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climate A PROGRAM OF EXPOSURE LABS WINTER 2020 2021 CONTRIBUTORS SA M A DL ER L IND SAY CROW DER A ND MON A Y EH

what s inside 1 about the contributors 3 introduction 5 looking back past work impact 6 case studies 11 laying a foundation 12 exposure labs mission vision values 14 climate program theory of change points of unity group agreements 17 looking ahead current work impact 18 storyteller pathway 19 climate story lab 21 film in the field 23 can you hear us 24 1 on 1s 25 movement building 27 acknowledgements

about the contributors SAM ADLER Samantha is focused on formulating social impact strategies through the power of film as Exposure Labs Campaign Manager As a passionate storyteller she s interested in the intersection of climate change and human rights Most recently she s worked for Yale s Program for Climate Change Communication promoting research around a multifaceted approach to climate change social research She has also worked as a journalist for Alliance Earth writing and reporting on environmental issues including an assignment in Botswana s Kalahari Desert Prior Samantha acted as the Global Communications Manager at Girl Rising Projects included constructing a communications strategy with the White House in relation to the First Lady s Let Girls Learn initiative Samantha holds a BA in Journalism and Cinema Studies from New York University and is based in San Diego with her many plants and fluffy cat 1 L IND SAY C R O W DER Lindsay is the Field Advocacy Director at Exposure Labs overseeing the development of all climate work From running national campaign offices for a handful of progressive organizations to developing dozens of digital campaigns for a variety of clients Lindsay centers her work in building community transformational change Most recently she worked as National Organizing Director for the Peoples Climate Movement building program work that demands bold climate action centered in racial and economic justice through mass mobilization coalition building and movement alignment She is based in Brooklyn New York soon to be Detroit Michigan MONA YEH Mona has a passion for the intersection of stories and social justice She was recently lead producer of a broadcast radio series on public transit commuting as part of the Localore Finding America initiative where she received an award for disability reporting and is also a co founder of an oral history collective focused on collecting and telling stories of social movement activists Before joining Exposure Labs she was the Communications Director of the Funder s Collaborative on Youth Organizing a national funding intermediary Mona holds a bachelor s in radio television film from Northwestern University and is based in LA where she is a professional hobby dabbler and karaoke enthusiast 2 C lim ate A Pro gram of E xp osure Lab s W inter 2020 202 1

Since 2012 Exposure Labs has been using our films Chasing Ice and Chasing Coral as tools to advance the climate movement from challenging prominent climate skeptics to advancing clean energy legislation In addition to our original productions we recently launched Film in the Field connecting film and storytelling beyond our own to the grassroots efforts of organizers around the country and efforts to support the impact work of global storytellers through initiatives like Climate Story Lab We believe that the transformational power of storytelling is one of the greatest tools that we can use to accelerate climate action at scale Stories shape culture and reshaping the cultural awareness around climate change is how we at Exposure Labs can help to make climate action a priority introduction We believe that the transformational power of storytelling is one of the greatest tools that we can use to accelerate climate action at scale We recognize that there is no single story that will resonate with all audiences We need a diversity of climate stories that can engage communities who may not see themselves as part of the current movement and then connect these communities to trusted organizations and leaders who can guide them towards long lasting action The most effective climate stories will evoke a broader range of emotions beyond hope and fear and will be centered in climate justice less extractive and include a range of storytellers trusted messengers subject matters and mediums to reach over political and cultural divides Our past campaigns and movement efforts have put us in a unique position to build bridges from this vantage point we have witnessed a surprising gap between the world of climate advocacy and that of climate storytelling Our climate programming seeks to unite the power of these two worlds with other stakeholders to engage new audiences expand the broader climate storytelling ecosystem challenge power and ensure that both organizers and storytellers have the resources access and capacity to do the work 4 C lim ate A Pro gram of E xp osure Lab s W inter 2020 202 1

looking back PAST WORK IMPACT In order to move our work forward effectively it s important to have a shared understanding of what we ve done and where we ve been Our case studies help to tell that story and showcase the impact we ve made with our climate work to date CASE STUDY Climate Story Lab CL IM AT E S T ORY L A B UK 2020 The report from Climate Story Lab UK which took place in March 2020 just ahead of the COVID 19 lockdown summarizes key insights and take aways from our latest three day meeting and aims to inspire media makers climate activists and their allies around the globe to support story based climate action DIGI TA L T O OL B OX The Climate Story Lab Digital Toolbox is an aid for cultural organizers who want to host their own gatherings whether in person or virtual it can be iterated and adapted to suit the context and community We will keep updating the toolbox with perspectives from around the world and always welcome suggestions CL IM AT E S T ORY L A B U S N Y 2019 The five day convening focused on 12 projects but also explored broader questions about this particular moment in the climate crisis in the U S To get a flavor of the lab have a look at this short film While this report goes further summarizing key insights and take aways from the Lab and aims to resource media makers climate activists amplifiers and allies with tools inspiration and lessons to support storybased climate action in your own corner of the planet 6 C lim ate A Pro gram of E xp osure Lab s W inter 2020 202 1

