Just as the climate is changing rapidly, so is the climate conversation that is happening all around us. This rapid pace of change in public awareness and commitment to climate action places demands on climate communicators to be clear on what they are trying to achieve and why—the two primary elements of communication strategy. From strategy flows decisions about the tactics and tools that will allow that strategy to be effectively designed and delivered. By the end of this course, learners will be equipped to understand what goes into developing a communication strategy as well as how to implement one based on a climate action initiative in their own organization or community.
Drawing from a conversations or interviews with guest contributors and a range of case studies, readings, and other resources, participants will explore models and frameworks for strategic communication and communication planning. This four-week intensive course will include a blend of asynchronous exercises, and interactive synchronous sessions. Students’ time commitment in the course includes assignments, readings, videos, and participation in online discussion forums.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the complexities of and conditions for effective strategies for change management initiatives in organizations
- Recognize different kinds of communication strategies as they relate to climate action
- Identify elements of a climate strategy and plan
- Integrate insights from climate communication best practices to enhance understanding of audience, development of key messages, delivery channels, etc.
- Apply the concepts of communication strategy and planning to development of a draft communication strategy for their own organization
Learner Effort:
- This four-week course will include individual and group exercises, readings, videos, and participation in online discussion forums
- Each week, participants will convene for a one-hour synchronous session online focused on applying the concepts explored in each module
- The total time commitment will be approximately 25 hours or about 4-6 hours per week
- The final assignment will be the development of a draft communication strategy for their organization of choice
Live (Synchronous) Sessions:
- Live (synchronous) sessions will be scheduled by the instructor
- Learners will be notified of the time of these sessions in the course
- Live (synchronous) sessions will be recorded for learners unable to attend
Computer Requirements:
A week prior to the course start, date learners will receive an email from Royal Roads University Professional and Continuing Studies with information on how to access the online course. At that time learners will be encouraged to visit a short orientation website to familiarize themselves with the online learning platform. Learners will find the computer requirements for this course through this link: computerservices.royalroads.ca/computer_equip_requirements.
