Narratives that Ignite Change Media Training for Wildfire Experts

In partnership with COMPASS Science Communication, FAS is offering a 7-week training to equip and empower wildfire experts to engage effectively with state and local media.

This training aims to deepen the bench of scientists who can speak to both the nuance of their expertise and current wildfire issues in a specific geography. 

Through structured programming, peer-to-peer learning, and tailored coaching, participants will: 

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Applications are due by 11:59 PM PT on Friday, September 18, 2026. 

There is no cost to participate. However, the cohort will meet for programming or group coaching once per week for seven weeks, beginning the week of October 12 and ending the week of November 30 (there will be no programming during the week of the Thanksgiving holiday). For the success of the program and each individual, participants are expected to attend 1-hour programming sessions (see below for specific dates and times).

Why state and local media? 

State and local media outlets play an important role in shaping policy, practice, and community discourse. As communities across the U.S. wrestle with the impacts of extreme wildfire, increasing the frequency and reliability of media coverage of regional wildfire science and policy issues is essential. 

Journalists rely on experts and interview subjects who can speak to emergent wildfire issues in specific geographies. Finding the right expert on a deadline can be challenging for media outlets, who may turn to the same voices again and again. For experts, building relationships with journalists and providing compelling context takes skill. While some experts are overwhelmed with requests when wildfire news breaks, others know they have insight to add but aren’t sure where to plug in. 

Local news provides crucial information and context during wildfires, and they can only do that in partnership with experts who are ready and willing to help. 

Who is this for?

This program will bring together wildfire experts who are eager to build connections with journalists and to join the conversation about how we live with fire. We are looking for committed, enthusiastic participants who are early or mid-career professionals working in wildfire resilience who have limited experience working directly with the media but who want to build capacity to do so. 

What will the programming look like?

Each week, participants will gather virtually on Zoom with FAS and COMPASS facilitators to learn new skills and apply them to their work. The first five weeks will focus on group programming sessions on core topics including new media, risk communication, a Q&A with journalists, and tools for refining messages. The last two weeks will focus on small group coaching to provide tailored feedback for participants as they apply what they’ve learned. Optional reflection exercises will be provided after each session so that participants can explore a topic further and/or prepare material for feedback during the coaching sessions. 

What are the requirements to participate? 

To participate in the program, you must: 

The ideal participants will: 

Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and fields of study to apply, including Indigenous knowledge, social science, and building sciences. We acknowledge the value of on-the-ground experience and encourage people working in applied, practitioner positions to apply. 

Is there a cost to participate? 

There is no cost to participate. However, the cohort will meet for programming or group coaching once per week for seven weeks, beginning the week of October 12 and ending the week of November 30 (there will be no programming during the week of the Thanksgiving holiday).

For the success of the program and each individual, participants are expected to attend 1-hour programming sessions on the following dates: