Behavior Change for Sustainable Impact

During this course, you'll embark on a transformative journey to experience the art and science of behavior change within the realm of environmental conservation. As stewards of Earth, it's imperative that we evolve and adapt to the ever-changing needs of our planet. In this course, you'll acquire the skills essential for fostering meaningful and enduring change within conservation initiatives and communities. Get ready to make a difference and become a catalyst for positive environmental impact!

This course offers a dynamic mix of self-directed learning materials and hands-on exercises designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for impactful conservation efforts, with a focus on Behavior Change. Engage with a variety of self-paced methods, including lectures, videos, interactive discussions, and a real-world case study. Conclude with a Capstone Project that allows you to apply your learnings to a practical conservation initiative. Additionally, have a 1:1 Mentor-Mentee session to discuss opportunities for developing an intervention plan.

• Learn at your own pace (watch prerecorded lectures and videos, read papers, and participate in discussions) with instructor support.

• Course materials available May 4-August 9.

• Live virtual Q&A (also recorded), date TBD.

• Schedule 1:1 sessions with instructor, dates TBD.

• (Early bird* savings of $75 ends April 17).

Participants are encouraged to approach the course with openness, welcoming new ideas and viewpoints on behavior change within environmental conservation. Trust in the process and engage fully with the exercises; you will discover how different areas of knowledge and past experiences come together, creating a cohesive understanding. As a prerequisite, consider all the topics you are familiar with as a way to enhance your opportunities for community outreach and working with your audiences to support changes in conservation.

Module 1: Overview the Behavior Change Theories

Objective: To target specific audience groups within behavior change initiatives, ensuring tailored approaches for maximum impact.

Outcomes:

• Use the behavior change theories and their relevance in environmental conservation

• Explain the techniques for identifying and segmenting target audience and groups within conservation initiatives

• Interpret key theories such as the Transtheoretical Model/Stages of Behavior Change

• Add perspective from a case study illustrating how a well segmented audience persona can meet the needs and preferences of diverse stakeholders.

Module 2: Articulate the importance of Audience Segmentation and Engagement 

Objective: To access the fundamental behavior change theories and their practical application.

Outcomes:

• Gain insights from the Critical Mass Theory-Diffusion of Innovation 

• Describe the sphere of influence importance when targeting audiences

• Predict an audience persona model to promote conservation efforts

• Gain insights from a case study illustrating the application of behavior change theories in conservation efforts.

Module 3: Determine the Drivers of Social Change for practitioners interventions

Objective: To analyze the key drivers of social change relevant to interventions in environmental conservation.

Outcomes:

• Identify the factors that influence social change within the context of environmental conservation

• Describe the primary drivers of social change 

• Evaluate a case study showing different approaches to achieving sustainable Impact through Drivers of Social Change

Module 4: Loading Evidence Data into Strategies

Objective: To utilize evidence data into potential strategies and Theories of Change, effectively aligning behavior change efforts with conservation objectives and sustainability goals.

Outcomes:

• Compare the evidence-based approaches in behavior change initiatives

• Determine with the methods for collecting, analyzing, and incorporating evidence data the best conservation strategies

• Testify through a case study the power of Theories of Change to align behavior change efforts with conservation objectives

Module 5: Articulating Sustainable Behaviors

Objective: To articulate sustainable desired behaviors within conservation initiatives and communities, fostering a culture of long-term conservation impact.

Outcomes:

• Communicate sustainable desired behaviors within conservation initiatives and communities

• Choose strategies for fostering a culture of long-term conservation-social impact

• Read a case study to practice articulating sustainable behaviors

Module 6: Linking Behavior Change to the Conservation Standards

Objective: To understand “how” the conservation standards can serve as structured steps into behavior change initiatives.

Outcomes:

• Compare the established conservation standards steps and their significance for behavior change initiatives

• Follow the step-by-step guidance to potentially integrate conservation standards into planning, implementation, and evaluation processes

• Testify a case study to visualize the power of including the conservation standards framework incorporated into real-world scenarios

The Capstone Project

Objective: To prepare a behavior change intervention plan, integrating course concepts, and receiving peer feedback to enhance and refine strategies.

Outcomes:

• Develop a behavior change intervention plan targeting a specific audience & behavior of interest, incorporating concepts learned throughout the course. (80%)

• Receive optional peer reviews and feedback on the discussion board. 

• Reflect on key learnings and insights gained throughout the course on the discussion board. (10%)

• Evaluate and complete a feedback survey to inform future course improvements. (10%)

PREMIUM VERSION:

• Receive direct constructive feedback from a mentor on your project.

• Have a 1:1 Mentor-Mentee feedback session to refine your Capstone Project.

FORMAT:

• 3 months of access to course materials as you work at your own pace 

• Get instructor support via email, discussion threads, group meetings, and one-on-one appointments

• After working through the course materials, set up an optional meeting with the instructor to discuss your own personal project from work or school

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• 16 CEUs with The Wildlife Society

• Go to our Continuing Education Page for more details

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• 16 CEUs with The Wildlife Society (go to our Continuing Education Page for more details)

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Earn 1 credit towards a professional certificate in Conservation Planning with CWS

ACADEMIC CREDIT:

• Earn 1 academic credit (go to our Academic Credit Page for details)

• Earn an additional 1-2 academic credits with an Applied Project