In October 2024, the IWJV, the Center for Collaborative Conservation, and Audubon Rockies offered conservation communicators an opportunity for place-based professional development and networking. A three-day workshop at Wyoming’s Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge focused on effective storytelling around habitat conservation efforts (in this case, sagebrush rangelands) by providing continued learning through topic-based sessions and guest speaker presentations. The agenda also left space for participants to network and build relationships, share resources and ideas, and foster communications coordination among agencies and conservation groups.

Built on a virtual Storyteller’s Circle workshop series hosted by the IWJV and the Center for Collaborative Conservation since 2023, the goal of the October in-person workshop was to build meaningful connections across organizational boundaries. Through those connections, organizers hoped to create a direct link between learning and performance for conservation communicators seeking connection within the field, as well as professional growth and dedicated time to improve their storytelling craft. By empowering communicators to work more effectively and collaboratively, the conservation community benefits from stronger storytelling.

Over the three-day workshop, guest speakers led sessions designed to help conservation communications professionals improve their craft. Sessions  included:

A Framework for Behavior Change

Kate Mannle/Director of Training Programs at Rare, Center for Behavior & the Environment.

Covering Sagebrush Country in the Mass Media
Katie Klingsporn/Journalist, writer, editor at WyoFile. 

Centering Humans in Environmental Stories & Audio Storytelling

Luke Runyon/Journalist focused on water and climate change in the West, co-director of the Water Desk.

Visual Storytelling through Multimedia

Evan Barrientos/Senior Communications Manager for Audubon Rockies

Connecting People with Public Lands through Music

Betsy Mortenson, Harrison Goodale, and Nicole Reese/ Collaborators through Sustain Music and Nature

Building and Maintaining Relationships (Bonus Virtual Session on 10/31)

Jordan Dresser/Journalist, award-winning documentary filmmaker, enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe, and museum professional.

Based on feedback from participants, the Storyteller’s Circle in-person workshop filled a huge gap in providing a communications-specific professional development opportunity. Conservation communications professionals are hungry for opportunities to network and grow their skills but lack venues for doing so. The IWJV and partner organizers look forward to continuing to fill this niche through the Storyteller’s Circle.