How to Tell a More Effective Story About Environmental Education: A Framing Guide for Advocates, Educators, Program Leaders, and Other Communicators
The Colorado Association for Environmental Education, Environmental Education of New Mexico, and the Frameworks Institute have developed a fantastic evidence-based framing strategy to help the general public understand the connection between environmental education and public health, conservation, PreK-12 education, positive youth development and social justice.
In short, the following 5-step framing process is recommended:
1. Set the scene. Provide a clear definition of environmental education.
2. Invite people into the story. Paint a big picture of why environmental education matters to all of us.
3. Reveal the plot. Explain key processes and cause-effect relationships.
4. Feature the full cast of characters. Use inclusive language to place disparate outcomes in the context of universal needs and shared responsibilities.
5. Offer a compelling conclusion. Provide concrete solutions that we can implement together to strengthen environmental education and become the global society we want to be.
This tool can be used for grant-writing, advocacy, social media and newsletter communications, and any public-facing opportunity! Please share with us in the comments below if and how you've used the framing guide.