Intriguing resources have been moving through my in-box.  There is a "climate communications training" coming up that emphasizes crafting the message, understanding the demographics of your audience, and anticipating resistance.  The invitation begins, "If you're not Al Gore..."  

 Well, I'm not Al Gore, but I'm kind of fed up with the idea that any meaningful leadership can arise from trying to outsmart people rather than connect with them.

Recently I was part of a panel at the NY Association of Towns meeting, in the (overheated to sauna level) NY Hilton Hotel, sharing the stage with staff from NYSERDA, the DEC and the Nature Conservancy. Their job was to talk about the climate crisis, strategies for protecting people and nature, and financing resources for getting started. My job - I thought - was to help people digest the enormity of the challenge, break out of paralysis,  and take action that would work in their local communities.  

We said our pieces. And then we asked for a show of hands:  how many of you are already taking some action, and here to learn more?  Literally everyone in the audience raised a hand.  They were there to learn financing strategies, ways of setting priorities, how to evaluate new energy technologies, and other practical steps. They differed a good bit in their motives and politics.  But they were all doing their part, already, and ready for the advanced course.

And it's a good thing...