LUCEC Projects
High School Environmental Journalism Workshop
In Winter 2000, LUCEC launched its High School Environmental Journalism Workshop entitled,
"Covering the Environmental Beat." This workshop is intended to foster an interest among high
school students to cover the environment during the school year. Highschool students were
introduced to basic environmental writing techniques, interviewing scientists, and environmental
issues relevant to life in Louisiana.
Environmental Communications Discussion Group
An on-campus group has monthly gatherings of students and faculty interested in
environmental communications.
Covering the Planet
Seminars are held on campus that feature scientists, environmental journalists, and other nationally renowned guests. These individuals present public lectures and spend time with Loyola students and local and regional environmental and business leaders.
Living by the Seasons in South Louisiana
Sucessful life in the Louisiana bayou is based on a knowledge and respect of the ecosystem. A paper entitled, Living by the Seasons in South Louisiana and a Photo Essay by Kimberly Morand document seasonal life on the Houma bayou.
This project was done for "Documentary Photography" directed by Dr. Leslie Parr in conjunction with "Covering the Environmental Beat" directed by Dr. Robert Thomas.
Common Sense Initiative
LUCEC is involved in projects that are intended to enhance reaching rational solutions to chronic environmental challenges. Common Sense Initiative (CSI)
Commercial Television News Gatekeepers and Their Attitudes Toward Environmental News: A Survey
A thesis presented to Antioch University by Dale Arthur Willman (May 2001), with support from LUCEC.
Provide training to grassroots groups on how to communicate their message.
These groups reach audiences that are usually left at the margins of the discussion. Work will be accomplished in conjunction with Loyola's Shawn M. Donnelley Center for Nonprofit Communications. LUCEC is also pleased to announce that we now offer free start-up web design to grassroots groups in Louisiana. Please contact us for more information.
National environmental journalists workshops.
An annual series of workshops is offered for national environmental journalists on topics specific to Louisiana that are of national importance:
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Wetlands loss and protection Oil & Gas Petrochemical Corridor Fisheries (TEDs, conflict, red snapper/bycatch)
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River issues (dead zones)
Workshops to train scientists how to work with the media.
Many local scientists and several from throughout the United States have asked if LUCEC will help scientists understand the methods and needs of the media. Scientists are increasingly being asked to provide information and quotes, and they simply don’t trust the media. If scientists don’t supply valid information, the media is frequently left with agenda driven sources. This program will provide an improved platform of information for the public.
Newspaper interactions.
Faculty of LUCEC are available to discuss environmental issues with the press. Interviews with faculty have recently appeared in local newspapers, the New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, International Herald Tribune, Los Angeles Times and many others via the Associated Press.
TV and radio commentary.
Faculty of LUCEC are available to discuss environmental issues on local, regional, and national television and radio. They have recently been featured on CNN, TBS, NPR, and all local national affiliates.
Environmental policy facilitation.
Over the years, LUCEC faculty have taken the initiative to bring groups together who may otherwise disagree on environmental issues without meeting to pursue constructive discussion. This intervention is a continuing part of LUCEC.
Tropical environmental communications issues.
Throughout its history, the LUCEC has been active in many tropical projects. Loyola students have created a video on the conservation ethics of Trinidadians and have worked with the Toledo Ecotourism Association (TEA) in Belize to create a public relations/ advertising package.
Caribbean Communications
Through funding from USAID, LUCEC in conjunction with the UNO Foundation, Caribbean Environmental Reporter's Network, and Panos Institute, is coordinating a variety of communications projects throughout the Caribbean.
