By: Ishbel Wilson
The Sustainability Symposium will take over the Shaw Center on March 24th. This event is open to all students to help educate on different tools for change. Whether that is podcasting, storytelling, or art, everyone finds their voice in a different way. This interdisciplinary event is to help students find ways to use their talents to bring change, specifically sustainability focused.
Wes Larson, a wildlife biologist and animal behavior expert, will share his knowledge on podcasting. He is a co-creator for the podcast Tooth and Claw. Larson has a background in conservation and experience researching all types of bears through Yellowstone National park. In his workshop, he will teach on producing a successful podcast that can be used in any of your classes!
Based out of Washington D.C., Brooke McDonough is a visual storyteller who brings change through filmmaking. She uses her talent to bring together people to start impactful conversation and highlight historical stories of the natural world. McDonough’s workshop will highlight how she got to where she is as a creator and the challenges one must overcome to get to where she is.
Graceland’s very own Karen Gergely will share on the importance of visual art for bringing change. Gergely looks forward to the event sharing, “I'm really excited for the symposium and all the interdisciplinary conversations it will bring. We really rely on artists (broad definition of the term) to help us consume and process facts and scientific information in a way that changes hearts and actions. The solutions are there. We know steps we can take slow the climate crisis. We need artists to help tell the story.” Come at 4:00 to screen print with Gergely to learn more about making art for social change!
This is a free event that can benefit all students whether they are sustainability focused or not. If you can’t make it to a session, don’t fret. Feel free to come and go to the sessions as it works with your schedule and make sure to bring a friend! If you have any questions, please reach out to Jen Abraham-White