Thomas College to Hold Training on How to Talk to Mainers about Climate Change Web Director | November 12, 2019

WATERVILLE, MAINE, November 2019 — Do you care about making a difference towards climate change? Not sure how to get others to care and take action, too? Attend Thomas College’s training on Communicating with Mainers about Climate Change on November 14 from 12:50 to 2:05 p.m. in the Ayotte Auditorium at Thomas College in Waterville. This event is open to the public, free and pre-registration is not required.

Trainer Tyler Kidder will help people communicate more effectively with Mainers on the topic of climate change.   Based on extensive Maine social research conducted by a team of strategic communication professionals, the workshop includes information on modern brain science as well as findings on how to change opinion and move audiences to action.  The trainer leads attendees through a multimedia presentation with plenty of time for discussion and practice.  No matter your audience, you will gain helpful insights on how to better reach and connect with them.  All are welcome, no prior experience with communications necessary.  All trainees who complete the training workshop receive the print edition of Communication with Mainers on Climate Change Toolkit.

Kidder is the Program Officer at the Onion Foundation which encourages environmental conservation and stewardship as well as music and the arts through grantmaking in Maine. She previously worked as Community Outreach Director at GrowSmart Maine, Communications Manager for Efficiency Maine, and as Assistant Director for Sustainable Programs at the University of Southern Maine.

Kidder holds a degree in Environmental Studies from Bucknell University, is a Senior Fellow of the Environmental Leadership Program, and a graduate of the Sustainable Food Systems Leadership Institute of Maine. In 2017, Kidder Co-Chaired the Energy Efficiency Subcommittee of the Maine Climate Table and has been leading Climate Table Communication training workshops since January 2018. 

Follow up support and opportunities for ongoing evaluation of implementation efforts will be available for six months after the workshop through a series of interactive webinars, office hours and online evaluations hosted by the Climate Table and Kidder. Webinars will offer an opportunity to workshop progress to date and share ideas and examples of climate communications. Office hours will allow for one-on-one support from the workshop facilitator.

For more information, please contact Steve Kahl (steve.kahl@thomas.edu) or 207-859-1337.

About Thomas College: Thomas College has been preparing students for success in their personal and professional lives for over 125 years. Thomas College nurtures the unique potential within each student. Our Guaranteed Job Program, 3-year accelerated offerings in all undergraduate degrees/masters in four-years, individualized advising, career counseling, and our Innovation Centers in Business and Education meets a student’s determination to succeed with the direction, confidence, and tools to realize the highest version of themselves. From the classroom to community activities, or on the athletics field with our 17 varsity sports, Thomas College provides a personalized experience that prepares you for the workplace of tomorrow. Data reported by the New York Times ranks Thomas second in Maine and in the top 13 percent of all higher education institutions in the U.S. for upward mobility of its graduates, and U.S. News & World Report ranks us #8 among colleges in the Northeast. For more information, visit www5.thomas.edu or contact MacKenzie Riley Young at pr@thomas.edu or 207-859-1313. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.