Recent news headlines have been sounding the alarm about “forever” chemicals called PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Across California, local governments and public agencies face a growing need to educate and inform the communities we serve about these troublesome pollutants and how they impact our health and environment. If you work for a fire, airport, water, or wastewater district, you likely already feel the urgency to create a PFAS communications strategy. This webinar will equip you with the necessary knowledge and tools to communicate effectively about this pressing issue.

Join us as we delve into recent state-wide survey results to gain insights into the public’s awareness of PFAS, their primary concerns about these chemicals, and the most impactful messages and trusted messengers. We’ll also introduce a new PFAS 411 public education toolkit created by a partnership of NGOs and public agencies. The toolkit includes a variety of free resources including infographics, videos, social media graphics, and newsletter articles, all designed to facilitate and enhance your communications on PFAS.

You will leave this webinar empowered to engage and inform your community on this challenging topic while supporting commonsense solutions to help protect Californians’ health and environment.

Key Take-Aways:

• Delve into the results of state-wide surveys regarding public awareness and concerns about PFAS. Understand what the public knows, what they fear, and where there are gaps in understanding.
• Learn best practices for communicating complex environmental issues like PFAS to the public.
• Explore the new toolkit, including infographics, videos, and social media content, learning how to implement these tools effectively in your communication strategies.

Speakers

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Recorded: Nov 19, 2024

BIOS

Alyssa Downs

Alyssa Downs is the Manager of Communications for the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA), providing timely, relevant information to both members and legislators on clean water and beneficial reuse issues. Her responsibilities include developing CASA’s communication strategies, producing the CASA Connects newsletter, developing content for traditional and social media, and handling graphic design and outreach materials that support CASA’s statewide advocacy efforts. Alyssa holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies from California State University, Stanislaus.

Emily Barnett

Emily Barnett is Central Contra Costa Sanitary District’s Communications and Government Relations Manager (Central San). She brings experience working in both the public and private sectors in communications, media relations, issues management, stakeholder/community engagement, government relations, and advocacy. Ms. Barnett previously worked as a Government Relations Manager for Pacific Gas & Electric Company, and a District Representative for the California State Senate.  Ms. Barnett has a Master’s Degree in Communication Studies from San Jose State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from California State University, Stanislaus.