526
C. J. Li et al.
The feedback was very positive as all of the responses like the open discussion,
the quality of the guidebook (Climate Choice), the presenters, and the safe space to
talk openly and express their concerns. They found that the discussion was helpful
and examples were inspiring.
• “I liked the sharing of ideas on how climate change affects us and what we can
do.”
• “The information provided was easy to digest and discuss; I like the active discussion.”
• “I appreciate the space to talk openly and express our concerns.”
When asked, “How we can improve the forum?” participants would like (1) more
suggestions for concrete action items to take place in the local area; (2) more time
and follow up opportunities to for the region.
• “I would give more action items and discuss more attainable goals than just the 3
vague options. It would be better to discuss what we can do now, not just possible
future options.”
• “I would like to see more suggestions for concrete action to take place in
Columbia.”
• “I would give the booklet as a pre-reading material.”
5.1 Recommendations
The EIF forums were initiated at three different sites and the majority of participants
were white and Caucasian. While the researchers announce the forum through public
library newsletter and other public venues, they were not able to reach out to a diverse
group that holds different opinions on climate change. In future, researchers would
like to reach out more church groups in the hope to reach out to more diverse ethnicity
group. Researchers would like to contact church leaders from African American,
Asian American, and Latino Churches. Researchers found that the congregation
leaders play an instrumental role in defining a successful recruitment of participants.
In reaching out to an ethnicity diverse group, language could be a barrier to host the
forums as some church group will prefer use languages such as Spanish and Chinese.
Researchers highly recommend the EIF lead team to consider translating the issue
guide and video materials in other languages.
6 Conclusion
Environmental Issues forums allow the researchers to initiate an applied research
process through deliberation and dialogue among citizens from local communities.
The forums were effective at building participants’ understanding, critical thinking,
C. J. Li et al.
The feedback was very positive as all of the responses like the open discussion,
the quality of the guidebook (Climate Choice), the presenters, and the safe space to
talk openly and express their concerns. They found that the discussion was helpful
and examples were inspiring.
• “I liked the sharing of ideas on how climate change affects us and what we can
do.”
• “The information provided was easy to digest and discuss; I like the active discussion.”
• “I appreciate the space to talk openly and express our concerns.”
When asked, “How we can improve the forum?” participants would like (1) more
suggestions for concrete action items to take place in the local area; (2) more time
and follow up opportunities to for the region.
• “I would give more action items and discuss more attainable goals than just the 3
vague options. It would be better to discuss what we can do now, not just possible
future options.”
• “I would like to see more suggestions for concrete action to take place in
Columbia.”
• “I would give the booklet as a pre-reading material.”
5.1 Recommendations
The EIF forums were initiated at three different sites and the majority of participants
were white and Caucasian. While the researchers announce the forum through public
library newsletter and other public venues, they were not able to reach out to a diverse
group that holds different opinions on climate change. In future, researchers would
like to reach out more church groups in the hope to reach out to more diverse ethnicity
group. Researchers would like to contact church leaders from African American,
Asian American, and Latino Churches. Researchers found that the congregation
leaders play an instrumental role in defining a successful recruitment of participants.
In reaching out to an ethnicity diverse group, language could be a barrier to host the
forums as some church group will prefer use languages such as Spanish and Chinese.
Researchers highly recommend the EIF lead team to consider translating the issue
guide and video materials in other languages.
6 Conclusion
Environmental Issues forums allow the researchers to initiate an applied research
process through deliberation and dialogue among citizens from local communities.
The forums were effective at building participants’ understanding, critical thinking,