Tools for Changemakers: Communicating Hard Truths

Tell the truth without losing people.

Those of us working for our climate and environment are often communicating about complex issues, difficult realities and uncertain futures. Rather than choosing between telling the truth and keeping people engaged, this interactive Tools for Changemakers workshop will explore how communication can do both.

Dr Yolanda Waters and Kirsty Costa will help you explore some of the tensions at the heart of environmental communication. Through real-world examples, discussion and practical exercises, you’ll test evidence-based communication principles and learn from the experiences of others. You’ll leave with a clearer framework for making communication choices - what to say, how to say it and why - and practical approaches you can use in your own campaigns, projects and conversations.

Together, we will explore:

• Urgency and agency - communicating the seriousness of environmental crises while helping people see where they have influence

• Grief and hope - making space for difficult emotions and supporting people to remain engaged

• Audience and intention - adapting your communication depending on who you are speaking to and what you want the conversation to achieve

• Evidence and storytelling - communicating what we know in ways that are accurate, meaningful and memorable

This is one of two special Tools for Changemakers sessions featuring guests from WELA’s There Will Be Dancing podcast. In her episode Under the Sea, Yolanda explored climate communication, cultural inclusion and the challenge of reaching audiences beyond the usual climate conversation. This is your chance to meet Yolanda and ask your questions about environmental communication.

You are also invited to meet Kelly O’Shanassy on Thursday 29 October.

About the facilitators

Dr Yolanda Waters, Founder and CEO of Divers for Climate

Dr. Yolanda Waters is a dive instructor turned marine social scientist and the founder and CEO of Divers for Climate, a national movement of divers and dive professionals across Australia mobilised for climate action. Inspired by her time working on the Great Barrier Reef, she now designs evidence-based climate communication and engagement strategies that empower ocean communities to drive systemic change. Through her research, advocacy and media work, Yolanda is building a climate movement as diverse and dynamic as the ocean itself so that we can continue diving for generations to come.

Kirsty Costa, WELA Director of Communications and Engagement

Kirsty is the Director of Communications and Engagement at WELA. She is a strategic communications expert and environmental leader with more than 20 years’ experience working across the environment, education and community sectors. Her previous roles include leadership positions at Zoos Victoria, CERES, Cool.org and Climate Reality Australia. She is also the creator of Weekend Birder, one of Australia’s most listened-to nature podcasts and a trusted platform for storytelling and everyday science. Kirsty’s work reflects an understanding that better environmental decisions are made when a wider range of voices, experiences and perspectives are part of the conversation.

About Tools for Changemakers

Tools for Changemakers is a dynamic workshop series designed to equip you with the skills, tools and mindsets to lead with confidence, navigate change and build collective impact.

These sessions are designed for women and gender-diverse changemakers.

Through virtual lunchtime sessions, expert facilitators guide you through practical strategies to strengthen your leadership, confidence and resilience.

For concession pricing (Volunteers/Unpaid/WELA Alum), use discount code CONCESSION for $15 off the full ticket price.

This session is free for First Nations participants and for those in which costs presents a barrier to attendance. Use discount code COMMUNITY to waive your ticket fee.

Please note:

• This session is designed to be interactive and participatory.

• This session is not recorded.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at info@wela.org.au