First Collaboration-Based Siting Workshop, Raleigh
On January 27th, we joined our partners North Carolina University and the Tribal Consent-Based Coalition in hosting our first public workshop to discuss collaborationbased siting of nuclear fuel with local communities.
Our overarching program is designed to gather data about how people respond to different messaging techniques surrounding nuclear energy and the storage of fuel. Our theory at Mothers for Nuclear is that communication about nuclear energy should be nuanced and that leading with trust-building and storytelling can be a powerful method for opening a productive dialogue about many energy topics, including the Department of Energy’s proposed interim consolidated storage facilities. People may have a lot of thoughts and fears about nuclear energy that need to be addressed before they can even begin to talk about the end of the life cycle, which is the storage of fuel. Different people respond to various types of messaging—some prefer “hard facts,” while others would rather talk about emotions. Many of us are somewhere in between. We hope that by combining empathetic storytelling with scientific data, we can reach more people and leave them with a positive experience.
Since this was our first workshop, we opted to do a trial run, focusing primarily on the in-person aspects of our program with a small, friendly audience at NC State in Raleigh, North Carolina. In the future, we will consider live streaming or hybrid meetings, and we may even produce more targeted recordings to share with specific audiences. We hope to leverage the power of social media to gather as much input and perspective as possible, especially from groups that have historically been underrepresented in these conversations. Robert Hayes, known as the Nuclear Science Lover on TikTok, has already garnered a large following and receives heavy engagement on his nuclear posts.
But one thing at a time! First, we needed to improve our messaging, try out our flow path for the workshop, and work on our rhythm as a team. Our role alongside the TC-BC organization is to share stories, often about our own experiences, while avoiding technical intricacies and data. At the same time, our partners at North Carolina University have focused their communication on technical facts and data. Each of our organizations brought a different flavor and appeal. One of the aims of these workshops is to test our different approaches in order to see how the public responds.
Beginning at 9 am sharp, the room filled up and we prepared to start our 5-hour workshop with around 50 attendees. Taking the temperature of the room, we asked the audience about their backgrounds. Many were students, but there were also a few industry professionals and some people who happened to be walking by and stopped to join in.
We opened with our classic Mothers for Nuclear presentation, in which we aim to connect with the audience by recounting our own journeys and our frustrations with the nuclear industry’s usual mode of communication. Before we began, we asked all participants to fill out a short survey form so that we could collect data on their current thoughts and perspectives on nuclear energy and communication.
In the same thread, the TC-BC revealed their groundbreaking position: that despite the troubled past of uranium mining, there can still be a clean energy future in which tribes are stewards of nuclear plants and the surrounding lands.
Next, participants heard from our friend Scott Lathrop of the YTT tribe, Founder of the Tribal Consent-Based Coalition. The crowd was captivated and surprised by his perspective: “Nuclear is a great option for Native American nations.” Scott covered the troubled history of uranium mining on the Navajo Nation lands and the history of Diablo Canyon on his own ancestral lands.
Before Robert Hayes’s presentation, the audience took the same survey again so that we could measure any changes in their perspectives.
Robert, who gives daily lectures and presentations as a professor, gave a masterful explanation of the more technical aspects of nuclear energy. It was clear from the lively Q&A that he had made an impression.
After Robert’s presentation, the audience took one final survey on their opinions.
For the next hour, participants had the chance to engage in small-group discussions about specific concerns and questions relating to a topic of their choice—for example, the transportation of spent fuel. There is no replacement for live feedback and in-person conversations. We took an intentional approach, hoping to foster an open environment where all could feel safe asking questions and expressing doubts, and we are happy to report that it worked! All participants were engaged and eager to share their suggestions and concerns. There is a real need for open, accessible communication on nuclear energy, and especially on fuel storage.
The conversations did not stop when the workshop was over. Many people stayed behind and shared their contact information in order to receive updates on our progress. Our team left proud, tired, and ready for next time.
Since we first launched Mothers for Nuclear in 2016, we’ve gradually become better communicators about a host of nuclear issues. And now we’re learning all over again how much there is to learn about nuclear fuel. Presenting on this topic in particular is a bit more difficult than talking about nuclear energy in general. As always, we need to tailor our messaging, considering people’s backgrounds, potential biases, preferred messengers, and the ideal balance of emotional versus factual content.
