The process of developing and communicating important research and knowledge is rarely obvious, but it almost always requires collaboration. And the key to good collaboration? Sometimes it’s as simple as slowing down to reflect and listen. It’s a strategy that has allowed Diz Glithero to build a career of meaning and change how we talk about oceans, nature and citizenship. A professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa, Diz is also the executive director of the Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition, where she’s working to unite diverse stakeholders to create a national approach to ocean conservation. Diz served as the Education Lead for Canada C3, a Canada 150 Signature Initiative that involved an epic 150-day journey by ship from Toronto to Victoria via the Northwest Passage. She’s the former Education Director for Students on Ice, having helped lead over 15 polar expeditions. And she’s a researcher, tackling environmental education and youth engagement with the likes of Canada Service Corps. For her work, Diz has received many awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada.
Diz invited us to her home in Chelsea, Quebec, to discuss why oceans matter, and why good research and good leadership all begins with listening.
What do you think?
- What did you learn from Diz’s story?
- Do you feel connected to our coastline? And if not, how can more landlocked Canadians understand the importance of ocean literacy?
- In our busy lives, how can we carve out time to reflect?
- How can we listen to new voices and challenge ourselves to grow?
- Do you believe we need to spend more time perfecting our process, rather than focusing exclusively on outcomes?
- If good process starts with collaboration, how can we find our allies?
More on Diz
Read more about Diz’s work: The Heart of the Biosphere: Exploring our civic relationship with the ocean in Canada
Favourite Book: Jonathon Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
Favourite Documentary: Tribal Canoe Journey
Favourite Program: Rising Youth
View the Canada C3 Education Resources: Ocean Conservation Education