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Fall 2023 TF4 Meeting Summary

TF4 convened in November 2030  with a focus on advancing Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) knowledge and optimizing communication strategies. New members were warmly welcomed, and key announcements highlighted an upcoming webinar and significant events, including the Edible Cities Network Global Lunch Talk and the launch of an Edicitinet MOOC.

The meeting emphasized the creation of a forward-looking six-month plan, incorporating feedback from the annual event. TF4 aims to integrate its activities into the broader NN+ Communications strategy, enhancing project promotion and revitalizing the project newsletter.

Practical strategies were proposed, including an introductory document for easy access to essential links and NN-branded Canva templates for event promotions. Discussions under James Atkinson from Oppla covered the establishment of a Social Media Database and management of Media Outlets. TF4 explored work streams, meeting agendas, and collaborative learning opportunities for an optimized team experience.

Kassia Rudd presented the upcoming NN+ communications strategy, highlighting the task force as an effective communication vehicles and encouraging active involvement from other TFs. A Slido session addressed key questions on NbS priorities, communication methods, and toolkit development, leading to the drafting of updated core objectives for TF4.

A TF-specific newsletter, GDPR-compliant and exclusive for task force members was introduced. Updates on webinars, events, and projects, including Urbinat 2024 in Coimbra, were shared.

The meeting concluded with plans for the next gathering, centered on peer-to-peer learning and the potential launch of a video campaign.

Annotated Agenda

1. Introductions: Anyone New?

  • Welcomed new participants.
  • Provide a brief introduction to the team dynamics and objectives.

2. Webinar and Announcements:

  • Upcoming Edible Cities Network Global Lunch Talk on December 1st.
    • Date and Time: December 1st, 11-12 am (CET).
    • Event Details: Link
  • Launch of Edicitinet MOOC: Link.
  • TNOC Festival: Virtual component and in-person at Atelier Gardens in Berlin.
  • NbS Comics Call: Link.
  • NN Website Issues: Reach out to James at james@oppla.eu.

3. TF4 Going Forwards: Creating a 6-Month Plan

  • Draft Sharing:
    • Share a draft incorporating feedback from the annual event.
    • Discuss integration into NN+ DEC for enhanced project promotion.
    • Considerations for the redesigned project newsletter.
  • TF4 Introductory Document:
    • Outline links to TF4 Monthly Update, TF digest (Oppla), #NatureFacts.
    • Present NN-branded Canva templates for event promotion cards.
  • Collaboration Strategies:
    • Social Media Database (James Atkinson, Oppla).
      • Explore the structure and responsibilities of the database.
    • Media Outlets (James Atkinson, Oppla).
      • Discuss responsibilities and maintenance procedures.
    • Work Streams Discussion:
      • Explore the need for specialized work streams within TF4. Decided against.
  • Meeting Content and Learning:
    • Define meeting agendas and structure.
    • Explore methods for collaborative learning within the team.
    • Discuss the concept of rotating newsbit writing.

4. Notes on DEC from Kassia

  • Clarify the role of task forces as communication vehicles.
  • Plan drafting based on NN annual event feedback and partner input.
  • Offer opportunities for other TFs to participate in the process.
  • Integration of TF into NN+ communication strategies.
  • Discuss the concept of a rotating editorial calendar for newsbits and events.
  • Optimize the use of the event calendar.
  • Plan to provide a survey for feedback in early January.
  • Explore the possibility of a rotating model for TF meetings.

5. Slido Results and Core Objectives

  • Share Slido results on communication and NbS priorities.
  • Collaboratively draft 1-3 core objectives for TF4, focusing on:
    1. Advancing NbS Knowledge and Data.
    2. Closing the NbS Research-Implementation Gap.
    3. Mainstreaming NbS in Policy.
    4. Building Awareness, Capacities, and Dialogues on NbS.

6. TF4: NbS Communicators

  • Emphasize the objectives: Increase visibility and dissemination channels of NbS project work.

7. Collaboration Discussions

  • Elaborate on Social Media Database (James Atkinson, Oppla):
    • Database structure and functionality.
    • Consider Google Sheets or Excel for project info and media contacts.
    • Establish responsibilities and maintenance for keeping it up-to-date.
  • Discuss Media Outlets (James Atkinson, Oppla):
    • Responsibilities and methods for keeping media outlets information current.
  • Mention NN+ Operational Fund.

8. Meeting Structure

  • Detail ideas for meeting structure:
    • Rotating leadership for meetings and contributions to the agenda.
    • P2P section and strategies for breaking the ice.
    • Encourage learning from each other.
    • Explore the concept of rotating newsbit writing.

9. Project Updates and Opportunities

  •  Piret's idea for a TF-specific newsletter.
    • Address GDPR concerns and facilitate information sharing within the task force.
    • Proposed Newsletter.
  • Update on Sophia Kipp's webinar on the Edicitnet platform.
  • Information about the CLEARING HOUSE webinar series.
  • Urbinat 2024 extension details in Coimbra.
  • NbS education webinar on 28.11.

10. Next Time: Peer to Peer Learning (To Be Confirmed)

  • Discuss the potential for a video campaign in the upcoming meetings.