Have you ever wondered why many people shy away from topics like water conservation or policies shaping our natural environment? My research has revealed something hopeful: people want to care but often feel disconnected or overwhelmed. That’s great news because it means we can change the conversation—and invite more of us to the table.
Image from Graduate Student Showcase 2024 where this research was presented and awarded Top Scholar/Researcher.
With this in mind, I’ve explored what holds people back and, more importantly, how we can inspire greater participation.
Making Conservation Accessible
At first, I kept hearing similar stories. The water conservation and policy materials often felt too technical or distant for everyday people to understand. Does that sound familiar? You’re not alone.
The good news is that recognizing this helped me reframe my study to find solutions. I began focusing on ways to make conservation and policy resources more approachable and relevant and tuned in to the real daily challenges people face. When we make information simple, engaging, and relatable, we turn confusion into understanding—and understanding into action.
Realizing the Power of Connection
During my research, I discovered something truly eye-opening. Many people saw water issues as "someone else's problem"—something happening far away, in drought-prone places or developing countries. But we know water is essential to every community, every family, and every individual. By reframing the story to connect conservation to local well-being, I could show people how their actions matter right in their own backyard.
And guess what? Once people saw how it impacted their lives and their community, they were far more motivated to get involved. That’s a powerful shift.
From Apathy to Empowerment
Another surprising insight came when participants opened up about feeling powerless. It wasn’t that they didn’t care—it was that water policies felt too complex, too far removed, and too impossible to influence.
But here’s the hopeful part. These feelings of disempowerment aren’t barriers we can’t overcome. By focusing on clear, actionable steps and empowering people with tools that bring change within their grasp, we can remind everyone that their voice and actions genuinely do count.
Looking Ahead
This research has taught me a beautiful lesson about the human spirit. When we feel heard, when information speaks to us with clarity and empathy, and when our actions feel impactful, we’re moved to stand up and participate.
These insights have already inspired tools and educational campaigns to foster greater engagement in water conservation and policy—and I believe they can inspire so much more. Whether you’re creating resources for sustainability, building community campaigns, or just looking to help your neighbors engage, we all have the power to make change more welcoming and accessible.
This fall, I was deeply honored to receive a Scholarly/Research-Based Top Scholar Scholarship Award from Colorado State University’s Liberal Arts College Graduate Student Showcase. This recognition reminds me of the importance of bridging disciplines, breaking down walls, and finding common ground.
This work begins with all of us. Together, through small reframes and inclusive conversations, we can light a spark—welcoming everyone into the movement toward a brighter, more sustainable future.
