Communicating in today’s politically and socially polarized environment can be challenging due to heightened emotions, echo chambers, and misinformation. Engaging in discussions when beliefs are deeply entrenched can make open dialogue difficult, increasing the risk of conflict.
Social media can amplify division by reinforcing biases, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives, and fostering hostility rather than constructive discussion.
Effective Communication for Forest Professionals: Stories and Insights from the Field — a webinar from Forest Professionals BC — will bridge these communication gaps by highlighting effective approaches to communication from three forest professionals.
Panelists outline some of their communication failures and successes, providing insight into how they effectively communicate with clients, stakeholders, and/or the public.
Presenters:
Dominique Bailey, RFT, Gord Chipman, RPF, and Randy Spyksma, RPF.
Bailey is an early career professional living in Quesnel. An avid learner, she is currently supporting forest certification programming and audits.
Chipman is executive director of Woodlots BC. He has practiced professional forestry for 30 years and has extensive experience working with First Nations, and is passionate about wildfire risk reduction and managing the land for future generations.
Spyksma is a senior planning forester, facilitator, and risk management specialist with Forsite. His passion is in the design and facilitation of structured planning for challenging conditions, perspectives, and landscapes. His current roles include facilitator of the Quesnel Forest Landscape Plan Pilot process, manager of the Logan Lake Community Forest, and senior advisor to the Forsite fire team in the delivery of wildfire risk management solutions to forestry and powerline utility clients across Canada.
