The art and science of changing donor behaviors
The science part of our process stems from the fantastic research of psychologists and social scientists who’ve developed models for change. While they often make for dense reading, these change models can shine some very useful light on the difficulty we adults commonly experience in changing our behaviors.
Read MoreRenewed grant supports coalition’s important work
We are happy to announce that the Walton Family Foundation has very generously awarded the Mississippi River Network a continuation grant to fund the Network’s efforts for the first half of 2012. The Mississippi River Network is a coalition of 37 organizations dedicated to protecting the land, water and people of the Mississippi River basin. The Network and their public education campaign is managed by Biodiversity Project staff. The McKnight Foundation also generously supports the work of the Mississippi River Network through a multi-year grant. The Mississippi River Network hired ...
Read MoreTurning member profile data into strategic appeals
Turning member profile data into strategic appeals Chris is a member of a land conservation organization. She moved to the community 5-10 years ago when the housing market was flourishing because there were still undeveloped areas and lots of trees. She rarely goes to nature preserves or parks—who has the time?—but enjoys the sweeping vistas during her 40 minute commute to and from work every day. She’s worried about the effects development has on our water and air, but would never call herself an environmentalist. If only development offices and communications managers had access to...
Read MoreSo much more than farms
So much more than farms Approximately every five years, the Food, Conservation and Energy Act is debated, amended and passed by Congress. Most commonly referred to as the “Farm Bill,” the 2008 version included over 1,700 pages of laws, programs and funding directives. It will cost tax payers an estimated $403.6 billion. For all the billions of dollars that are distributed because of this bill and the very serious issues covered by this bill—energy policy, food stamp programs, water pollution and school nutrition programs—why don’t the general public and mainstream media pay more...
Read MoreAnalyzing the Wisconsin debacle
Analyzing the Wisconsin debacle Barbara Clark Smith, a curator at the National Museum of American History in Washington, DC, explored the legions of protestors at the Wisconsin state house in the early weeks of March. Her task was to find museum-worthy signs and buttons for the Smithsonian’s collection of materials dating from the dawn of the American independence. According to a Washington Post article, this curator is part of the Smithsonian’s political history division, which examines “how citizens participate in the political process.” Without Smith’s diligence, the...
Read MoreCommunicating about water in the water-rich Midwest
Communicating about water in the water-rich Midwest The Midwest is blessed with abundant water resources. Thanks to its many tributaries like the Ohio, Illinois and Missouri, more freshwater flows through the Mississippi River than through all but four other rivers in the entire world. The Great Lakes and their connecting channels contain roughly 18% of the world’s surface freshwater, second only to the polar ice caps. Wisconsin and Minnesota both boast having more than 10,000 lakes each. Municipalities, environmental coalitions and water utility companies often struggle when creating and...
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