What’s the best approach for difficult topics? How can we make lasting positive connections around uncomfortable themes? How do we acknowledge discomfort and look to the future? How do we embrace and share these important concepts?
This workshop provides participants a unique opportunity to discuss controversial
concepts with like minded individuals in a welcome setting. We will openly
explore solutions and share ideas focused on this year's workshop theme
“Interpreting Controversial Issues and Ideas”, uniting as interpreters to facilitate
meaningful connections with our audiences. With time to learn from professionals
in the field, network with fellow educators, explore each unique host site, and
attend off-site field trips, this is sure to be a memorable experience. We look
forward to meeting each of you, and providing you with new skills and suggestions
for your future programs and interactions.
Attend at one of two sites:
Cedar River Watershed Education Center
17905 Cedar Falls Road SE
North Bend, WA
This educational facility is a great gathering place to connect locals with the source
of their water. Nestled in the Cascade Foothills, this center is a gateway to the
watershed. Come join us as we learn about the complex issues surrounding
drinking water, the surrounding forest and local wildlife. There are a variety of
ways to experience nature at this scenic facility, while learning about the water
cycle, habitats and history in a science-focused setting.
OR
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center
500 Discovery Drive
The Dalles, OR
This educational facility provides an in-depth look into the geology, flora, fauna,
and history of the Columbia Gorge area. Come join us as we learn about local
Native American history and culture, early county development, and life during the
last ice age. Protected by the National Scenic Act, this region is home to an
incredible combination of spectacular landscapes and recreational opportunities.
This center is at the heart of it all.
Morning Keynote: "Interpreting Sensitive Topics Through Non-Personal Interpretation" - Ray Radigan
Ray Radigan is the Curator and Museum Manager at Memorial Hall Museum in Deerfield, MA. He has spent the last decade working as an interpreter for the National Park Service and several non-profit museums. With extensive experience drafting and designing waysides, museum/VC exhibits, web and social media content, and publications, Ray has interpreted everything from wolves to ice cream, both of which were controversial. Throughout the process, he has developed a unique understanding of navigating the challenges of addressing controversial subjects, both with the public and within institutions.
Afternoon Keynote: "Interpreting Climate...for Future Generations" - John Morris
John Morris was an interpreter and interpretive manager with the National Park Service in Alaska for 34 years. Since retirement in 2014, he's worked as a consultant and coordinator for Earth to Sky, an inter-agency partnership between NASA, the National Park Service, and several other agencies, bringing together scientists, park rangers, and environmental educators in a national community of practice addressing climate change and science literacy. In 2015, he was honored for those efforts by President Obama’s White House as a Climate Education and Literacy Champion of Change. John's keynote discusses interpreting climate change in the world today, which involves a robust set of skills, tools, and innovative strategies for engaging diverse audiences. He'll also discuss ways to encourage the conversation and help it become commonplace in our daily lives.
When:
Two days on March 27 and 28, 2019
9-5 each day Pacific Time Zone
Pricing:
$85 Members for both days
$165 Non-Members for both days
$10 Remote Keynote Access ONLY (a link to live stream ONLY the Day 1 keynote will be e-mailed you to you if you select this option)
Registration Includes:
-
A full day of presentations, inspiration and inspiring keynotes on Day 1
- Catered lunch and coffee/morning beverages Day 1
- A site tour of either the Cedar River Watershed Education Center or Columbia Gorge Discovery Center with presentations and field trip activities by site staff and partners on Day 2
- Boxed or catered Lunch on Day 2.
Lodging Info:
There are multiple affordable lodging choices near each host site. You are
welcome to select a site that suits your needs best and provides the amenities you
require. We have not blocked off/secured rooms at a specific site.
Below are some options:
Oregon Site options:
Motel 6 (located in the Dalles)- 8 minute drive
Comfort Inn (located in the Dalles)- 10 minute drive
Super 8 (located in the Dalles)- 10 minute drive
Washington Site options:
North Bend Motel (located in North Bend)- 11 minute drive
Sunset Motel (located in North Bend)- 15 minute drive
Edgewick Inn (located in North Bend)- 15 minute drive
*Additional accommodations available 20 miles away in Issaquah or Snoqualmie:
Hampton Inn and Suites (located in Snoqualmie) 20 minute drive
Motel 6 (located in Issaquah)- 30 minute drive
**Additionally, there are campgrounds and RV parks near each site if you prefer.
We recommend checking into seasonal closures in advance.
Volunteering Info:
We need volunteers to help with registration, lunch, and clean-up at both locations. If you are interested in volunteering at the The Dalles, OR workshop, contact Alysa Adams at nairegion10.electionschair@gmail.com. If you are interested in volunteering at the North Bend, WA workshop, contact AJ Chlebnik at nairegion10.director@gmail.com. Volunteers will earn a small giftand our undying gratitude.
Presenter Info:
Do you want to be a presenter at this year’s workshop? If you have experiences to
share, expert training you can provide, our breakout sessions or activities you can
lead related to our workshop theme, we encourage you to apply! Please complete
and submit this application online by February 22nd. Material will be reviewed and
presenters will be notified by March 2nd.
Apply to be a presenter!
Scholarship Info:
We have scholarships available to attend this workshop! Apply by February 22nd
for the opportunity to earn up to $200 toward workshop registration and lodging
for either site. For more information, contact David Ranseen, Scholarship Chair at
nairegion10.scholarships@gmail.com.
Apply for a scholarship here!
Membership Awards:
We also will be awarding 2 Memberships to NAI for attendees at the workshop. To
apply for a membership apply using the form below by March 17. If you have
questions, contact Brian Janson, Awards Chair or Ian Wilson, Membership Chair at
nairegion10.membership@gmail.com. You MUST attend the workshop in order to
be eligible for a free membership.
Apply for a membership here!
Sponsorship Info:
The Northwest Region Workshop is a great way to reach out to area interpreters
and their organizations. We are looking for sponsors to help offset the cost of the
workshop and support local interpreters! We couldn’t do it without you. A
sponsorship of ANY amount is appreciated. Sponsorship benefits include:
- Recognition and advertisement in workshop materials at either or both
workshop sites.
- Recognition on website and social media for NAI Northwest Region
throughout the period leading up to the workshop and during the workshop.
- Free registration for one person to attend (Denali level sponsorship)
For more information, check out our sponsorship form here:
Sponsor the Northwest Region Workshop!
Thank you so much for your interest in NAI Northwest Region! We hope to see
you at the Spring Workshop in March 27th-28th, 2019. This is sure to be an
educational and memorable experience.
Cancellation Policy:
Refunds will be given until March 14 with a $50 cancellation fee. After this date, refunds will be given only by review of the Northwest Region Workshop Committee. All refunds will be processed after the event.
For cancellations, questions, and other needs please contact Region Director AJ Chlebnik at nairegion10.director@gmail.com.