Thank you to everyone who joined both in person and virtually for a productive 2022 Developing Empathy for Conservation Outcomes (DECO) conference.
Continuing the empathy conversation
To support continued collaboration and learning, the Seattle Aquarium will host two types of empathy-focused virtual convenings throughout 2023: Empathy Cafés and action research working groups.
Empathy Café
Empathy cafés are a web chats discussing topics related to fostering empathy for conservation of wildlife. They are free and open to all. Starting in March 2023, these informal empathy conversations will take place quarterly.
Visit the Empathy Café page for 2023 dates and topics
Action Research Working Groups
Working group meetings are quarterly, virtual gatherings that serve to connect and support participants working on empathy-focused action research projects developed at DECO 2022. For details about action research projects currently underway, or more information about joining a working group, please contact empathy.workshop@seattleaquarium.org.
Day 1
- Opening Remarks & Land Acknowledgement
- Presentation – Bryan Nichols: “Pathways to Compassion for Animals: Concepts and Progressions for More Effective Goals & Assessments”
- Presentation – Kathryn Owen & Courtney Cordova: “Testing Interpretive Messages for Empathy Impact”
- Panel Discussion – Cam Whitley, Bryan Nichols, Jeffrey Skibins, Louise Chawla: “New Directions in Understanding Empathy for Wildlife”
- Presentation – Marta Burnet, Kerrie Littlejohn, Carol Strecker, Jennifer Kleen: “To Empathy & Beyond: Addressing the Gap Between Empathy and Conservation Action”
Day 2
- Presentation – Cameron Whitley: “Using Animal Portraiture to Develop Empathetic Response”
- Workshop – Jessica Luke & Sarah Brenkert: Nuts & Bolts of Action Research
- Workshop – Jessica Luke: Articulating a Research Question
- Workshop – Jessica Luke: Action Research Methods
- Group Discussion – Research Topic Share Out
2020 Conference Information and materials
Looking for information about the last DECO conference? Visit the DECO 2020 conference page to view materials, session recordings and more.
2020 Developing Empathy for Conservation Outcomes Conference