Program Goals

1. Develop Media Skills & Knowledge
   • Gain hands-on experience in journalism, public relations, media production, and stakeholder engagement.
   • Learn to integrate systems thinking and complexity frameworks into climate-related storytelling.
2. Create High-Impact Media Outputs
   • Produce infographics, articles, interviews, or social media campaigns that highlight climate justice and Right to Development (RTD) principles.
   • Support local National Working Groups (NWGs) by giving voice to grassroots stories, pilot data, and research findings.
3. Foster Stakeholder Engagement
   • Map and connect with local NGOs, government agencies, the private sector, and media influencers.
   • Use multi-platform approaches (radio, TV, social media) to disseminate climate initiatives and NWG findings.
4. Promote Systemic Change
   • Showcase integrated solutions for the water-energy-food nexus.
   • Encourage policy dialogue and community-driven innovations.

WEEK 1: ORIENTATION & PROGRAM LAUNCH

Objective

Familiarize yourself with GCRI’s mission, the function of National Working Groups (NWGs), and the overarching structure of Nexus Reports and Roundtable Dialogues (RTDs). Participants will clarify their roles, set personal development plans, and learn the basic principles of open science and just transitions.

Activities

1. GCRI & NWGs Introduction
   • Watch or read orientation materials explaining the GCRI ecosystem, NWGs’ bridging function, and the global-to-local context.
2. Track Selection
   • Explore GCRI’s three main tracks: Media, Development, and Research. Understand how they intersect.
3. Setup & Onboarding
   • Join Slack channels (or Microsoft Teams), create Zenodo accounts (if needed), and review any open science documents or just transition briefs.

Deliverables

• Personal Development Plan: Outline your primary track (Media) and secondary interests (e.g., Development or Research synergy).
• NWG Collaboration Plan: Briefly map out how you intend to collaborate with cross-track teams (e.g., coordinating with Development track on local pilot data).

Learning Components

• Actor Mapping Guide
  • How to Use: Begin identifying the key “actors” in your local media ecosystem—journalists, editors, bloggers, NGOs, government offices.
  • Outcome: A basic “actor map” listing potential partners or influencers.
• System Mapping Overview
  • How to Use: Sketch a simple flow of how media, communities, policymakers, and environmental groups interact.
  • Outcome: Visual or tabular representation of communication flows and bottlenecks.

“Media Canvas” Submission

• Section to Complete: Personal Goals & Initial Actor Map.
• Submission: Upload your filled-in template to the designated Microsoft Teams/Slack folder for expert or peer feedback.

WEEK 2: MEDIA LANDSCAPE & STAKEHOLDER MAPPING

Objective

Identify the major media outlets, influencers, and partner organizations that cover or engage in climate and sustainability topics. Align these stakeholders with NWG climate action objectives.

Activities

1. Stakeholder Mapping (Quintuple Helix)
   • Catalog relevant entities from government, academia, private sector, civil society, and media.
2. Media Contacts List
   • Create a structured list (names, emails, social media handles) of local/national/global journalists or media channels specialized in environment or sustainability.

Deliverables

• Media Ecosystem Map: Visual map or spreadsheet showing how different actors can support NWG’s communication objectives.

Learning Components

• Systems Thinking Guide
  • How to Use: Understand how media narratives on health, environment, and social justice are interconnected in your context.
  • Outcome: Draft coverage ideas that bridge multiple dimensions of the water-energy-food nexus.
• Complexity Theory Guide
  • How to Use: Recognize how a single climate-related story (floods, droughts) might trigger political debates or policy changes.
  • Outcome: List possible chain reactions your media piece could spark.

“Media Canvas” Submission

• Section to Complete: Enhanced Actor/Stakeholder Map + Key Contacts.
• Submission: Present an updated version of your map, highlighting potential synergy points and immediate next steps for outreach.

WEEK 3: CROWDSOURCING COMMUNICATION TACTICS

Objective

Develop methods to engage the public and gather user-generated content on local climate vulnerabilities. Brainstorm mass communication channels (social media, TV, radio) to share NWG insights and mobilize community feedback.

Activities

1. Crowdsourcing Strategy Session
   • Brainstorm social media campaigns (hashtags, short videos) and local broadcasting opportunities (radio call-ins, community TV segments).
2. Draft Engagement Messages
   • Emphasize climate justice, data-driven solutions, and Right to Development (RTD) principles.
3. Community Feedback Channels
   • Outline how people can submit local stories, photos, or observations (e.g., using a Google Form or Slack channel).

