Outreach during a Pandemic: Thinking Outside the Box

The Covid-19 pandemic has been extremely challenging, but as they say, every cloud has a silver lining. This situation has forced me to think outside the box and learn new ways to do outreach. This has been really beneficial. Whether with Zoom, Google Meet, Filmora screencasting, or YouTube/Facebook livestreams, it’s been really fascinating to learn how to use new technology to reach even larger audiences. This month, I gave two Trash for Turtles talks, one was with a traditional in-person meeting and another was using a screencast video I created.

The in-person meeting was at a local elementary school with the Jr. Beta Club. Some club members were virtual students, and the school used technology so they could attend, too. I gave my presentation, and the kids seemed really inspired. This group really impressed me with their knowledge. They guessed the answers to my trivia questions exactly! Overall, the experience was as insightful to me as it was to them. I thought it was neat to work with the classroom technology and be able to give away more t-shirts from my Youth Ocean Conservation Summit mini grant.

Secondly, I was able to use software to create a screencast video, so Dr. Martin could show her college biology classes at Coastal Pines Technical College and Miami University of Ohio. She used my video as part of an extra credit assignment. A whole 25 points worth! This was such an amazing opportunity! I first met Dr. Martin when I started my “Trash for Turtles” project in 2013, so I have known her for all of the years I have been doing my project. I am so thankful to use my experience to show college students they can make a difference in their area, too. I hope I inspired some of these future leaders and conservationists.

Remember, in every situation, there is something new to learn. This pandemic helped me to learn new ways to share my message and reach even larger audiences. So, stay open minded and be ready to tackle whatever challenges may come your way!

This project is funded through a mini-grant from the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit. The Youth Ocean Conservation Summit empowers young conservation leaders with the knowledge, tools, and funds to launch solutions-oriented ocean conservation projects around the world. To find out more visit: www.yocs.org.