IRA Funds Going to Highway Widening? | Audio Post
We *can* change this narrative, through Climate Influence strategy
Oh yes - I was indeed “triggered” (in an enthusiastic way!) by an excellent Oliver Milman Guardian piece (that is being much discussed on LinkedIn, thanks for the nudge Scott Shepard).
People, there is massive climate influence opportunity in telling better stories about the, perhaps few, cases where communities pushed back on highway widening, moved forward with a new small public transit project and found success.
Let our flat-out frustration at the fact that the biggest climate action policy ever is only helping keep people in cars turn to wisdom.
We need to start identifying and leveraging the “conversion stories” of the most unusual suspects. In my 8 minute audio rant here, I mention as my example the light rail in Seattle. That is one small example of how even the people who most likely didn’t support light rail funding now *gladly* take it every time they want to get into town for a football, soccer or baseball game (or concert etc).
Find a few really surprising examples (old, white guys who normally drive F150s might be a good starting point), and get them talking about how flipping great it is to not have to drive all way way into town and deal with traffic and parking.
All I see is opportunity to flip the narrative here. Yes, we are frustrated. But, wow - is there storytelling to be done.
Remember: Message x Delivery = Impact. We’ll have massive impact if we get much more creative with who our “deliver-ers” are. Conversion stories are the gold.
Listen and tell me what you think!
My “Conversion Storytelling” workshop, which is focused on food systems transition, but completely applies here.
You know where to find me if you want to read more of my content, listen to my Living Change podcast or explore working togther.
And, keep an eye on some really interesting business/climate related events developing in Seattle this next six months. One of those very much aligns with todays topic of #LessCar world: I’ll be doing a live podcast recording at the Women In Tech Regatta climate tech “port” on eCargoBikes for last mile delivery with a UW Urban Freight Lab leader. And, more. (I’m also developing deeply and creatively aligned partnerships for all of the climate sessions - which make for a great talent development/retention hook.)
“Talk “ with you likely next week…