Deliverables

• Communication Plan: A brief strategy document on how you plan to crowdsource stories and data regarding climate impacts and vulnerabilities.

Learning Components

• Complex Adaptive Systems Guide
  • How to Use: Observe how your local media environment adapts when major events (heatwaves, floods) occur; identify feedback loops where coverage quickly intensifies.
  • Outcome: Draft a pivot strategy for reacting to new crisis signals (e.g., urgent coverage on drought alerts).
• Systems Theory Guide
  • How to Use: Ensure your communications connect resource flows (water, energy, food) to social justice and policy in a holistic manner.
  • Outcome: Editorial “lens” guaranteeing consistent, systems-level approach in all content.

“Media Canvas” Submission

• Section to Complete: Crowdsourcing & Engagement Blueprint.
• Submission: Include proposed campaign ideas, key messages, and how you’d integrate stakeholder feedback into media outputs.

WEEK 4: CONTENT CREATION & COMMUNICATION TOOLKITS

Objective

Create a practical “Media Toolkit” with infographics, one-pagers, and interview scripts. This toolkit should clearly explain NWG objectives, baseline findings (e.g., local climate indicators), and possible solutions.

Activities

1. Infographic Development
   • Use simple design tools (Canva, Piktochart, etc.) to create visuals illustrating baseline climate or displacement data.
2. Interview Scripts
   • Draft short scripts or question lists for talking to local media, community members, or subject-matter experts.
3. Brand/Outreach Templates
   • Align fonts, logos, and color schemes with GCRI’s identity (if provided).

Deliverables

• Media Toolkit: A folder containing infographics, brand guidelines, interview templates, and outreach one-pagers.

Learning Components

• Systems Awareness Guide
  • How to Use: Conduct a quick self-audit on potential editorial biases or blind spots.
  • Outcome: Refined approach to ensure coverage is balanced and inclusive.
• Systems Inquiry Guide
  • How to Use: Create deeper “probe” questions that go beyond superficial coverage (e.g., “Why has water usage spiked in Region X?”).
  • Outcome: More insightful interviews and story outlines.

“Media Canvas” Submission

• Section to Complete: Draft Media Toolkit Outline & Concept.
• Submission: Upload or link to your emerging toolkit components. Seek feedback on clarity, design, and branding consistency.

WEEK 5: STORYTELLING & ENGAGEMENT

Objective

Center narratives on human experiences—community members, activists, local officials—to highlight climate solutions and NWG baseline data. Begin producing short-form content for immediate publication or broadcasting.

Activities

1. Community Interviews
   • Collect first-person stories from farmers, fishermen, or urban residents facing climate risks.
2. Short Media Pieces
   • Write blog posts, produce short videos, or prepare radio segments using real-life experiences and data from NWGs.
3. Editorial Feedback
   • Share drafts with peers or mentors for improvements on tone, structure, and factual accuracy.

Deliverables

• Short Features: At least one publishable article, radio script, or short video segment.

Learning Components

• Guides Overview
  • How to Use: Quickly revisit all relevant guides (actor mapping, systems thinking, complexity theory) to see how they can shape your storytelling.
  • Outcome: A “cross-check” matrix ensuring each piece integrates or references multiple perspectives.
• Horizon Scanning Guide
  • How to Use: Investigate potential emerging issues (e.g., upcoming policy changes, extreme weather predictions).
  • Outcome: A short “forecast story” about possible near-future climate scenarios that your audience should anticipate.

“Media Canvas” Submission

• Section to Complete: Draft Story Outline & Engagement Approach.
• Submission: Post your interview summaries and editorial outlines, inviting feedback on narrative flow and authenticity.

WEEK 6: MEDIA TRAINING & MENTORSHIP

Objective

Enhance your professional skills in ethical reporting, storytelling, and just transition narratives. Finalize or refine existing media pieces to ensure consistent messaging across the NWG.

Activities

1. Workshops/Webinars
   • Join interactive sessions (live or recorded) on journalistic ethics, fact-checking, or Earth system boundaries.
2. Peer Review
   • Exchange draft articles or social media posts with at least two peers for mutual critique and refinement.
3. Content Finalization
   • Incorporate feedback to produce near-final versions of your Week 5 stories.

Deliverables

• Finalized Media Content: Completed articles, infographics, or broadcast pieces ready for local/national distribution.

