Hi.
My name is Erika Maher.
This is my strategy (so far).
looking back...
2005:
b.a. in anthropology
2009-2011:
taught kids how to read
2011:
m.a. in env. studies (climate change + media)
2011-2012:
public outreach for NYSERDA
climate action planner for red hook, NY
looking ahead to 2018
may 2013
goal:
to help the environmental movement get away from this...
Below: "Read ‘Communicating the Science of Climate Change,’ published in the October 2011 issue of Physics Today..."
google images
1
negative imagery
2
confusing charts + graphs
climate progress
1
unrelatable banter

"If you want to know how to debunk those who peddle bunk, LIKE this post!... A Climate Flowchart To De-Confuse the Confused - And To Defuse The Confusers"
2
sarcasm + politics

"Climate change is poised to turn New Mexico into a dust bowl, so of course NM State U may pick a denier for its President."
...and address the disconnect between:
environmentalists + scientists
companies
the public
makers...
to get things looking a little more like this...
futerra (sustainability communications)

"...before you put leaves and an attractive couple cycling on your website, you need to have a strategy."
(what)
in other words,
i want to help develop smart, effective environmental communications to affect consumer culture and resource conservation...
(how)
...by appropriating the knowledge of those most successful at influencing behavior -

advertisers -
(how)

...and re-purposing it.
(how)
- smart applications of user experience (UX) (design+tech+psychology)

(how)
- audience-appropriate messaging

(how)
- awareness of mainstream culture

(how)
- and realistic understandings of "barriers to entry."

(how)
in other words,
no more graphs,
no more maps,
no more shaming,
no more politics.
(how)
tap into growing corporate recognition:
“those who do good
will do well.”
(who)
- interest by businesses + a more educated public...
(who)
- environmentalists and scientists not trained or skilled to interface with the public
(who)
- subversive factions of the "maker movement" whose work could affect:
- clean energy generation
- climate-hardy crops/food sources
- water desalination and recycling
(so, what if we could
create a network between:)
corporate entities
corporate entities
|
|
communicators
corporate entities
|
|
communicators
|
|
environmentalists
corporate entities
|
|
communicators ------- scientists
|
|
environmentalists
corporate entities
|
|
makers ------- communicators ------- scientists
|
|
environmentalists
(uncertainties)
- how successful will i be at network building?
- how translatable will common advertising methods be to mission-driven campaigns?
- will it be best to focus my efforts on an employed position, or as a free agent/business owner?
(first next steps)
- focus on data/information representation at ITP
- practice translating learning into entertainment
- learn UX and advertising from the experts
(next next steps)
work internationally
- to learn how these issues are met by different cultures
- to help international policy-making efforts coalesce more effectively with improved public support and demand
Time's up!
Thank you.
Hi. My name is Erika Maher. This is my strategy (so far).
disruption and the maker movement
By erikahan
disruption and the maker movement
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