Preparing Geographers for Public Discourse and Action
The “Geographers Take Action” series aims to energize, equip, and empower geographers to be proactive in advocating for their discipline and addressing critical challenges. Through a series of engaging webinars, we will address the implications of the 2024 election; introduce advocacy, policy, and media strategies; and explore how geographers can effectively respond to changing political landscapes.
Geographers Take Action: The Stakes of the 2024 Election
Date: October 1
Time: 6:00 p.m. EST – 90 minutes
William (Bill) Moseley, Professor of Geography at Macalester College and Vice President of AAG, will moderate this inaugural event in the series that brings the geography community together to examine the stakes of the 2024 election for geographers. Featuring expert panelists, the event will delve into how different administrations could impact key issues such as climate change, social justice, geospatial technology, and water security. By showcasing how geographers are uniquely positioned to address these challenges, the event will inspire members to recognize the vital role of their work in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future. Attendees will leave feeling motivated to take action and advocate for their field as the election approaches.
Panelists:
Adriana Martinez, Professor, College of Arts and Sciences Department of Environmental Studies, Fluvial Geomorphologist, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Mark Ortiz, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, Institute of Energy and the Environment, and Social Science Research Institute, Transnational Youth Climate Justice Geographer, Pennsylvania State University
Shaowen Wang, Professor and Associate Dean for Life and Physical Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, GIS & Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Geographer, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Elevate 101: Introduction to Policy
Date: October 8
Time: 6:00 p.m. EST – 60 minutes
Join moderator Tom Bales, Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Engagement at the AAG, and peer instructors for the first of the Elevate training series. This webinar will introduce geographers to the fundamentals of policy and the role they play in its development. Using real-world examples, we’ll explore how geographers influence decision-making processes, from local to international levels, and how policy frameworks are shaped by geographic research and data. Attendees will gain an understanding of how they can contribute to policy discussions and effect change.
Elevate 101: Introduction to Advocacy
Date: October 15
Time: 6:00 p.m. EST – 60 minutes
Tom Bales, Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Engagement at the AAG will moderate this session to provide geographers with the tools to engage in effective advocacy. Whether working at the grassroots level or within their institutions, participants will learn strategies for mobilizing communities and influencing policymakers. We’ll highlight advocacy best practices and discuss the importance of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in building successful advocacy campaigns. By the end, participants will have a toolkit for advancing their advocacy work.
Elevate 101: Introduction to Media
Date: October 22
Time: 6:00 p.m. EST – 60 minutes
Emily Frisan, Digital Marketing Coordinator at the AAG, moderates the final session in the Elevate series, which focuses on media and its role in shaping public discourse. Participants will explore how media –- both conventional and newer social and independent media — can be leveraged to amplify geographic research, shape narratives, and advocate for policies. This session will cover essential media engagement techniques, including storytelling, interviews, and social media strategies, empowering geographers to effectively communicate their work and influence public perception.