Description:
An activity based on an Audience Segmentation Analysis that looks at how Americans feel about aspects of the climate change issue.
How to use these materials:
Print out signs. Read background and instructions for activity; watch video and present PDF. The materials support an activity that clearly demonstrates the results of a survey on the public's opinions about climate change.
Comments
Is cheering them on enough?
I really love this 6 Americas activity and I plan on using it in an upcoming staff training. Reading through the instructions though something struck me. It says (I changed the % to reflect the May 2011 data): "The Alarmed [not represented in this activity] (10%) are already way ahead of us in acting on climate change and we don’t need to do anything other than cheer them on." I think what we are learning now is that we want to encourage them to go one step further to create large scale systemic change. Especially here in San Francisco, where we already have very "green" consumers, we want to stress to them that their work is not complete. Let's encourage the Alarmed to think like citizens and encourage their communities to participate in collective action. Already bring a reusable bag to the grocery store? Great, now go to your local grocery store and encourage them to stop providing plastic bags...Just an example and food for thought.
Is cheering them on enough?
Great question. I think it's important to consider that visitors at museums/zoos/aquariums/nature centers/etc aren't likely to dramatically change their views or behaviors as a result of a single interaction. It's strategic for us to seek to connect with those whose views are more common among Americans and to seek to engage them in thinking and learning more and discussing what they can do next. If alarmed (perhaps "activated" is a better term) folks are already having those discussions, we may not have much effect on them beyond 'cheering them on' to keep finding ways to innovate and lead.