They emphasize that this emotional connection can be a powerful tool for decision-making and community building.

The host explains that when people feel emotionally connected to a place or cause, it significantly influences their decision-making process. They note that this emotional connection can tug at the heartstrings of decision-makers, making them more inclined to take action. By highlighting the emotional connection between individuals and the conservation cause, it becomes easier to rally support and secure the necessary resources for implementing conservation projects.

Furthermore, the host suggests that celebrating both the successes and challenges of conservation projects can contribute to building a sense of community. By sharing achievements, people feel a sense of accomplishment and are motivated to continue supporting the cause. Additionally, by acknowledging setbacks and seeking assistance, it creates an opportunity for community engagement and collaboration. This fosters a stronger sense of community and encourages active participation in finding solutions.

The episode also touches on the role of social media and content creation in establishing emotional connections and building community. The host expresses frustration that many organizations do not fully utilize social media and content creation to connect with people and share their conservation efforts. They firmly believe that social media and content creation can be powerful tools for building emotional connections and generating support for conservation projects.

Overall, the episode highlights the importance of establishing an emotional connection between individuals and the conservation cause. By doing so, it can influence decision-making, foster community building, and ultimately lead to greater success in conservation efforts.