Welcome to Grayling Education
Hi there! I guess it’s time to introduce Grayling Education and give you all an insight into what we’re all about.
At its core, Grayling focuses on breaking down the norms and traditions of conservation, science, and environmental education by working with an intersectional, multicultural, and equitable lens. All that means is that we’re here to make environmental and science education downright sexy, accessible, and fun without losing the main drive of the messaging and intellect. In doing so, we’re working towards breaking down barriers and creating pathways to empower individuals and communities to become stewards by building knowledge and understanding of the natural world.
The good old ways of doing things serve a particular demographic, and we can see how that’s translating to modern times with current issues in science and conservation. Honestly, the system needs one giant overhaul since those “ways” haven’t always been inclusive, welcoming, or open to new ideas of doing things.
Maybe or maybe not “one giant overhaul,” but having a well-rounded dialogue on certain contentious issues is a great start. Holding people in positions of power and leadership accountable can be step number two, followed by positive transformation from bottom-up actions led on a community level through harnessing the power of education. Boom! World saved. Easy in concept, difficult to implement, but Grayling Education will sure try!
Since our establishment in August 2023, Grayling Education has received an outpouring of support, uplifting messages, and curious inquiries. It’s hard to believe we haven’t been around for that long and only became official a few months ago, but I completely underestimated how much can be accomplished within a short timeframe. Three months in, Grayling submitted a proposal and signed its first contract with a major scientific organization that has young Anna staring at photobooks full of fish, teary-eyed and squealing with joy. Within five months, we added a new talented team member, sent branded stickers all over the US, and officially launched the website. At the start of 2024, Grayling had its first presentation showcasing the company at an in-person event with a great turnout despite a winter snowstorm!
Although Grayling Education is still in its infancy stage, the values, mission, conversations, blueprints, and positive hell-raising ideologies have been stewing in my mind for a while, and it was only a matter of time before I dished it out to the world and shared all the goodness it has to offer. If you’ve been here and with me since the beginning, THANK YOU! If you’re new and still feeling it out, full transparency, Grayling’s not here to abide by any outdated traditional mentality or appease societal standards and conform to a system that’s clearly not equitable or working for everyone :)
So in the near future, you can expect workshops and guided outings, a welcoming space to participate in good necessary discussions, more of Grayling’s presence in the community, beautiful science communication pieces, storytelling, and educational tidbits. If you’ve made it this far and have some ideas on collaborating, I hope to hear from you soon!
The love (and hate) radiating from everyone has fueled and ignited my desire to continue doing the work I deeply care about the way I want to and in a world I want to be in. Without hope, people showing up, advocating for more and better, listening, grieving, forgiving, understanding, and making impactful change, I wouldn’t see a point in doing any of this. It’s not about me and will never be about me. I believe in the work that needs to be done and grateful for all the others along this journey. I’m just glad Grayling Education is a part of it.
