Stories From Women Who Walk

Join Tania Marien Founder of Talaterra Who Is (Almost) Single-handedly Changing Environmental Education Futures. Part 2

Episode Summary

Tania Marien, founder of Talaterra (an organization which brings attention to the contributions that freelance environmental education (EE) professionals make to lifelong learning in communities), the host of the Talaterra podcast, and director of EE Forward (a professional development and partnership-building initiative for environmental education professionals working independently) joins us to talk about how a young high school student who didn’t even like plants was inspired by a teacher to become dedicated to bringing attention to the contributions that freelance Environmental Education professionals make to lifelong learning in communities. Part 2.

Episode Notes

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk. You’ll recognize yourself in these true-life stories of adversity, challenge, fear, discovery, adventure, expression, and more from women who are walking their lives while their lives walk them and the lasting difference their journeys have made. I’m your host, Diane Wyzga.

Welcome back to Part 2 of the podcast interview with my guest, Tania Marien, the founder of Talaterra, the host of the Talaterra podcast, and director of EE Forward, who joined us from Riverside, California. I asked Tania about an upcoming global event taking place virtually and in-person in Palm Springs, California: the National Association for Interpretation Conference from November 30th to December 4th, 2021. The theme "The Shifting Sands of Interpretation," addresses the many changes happening in the profession, the world at large, how interpreters are navigating the shifting sands, and what the future holds on the other side. Let’s hear what Tania has to say about this important international environmental conference, her topic and why it is the opportunity of a lifetime for you to attend virtually or in person, plus much more on all things changing environmental education futures

Minutes: 30:30

00 to 1:38 Intro

1:38 to 5:25 National Association for Interpretation International Conference 2021

Tania will be presenting at the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) Conference in Palm Springs, California being held from November 30th to December 4th, 2021. The theme is: "Shifting Sands of Interpretation." Would you tell us more about this conference and what you will be presenting.

This conference is about all the changes that are being observed in the field
Tania’s conversation will be about working independently in community: her work, what she learned from her inaugural EE Summit, where Talaterra’s projects are going, etc.

Who should consider attending?

It’s intended to be a hybrid event; 2 packages available
Check the NAI website for details and what you get
NAI Conferences are really *fantastic*!
Looking forward to this
So much energy, such good storytellers, grounded and down-to-earth people with big hearts, lots of knowledge from Cultural Heritage and other sites all over the world!
You definitely leave on a genuine NAI high!

What might be some important take-ways Tania recalls from NAI experiences in the past?

NAI Conferences are humbling meeting so many people from around the world and dropping in to the profound work they are doing
Broadens your perspective
Become mindful and thoughtful about the Big Picture on what’s happening globally
Energizing because there is so much to learn, so many good ideas!
Lots of wonderful things you can bring back to your community

5:25 to 11:00 Partners Resource Network Directory and downloadable pdf

Host comments on the number of projects Tania is juggling - there is no dearth of wonderful opportunities with all she is creating! I understand that you have a vision to establish and build up Partners Resource Network Directory which should be launched on or about September 10th just as this program airs. Would you be able to reveal what we can expect and who this resource is for?

This resource is for Environmental Educators (EE) working independently to support seamless connections between them
To bring to light in a very public and visible way how to access working opportunities with the overall goal to continue supporting EEs working independently on a global basis
EEs can change hearts and minds whether in person or on Zoom
The Network Directory is intended to make those types of connections on a global basis
We are 1 planet and the gift in the grief is seeing how intimately connected and woven together each of us; this Network Directory will help us connect, collaborate and co-operate
Talaterra objective: elevate the field of freelance Environmental Education to continue to change hearts and minds, change experiences, encourage conversation
This is a project Tania feels in her heart! It’s a true calling; I want to connect you with him and her, sharing and supporting.
The Master Connector, Networker, Facilitator has come into her purpose!

11:00 to 15:00 3 Tips for Becoming an Environmental Educator (EE)

Host’s observation: this work Tania feels is an experiential opportunity which is driving her forward. Question: What 3 tips might you offer to someone interested in stepping into the role of freelance environmental educator?

First: Share your ideas, share your thoughts
Speak out loud what you’re thinking
By not speaking out loud prevents you from making the change you want to make
People need to know what you’re thinking so they can support/assist
Seconds: Stop hiding! By not speaking out loud you are hiding behind [fill in the blank] and will end up standing in your own way
Third: “Act as if”, speak out loud, stop hiding and take on the posture you need to take.
Act it out. This confidence and posture will flow over into all aspects of your life
Observe how all the ways in which you show up and support bringing your intention to life
Ask: Does this step you are taking align with your intention

Host could not have asked for a better gift in this 3-part answer. Life coaching and environmental education.