Learning Components

• Impact Guide
  • How to Use: Develop metrics (article shares, comments, policy mentions) to gauge how your content influences public discourse.
  • Outcome: Preliminary plan to monitor the “ripple effects” of your coverage.
• Leverage Points Guide
  • How to Use: Identify key stakeholders or institutions (“leverage points”) that can pivot policy or public opinion swiftly.
  • Outcome: Targeted editorial approach (e.g., an op-ed for the parliamentary environment committee).

“Media Canvas” Submission

• Section to Complete: Pre-Publication Checklist & Impact Plan.
• Submission: Provide the near-final piece(s) and your intended metrics for success.

WEEK 7: STAKEHOLDER FORUMS & LIVE COVERAGE

Objective

Participate in or provide coverage for NWG events—such as roundtable discussions, community forums, or pilot data demonstrations. Utilize live reporting (tweets, Facebook/LinkedIn updates, local press releases) to boost visibility.

Activities

1. Live Reporting
   • Coordinate with NWG members on real-time updates from any event (photos, short quotes).
2. Q&A Sessions
   • Host or moderate a Q&A with local diaspora groups or civil society audiences to gather additional perspectives.

Deliverables

• Forum Coverage Material: Blog summaries, short live videos, or immediate post-event recaps shared via Slack, Zenodo, or local media.

Learning Components

• Multi-Level Mapping
  • How to Use: Reveal how local events tie into national or global agendas.
  • Outcome: A coverage style that situates community-level happenings within a larger policy or environmental context.
• Value Networks Guide
  • How to Use: Demonstrate the flow of resources, funding, or influence among stakeholders.
  • Outcome: Investigative pieces or coverage that highlight imbalances or opportunities in resource allocation.

“Media Canvas” Submission

• Section to Complete: Live Coverage & Stakeholder Interaction Log.
• Submission: Post your short recaps or live coverage transcripts, emphasizing how local events connect to broader climate narratives.

WEEK 8: ASSESSING MEDIA IMPACT

Objective

Evaluate the effectiveness of your communication strategies through measurable outcomes (social media engagement, coverage volume, feedback from new partners). Collect audience feedback to refine future coverage.

Activities

1. Analytics Review
   • Track key metrics: post reach, shares, comments, or mentions in local newspapers.
2. Audience Survey
   • If possible, run a short poll (online or at events) gauging clarity, relevance, or persuasiveness of your messaging.

Deliverables

• Media Impact Assessment Report: A short reflective document summarizing engagement stats, audience feedback, and preliminary lessons learned.

Learning Components

• Narratives Guide
  • How to Use: Reassess your story arcs—did they blend personal testimony, data, and policy effectively?
  • Outcome: Strengthened narrative frameworks for next quarter.
• Network Organizations Guide
  • How to Use: Pinpoint alliances or networks that emerged from your coverage.
  • Outcome: Follow-up stories or analyses focusing on new collaborations.

“Media Canvas” Submission

• Section to Complete: Impact Evaluation & Lessons Learned.
• Submission: Provide a concise summary of your analytics, what worked, and areas to improve.

WEEKS 9–10: AMPLIFYING KEY FINDINGS & PRE-PUBLICATION PROMOTION

Objective

Prepare for the quarterly Nexus Report publications by polishing final media outputs (infographics, articles, interviews). Coordinate with the Development and Research tracks to ensure cohesive messaging and maximum reach.

Activities

1. Final Story Production
   • Wrap up advanced features or radio/podcast segments that highlight NWG’s pilot data or policy recommendations.
2. Cross-Track Integration
   • Work with Research colleagues to align data visuals and with Development teams for context on local pilot outcomes.
3. Pre-Publication Hype
   • Release social media teasers, short video clips, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of your media process.

Deliverables

• Media Campaign Pack: A consolidated set of final promos, short interviews, and social posts ready to coincide with official NWG announcements or Nexus publications.

Learning Components

• Scaling Change Guide
  • How to Use: Show how local pilot solutions might grow to regional or national levels and how media coverage can fuel that process.
  • Outcome: Articles or broadcast pieces tracking the “scaling journey.”
• Systems Building Overview
  • How to Use: Outline how governance, technology, and finance can be structured for long-term climate resilience.
  • Outcome: Explainer pieces bridging local stakeholder stories with global climate policy frameworks.
• Systems Change Overview
  • How to Use: Depict how integrated interventions displace outdated or harmful systems.
  • Outcome: Reporting that highlights transformation in energy sources, governance models, or social norms.
• Systems Innovation Guide
  • How to Use: Spot emergent, potentially disruptive ideas—like AI-driven water management or local currency for climate solutions.
  • Outcome: Future-oriented “trend pieces” or videos teasing how these innovations could reshape local economies.

