Telling stories in the heat of an oil spill
The OWCN was in Alaska when the Refugio Oil Spill hit about three weeks ago. (Of course, right?) Mike jumped on a red-eye flight and others followed shortly after. This UCD story and video nicely sums up how the team impressively snapped into action.
But they’ve been impressive on another level as well: they’ve told this story authentically and authoritatively in near-real time since it started. Whether it be sharing the latest oiled-animal counts on social media or educating well-intentioned citizen responders on the blog, they’ve been on top it.
They’ve written 14 blog posts since the spill started, all of which give a peek behind the scenes or elaborate on what’s in the news. (Becky and Christine have been especially prolific). Here are a few posts:
The road to oil exposure is paved with good intentions
Blue one has won my heart
Lone grebe recovered | Grebey’s first night out
The infamous oil spill espresso machine
A well-oiled machine: notes from the field
The un-oiling machine
Updates you’ve been waiting for
Becky has actively interacted with other groups on Facebook and delivered updates there. Matt and Mike took hold of the OWCN twitter and made that a source for the latest information and a place to connect with others involved in the response. Matt also kept the website updated with the most current oiled-animal counts. Desiree has shared most of the OWCN stuff through the WHC’s channels. The team has spoken to media and done an all-around great job of effectively, but responsibly, sharing the story as it has played out.
This kind of thing can get ignored when other priorities demand your attention. An oil spill is the ultimate high-pressure priority. Hats off to them.
-- Justin
