Any organization, especially as it ages, runs the risk of becoming insular and ossified. The old joke about “we’ve always done it this way” applies to TMN chapters just like any other group. In order to expand its influence while welcoming new energy and diversity, the Sabine-Neches (SN) Chapter launched an initiative for 2022 called Beyond the Choir. This many-faceted outreach seeks to widen the boundaries of the chapter’s impact.
Its goals are lofty.
- Generate public awareness of TMN and its mission.
- Stimulate an appreciation of natural resources in the SN region, hopefully leading to an interest in conservation. This has many ramifications since the chapter lies at the convergence of several habitats: gulf beach, marshes, swamps, the Big Thicket biosphere, and forests.
- Target people of diverse ages, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic status.
- Expand and update the chapter’s social media presence.
- Collaborate with SN partners in all these endeavors.
SN has devised a wide-range of activities to accomplish these goals. Some of them are traditional, such as staffing display tables at events or offering classes. The difference is that they will specifically target places like the YMCA that caters to minority children, or civic groups like the Rotary Club that normally have no eco-consciousness as a part of their climate.
One effort will be an experimental adventure. SN will rent the Ivory Bill, a 45-foot pontoon boat owned by the Big Thicket Association. Chapter members will crew the vessel, leading two hour eco-tours of the Big Thicket cypress-tupelo swamp. They plan to invite a minority organization from Lamar University to enjoy this experience.
Another initiative has the potential to reach a huge audience. SN has reserved a large area of the Exhibit Hall at the South Texas State Fair. It includes a stage and 18 tables for display. They will invite area partners and other conservation groups to participate during the event which could host 100,000 people over a weekend!
TMN Nancy Angell, who spearheads the project, says, “Our biggest challenge is to think like ‘normal’ Americans who don’t care much about conservation. How do we appeal to them, especially in our area where the oil and gas industry employs many folks? In the past we have only interacted with eco-friendly organizations, so it’s a stretch, for sure!”