Lindsey Newkirk, MSC’s Post

Being part of a book club brings me immense joy and intellectual stimulation. Last night, we had the pleasure of discussing our most recent book, Damnation Spring, with its author, Ash Davidson. Set in Klamath, a rural town on California's rugged north coast in redwood country—an area I'm fortunate to live just a few hours from—the book delves into the tensions between extraction and conservation communities. More importantly, it offers a nuanced portrayal of a logging community grappling with the devastating realization of the impacts of herbicides used to clear underbrush, which are believed to be responsible for numerous miscarriages and birth defects in the community—ultimately threatening their financial stability and way of life. Though fictional, the story is deeply rooted in research and reflects the painful realities of this region’s history. I highly recommend this book to my conservation-minded network for a more holistic understanding of the complex challenges faced by those on the extraction side, whose experiences are often overlooked in the conservation narrative.

My friend Maud Macrory Powell is doing some amazing work with her recently launched project called Climate Stress and Grief: Building Resilience in Farmers and Ranchers. Inspired by her own experience as a farmer, she is working to uncover farmers' experiences along with barriers to the emotional health support they need to deal with the climate crisis. Check out her work at https://lnkd.in/guuzXiuM and listen to her recent interview with OPB, linked in the comments. #climatecrisis #climategrief #climatechange #climateresilence

To my women sustainability leaders, check out this week's podcast from the talented consultant and coach, Carmen Turner. She's a powerhouse of leadership and has great wisdom to share.

It feels pretty darn good to support people in landing their next sustainability role (and to get an ol fashion thank you card in the mail)!

Words matter. So much of our modern language can cause harm without us even thinking about it. I’m trying to eliminate trendy words from my vocabulary that are rooted in violence, such as “slay” and “killing it”. I’m trying to use more inclusive language such as “folks” and “ya’ll” instead of “you guys”. I got in an argument with a guy who habitually uses the word “retarded” to describe things that he thinks are stupid, blaming the fact that his choice of language is a generational thing. It’s so cringy. Does this resonate with you? What words are you working on eliminating from your vocabulary. Anything from this list surprise you?

Anyone looking for a dynamic experience designer, facilitator and/or Program wizard to join their team? Does her work sound intriguing and you’d like to connect with her over a virtual or Portland based coffee? Let me know, I’d love to introduce you to Chelsea.

What a thoughtful solution to plastics packaging.

Christine Uri is always so on point - ESG is not CSR.

I had a great time with University of Oregon students today, brainstorming about what it takes to work at the intersection of sustainability and communication. I also got to play around with my new favorite tool, Mural, to white board it out in a virtual setting. We have some great sustainability leaders in the making, thanks for the opportunity Attila Schillinger. #sustainabilitycommunications #sustainabilitystudents #sustainabilityleadersdoitall