“Media Canvas” Submission

• Section to Complete: Final Content & Promotion Strategy.
• Submission: Present your compiled media assets (promotional posts, final articles, graphics) and your distribution timeline.

WEEKS 11–12: FINAL REVIEW & LEGACY STRATEGY

Objective

Consolidate all media outputs and reflect on best practices. Craft a forward-looking “legacy” plan that captures institutional knowledge, stakeholder relationships, and ongoing storylines for future volunteers or the next quarter.

Activities

1. Summative Review
   • Evaluate the entire 12-week journey, from orientation to final publication.
   • Collect final stakeholder feedback, if available.
2. Handovers & Documentation
   • Organize your media outputs into easily accessible folders or Zenodo repositories.
   • Draft recommendations for next quarter’s volunteers or for NWG expansions.

Deliverables

• Media Legacy File: A final consolidated record of all articles, infographics, coverage stats, key stakeholder contacts, and recommended “next steps.”

Learning Components

• Systems Modeling Guide
  • How to Use: If your NWG has climate or resource models, convert relevant outputs into accessible media.
  • Outcome: Visual or textual representation showing how climate scenarios might evolve locally.
• Two Loops Guide
  • How to Use: Illustrate the transition from old unsustainable structures to new adaptive systems in your final stories or summary pieces.
  • Outcome: A concluding narrative that frames ongoing transitions (e.g., fossil fuel dependency to renewables).
• Systems Awareness Guide (Revisited)
  • How to Use: Check whether your entire body of work maintained a broad systems perspective.
  • Outcome: A reflective piece summarizing your systemic approach, lessons learned, and potential improvements.
• Guides Overview (Revisited)
  • How to Use: Ensure all relevant frameworks were utilized effectively—fill any gaps or finalize references.
  • Outcome: A short concluding article or infographic showing how each guide shaped your media content.

“Media Canvas” Submission

• Section to Complete: Final Reflection & Legacy Plan.
• Submission: Compile your final overview, recommended resources, and suggested improvements. Share with mentors or the NWG for future strategic planning.

IMPLEMENTATION NOTES

1. Self-Paced Structure
   • While this is presented as a 12-week program, participants can progress faster or slower depending on their schedules.
2. Weekly “Media Canvas”
   • A simple template (e.g., a document or form) is used each week to capture insights, goals, deliverables, and reflections.
   • After you fill out each section, you can opt to submit it for peer or expert feedback.
3. Mentorship & Expert Feedback
   • Where possible, GCRI or NWG leadership will provide feedback on critical milestones (e.g., final articles, major infographics).
   • Peer-based learning is also encouraged—participants can create accountability pairs or small “review circles.”
4. Optional Cross-Track Synergy
   • Although you’re in the Media track, collaborating with the Development and Research teams can enhance content quality (e.g., verifying data accuracy, highlighting local project outcomes).
5. Tool and Platform Considerations
   • Slack / Microsoft Teams: Central hubs for file sharing, announcements, and Q&A.
   • Zenodo / GitHub: For open science data or collaborative writing, if relevant.
   • Design Tools: Canva or Piktochart for infographics; Audacity or Adobe Audition for audio editing; DaVinci Resolve or iMovie for video editing.
6. Assessment & Continuous Improvement
   • The final “Media Legacy File” in Weeks 11–12 can inform future quarter planning, ensuring that each cycle builds on prior experiences and stakeholder relationships.

CONCLUSION

This 12-week Media Team volunteer program offers a structured, yet flexible path to master systems-thinking-based journalism and effective communication on climate, sustainability, and the water-energy-food nexus. By following the weekly objectives, activities, and deliverables—and by integrating the learning components into each stage—you will create high-impact media outputs that drive community awareness, policy dialogue, and global risk mitigation efforts.

The “Media Canvas” ensures ongoing reflection and expert feedback, helping you refine your methods, deepen your storytelling, and produce content that resonates with diverse audiences. By the end of the program, you will have contributed a valuable portfolio of media materials—articles, interviews, infographics, social campaigns—underscoring the importance of climate justice, just transitions, and sustainable development in alignment with GCRI’s overarching mission.

We look forward to your innovative storytelling, your commitment to truth and ethics, and your collaborative spirit as you bring these 12 weeks of intensive media engagement to life.