The 6-week Climate Conversation Challenge with Destination Ball Hill recently wrapped up and wow, what an experience it was! We teamed up with Larger Us to help people have impactful conversations about climate change. Here’s a look at the highlights, lessons learned, and the collective impact of our time together!
What The Group learnt
Talking about climate change doesn’t have to be daunting. We learned that you don’t need to be a climate expert to start meaningful conversations — it’s all about active listening, curiosity, and meeting people where they are. Conversations can be sparked by everyday topics like weather or gardening, and guess what? Unlike we originally thought you don't need all the facts and data to be able to have an effective climate conversation. People are more eager to chat than we initially thought!
Collective Impact
309 conversations over 6 weeks! That’s a lot of talking!
We sparked a Save the Bees campaign in Ball Hill.
The conversation didn’t end when the Challenge did — our group is still going strong, with plans for future meetups!
Highlights
Consistent attendance and participation
The diverse background of our participants
People have changed their opinions of climate change conversions and how they can approach them
Cross-pollination of ideas
Conversations spanning continents (with relatives or friends in different countries) that meant our conversation challenge travelled the globe
Discovering the many daily opportunities in our lives for conversations
Everyone is willing to engage in conversation! It is becoming more mainstream
Active Listening is key - it is really exciting to learn about
Sharing of resources and ideas in the What's App group
Top Tips from Participants
Paul: Belief in climate change is key. We must believe in what we are doing to be able to support others to follow in our footsteps
Tina: Start with simple, relatable topics, like saving the bees. Remember, climate change impacts people differently based on their occupations and hobbies.
Esther: Focus on everyday aspects and avoid preaching. Actively listen to others.
Bill: Balance global and local conversations. Highlight the importance of seasons and support local farmers.
Maureen: Meet people where they are rather than where you want them to be. Encourage planting more vegetables.
Leonie: Keep it local and start from the listener’s perspective. Avoid arrogance, listen to their reasons and challenges.
Neil: Relate to your audience. You can learn a lot if you don't dominate the conversation.
Pam: Begin with their current understanding before guiding them further.
Melissa: It's fine not to have all the answers. Be curious about people's stories and values.
Talking about climate change may seem hard at first, but with a little practice and an open mind, as a group, we found that it found it is a rewarding thing we can do for our planet.
Let’s keep the conversation going!
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