15:00 to 20:18 Story Center Earth Story Screening (24th September 2021 5 PM PDT)

In the time we have here I have 3 topics: upcoming Story Center Earth Story Screening (free & open to the public. Would you tell us more about this upcoming event and how our listeners might access it ( Q&A Panel + earth stories/interviews, social justice, diversity, equity inclusion, and more)

Earth Story Workshop was pilot workshop: broadly about people’s experiences with natural world, outdoors
Some environmental justice, some familial, and more
The first screening that reveals all the video short stories is scheduled for Friday September 24th, 2021 at 5 PM PDT
A free interactive screening of video short stories - work from the Earth Stories Project
Tania had opportunity to speak with facilitators and designers of event
If you attend the screening you will hear back story and get to meet film makers, as well as hear Tania tell her story
Tania’s story is about her experience with silence in Eastern Sierras on a 200 miles bike ride

Question: What do you hope will come about because your story (and the others’) is out in the world as a result of this Earth Stories event?

Greater understanding
Realizing we are not different
Hearing tolerance
Patience
Real communication
Realizing each of us has our own story with the outdoors
A prior podcast question: What is your earliest memory of enjoying nature?
Everyone has a story related to experience with Nature, outdoors,....
Much rooted in childhood
Everyone has a story to tell and share
Sharing stories is definitely encouraged by this event - there will be inspiration!

20:18 to 24:20 Collaborative Book Chapter on Climate Solutions

Speaking of opportunities I understand that you were asked to collaborate on a book chapter about climate solutions. What do you anticipate this chapter is going to be about and the experience of collaborating with other professionals on a topic as broad as climate solutions?

The book is about storytelling to address climate solutions as well as a book about all forms of storytelling for a diverse audience
Entertainment education, climate, visual science communication, and more
Tania is working with really smart professionals on visual science communication
The group was all over the map in the beginning sorting out what goes in and stays left out of the chapter
Each meeting clarifies, focuses
Is definitely rewarding because learning to think about science communication, science illustration, through other eyes and experiences
Tania is thrilled to have been invited to participate: another Environmental Educator working independently

Host observes that this interview has woven broad themes of connection, inclusion, opportunity, positivity are heard here which braids Nature with what Tania is about as EE advocate and Earth. Tania offers a very hopeful message

24:20 to 30:30 Legacy

As we sit here today what would you like to see happen in the world as a result of your work? NOTE: please wait out the long-ish pause while Tania considers her response

Tania would like to see less tension between people who want to manage and care for natural resources, who want to talk about the Planet as home for all and others who don’t see things that way
By bringing attention to EE individuals working through their communities, with families, children, teachers, businesses, municipalities people see we can do without tension
This is not Us versus Them initiative
Tania would also like to see independent EE professionals be respected for knowledge, expertise and appropriately acknowledged with reasonable compensation

Host observes that once again there are themes of advocacy and connection

Before I say thank you to Tania I want to mention that all social media links and connections to stay in touch with Tania Marien will be posted in the Episode Notes. Make sure you drop by her website, subscribe to the newsletter and the podcast (Episode #100 will be aired on New Year’s Eve!), and join the co-partnering opportunities to connect with other Environmental Education professionals working independently.

Thank you very much, Tania, for walking with us and sharing your story of how a young high school student who didn’t even like plants was inspired by a teacher to become dedicated to bringing attention to the contributions that freelance Environmental Education professionals make to lifelong learning in communities.

Thank you, Diane. Thank you so much for having me on the show.

It’s been a delight and when we stop recording we can go back to laughing again.

Here we are, at the end of the road but not the journey. Thank you for listening to Part 2 of this episode of Stories From Women Who Walk with your host Diane Wyzga and my guest Tania Marien, the founder of Talaterra, the host of the Talaterra podcast, and director of EE Forward. We hope you are informed, inspired and illuminated by our conversation about all things environmental.

You’re also invited to check out over 420 episodes of this podcast Stories From Women Who Walk found on Simplecast, your favorite podcast platform, including Android, and my website, Quarter Moon Story Arts. This is the place to thrive together. Come for the stories - stay for the magic. Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, follow, share a nice shout out on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time! You will have wonderful company as we walk our lives together.

ABOUT Tania Marien:

Tania Marien is an independent environmental education professional and founder of Talaterra, which brings attention to the contributions that freelance environmental education professionals make to lifelong learning in communities. She is also the host of the Talaterra podcast and director of EE Forward, a professional development and partnership-building initiative for independent environmental education professionals.

How to Follow and Stay in Touch With Tania Marien:

Talaterra: https://talaterra.com

Subscribe to The Trail newsletter: https://talaterra.com/about

Talaterra Podcast: https://talaterra.com/podcast

Video: Interpreting the Interpreters: The Story of a Podcast: https://talaterra.com/blog/2021/7/26/talaterras-story?ss_source=sscampaigns&ss_campaign_id=60ff1c6cb36c5f39e2cfb470&ss_email_id=60ff26acf7da6f2a527ed32b&ss_campaign_name=Talaterra%E2%80%99s+story+subject+of+new+video&ss_campaign_sent_date=2021-07-26T21%3A19%3A03Z

Twitter: https://twitter.com/talaterra

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taniamarien

September/October 2019 issue of Legacy, the magazine of the National Association for Interpretation: https://talaterra.com/blog/talaterra-legacy-magazine-2019

Kiss the Ground film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3-V1j-zMZw

Story Center Earth Stories: https://www.storycenter.org/public-workshops/earthstoriesonlinescreening

Production Team: Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Entering Erdenheim from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

Sound Editing: Dawin Carlisle & First Class Reels