Climate resilience efforts often stall not because of a lack of science, but because of a lack of resonance. Technical language, politicized framing, and vague long-term deliverables can alienate the communities that resilience practitioners aim to empower. This session explores strategies for reframing climate resilience in ways that connect with the values, priorities, and lived experiences of Gulf Coast residents. Drawing on examples from community workshops, outreach events, and educational programming, the presentation demonstrates how reframing “climate resilience” can shift conversations to become more productive and meaningful.

This presentation will discuss practical methods for translating data into meaningful narratives, identifying trusted messengers, and aligning resilience messaging with local economic, cultural, and faith-based values. The session demonstrates how small adjustments in tone and emphasis can yield major gains in engagement, policy support, and community buy-in. Participants can leverage these strategies and integrate these practices into their existing resilience projects and frameworks to enhance participation and overcome reluctance to engage in climate resilience efforts in their communities.