Tuesday, April 23
7:00am–1:00pm Pacific/10:00am–4:00pm Eastern
André Copeland and Yvette Méndez
Registration
Registration Rates: $200 Regular Registration / $125 with NAI Member Discount
NAI CE Credits: 6
Maximum 25 participants per session
Mission-Based Dialogue Workshop
Recent studies suggest many individuals have conflicted feelings about topics such as history, social equity, human rights, and animals residing in zoos and aquariums. Our conversations with visitors can help align the goals of our respective organizations with their values. Understanding Mission-Based Dialogue’s principles and techniques will provide you with skills to engage in productive, mission-based conversations. This 5-hour workshop will highlight activities and exercises that provide an empathetic context, help develop active listening skills, and use questioning strategies that foster meaningful conversations that can lead to more balanced and productive outcomes.
André Copeland, Interpretive Programs Manager at Brookfield Zoo, has been an active National Association for Interpretation (NAI) member since 2004. André is a Certified Interpretive Trainer and is sanctioned to teach NAI’s Certified Interpretive Guide and Host curriculum and as a Lead Trainer is sanctioned to teach the Certified Interpretive Guide and Host Train-the-Trainer curriculum. He also has experience applying interpretive principles in an organization focused on animal welfare and conservation. André has more than 27 years’ experience working in the zoological field which includes animal care, program development and management, frontline interpretation, interpretive training, interpretive planning, and community outreach programming. His passion is creating a bridge for people to connect with nature and André continues to amass experience in communication to improve that ability.
Yvette Méndez, she/her, is the Assistant Manager of Public Engagement and Training at Brookfield Zoo. Yvette has been volunteering and working in the zoo field since 2006. She earned her CIG in 2009 and has spent the bulk of her career in front line interpretation. During this time, Yvette also used her experience to coach and mentor novice interpreters. Earning her CIGT and CIT in 2017, Yvette has since facilitated an average of two CIG courses a year, including many virtual CIG courses. She currently develops training for staff and volunteers in interpretation best practices at Brookfield Zoo, and is involved in exhibit interpretation and program planning.