CASE STUDY Film in the Field E A R T H DAY 2020 Using film to drive climate action in a time of social distancing HOW WE DID IT During this time of social distancing many groups were forced to cancel their in person Earth Day gatherings to curb the spread of COVID 19 In response to the moment we created a library of films and tools to support groups in moving their Earth Day mobilizations online and individuals in celebrating without physical convenings To complement watch parties we hosted a Q A conversation to connect film teams and organizing insights for driving climate action SOUTH CAROLINA Energy Freedom Act passes following statewide film tour HOW WE DID IT Alongside CVSC Conservation Voters of South Carolina we created the Dear South Carolina Tour using film to advance solar legislation The statewide tour featured a mix of titles to reach audiences that legislators don t typically hear from on clean energy such as The Burden to engage armed forces and Beasts of the Southern Wild for reaching communities of color Guests shared messages directed at their legislator calling for a transition to clean energy The visible groundswell of support from 30 screenings in 12 counties drew 8 Republican legislators to our events and was a critical factor in securing unanimous passage of the Energy Freedom Act in May 2019 Watch our case study here 7 8 C lim ate A Pro gram of E xp osure Lab s W inter 2020 202 1

9 GEORGIA OHIO After work screenings drive millennials to the polls on climate issues Congressman Tiberi responds to call joining Climate Solutions Caucus HOW WE DID IT HOW WE DID IT Using the voter file we identified that there are 15 million registered voters who care deeply about the environment but regularly do not vote To activate this group in Atlanta we launched the Big Screen Bloc Party using film to grow the environmental voter bloc ahead of the midterms The series featured unexpected film selections to educate Atlantans about environmental issues at stake in local elections Bloc partiers contributed to the highest early voter turnout in a midterm election and doubled young voter turnout since 2014 In the Spring of 2014 we launched the Chasing Ice Ohio Tour in an attempt to use the film to shift the political conversation around climate change As a society for us to address climate change properly we need our leaders in Washington to stop debating about whether or not it is actually happening and start taking action So we decided to take Chasing Ice to one Congressional district where Congressman Pat Tiberi OH 12 had denied climate change Congressman Tiberi responded to the call changing his stance on climate change and even joined the Climate Solutions Caucus 1 0 C lim ate A Pro gram of E xp osure Lab s W inter 2020 202 1

laying a foundation From Spring through Fall of 2020 the Exposure Labs team underwent an internal process to develop a set of foundational statements and documents to support the long term impact of our work We began at the organizational level and then further focused the thinking to guide our climate work Below is an introduction to that process EXPOSURE LABS Mission Vision Values Mission We use stories to change the world We believe that stories are the most powerful catalyst to build empathy shape culture foster equity and shift systems We share stories and craft campaigns to address big societal challenges Vision We envision a world that is fair just and equitable for all people and the planet A world that is sustainable and regenerative where people recognize that science and truth can prevent unnecessary pain and suffering where we recognize the complexities nuances and differences that unify us and where we work together to build a better future for all 12 C lim ate A Pro gram of E xp osure Lab s W inter 2020 202 1

Values Equity Sustainability We believe a sustainable world must be fair and just for all people and the planet and the path forward requires an intersectional approach to overcome systemic and institutional injustices Creativity Innovation We embrace big ideas and creative thinking in all of our work looking for new and innovative ways to share and connect with our audiences and communities We are adaptable flexible and maintain a growth mindset Love Inclusion We build bridges and focus on what unites us over what divides us We recognize that just like in nature diversity brings strength and resilience and we seek an inclusive future where all stakeholders are involved in the decisions that affect them We know that we can go further together when diverse voices perspectives and experiences are at the table Truth Complexity We don t shy away from hard questions and we maintain the open mindedness to challenge our own beliefs We seek out perspectives that differ from our own approach the world with curiosity and take the time to embrace the nuance in ideas Integrity We do what we believe is the right thing even when it s not the easy thing putting time thought and care into our decisions actions and partnerships Optimism We believe that a better world is possible and we recognize we must contribute and do our part in order to realize that change 13 EXPOSURE LABS Climate Program Theory of Change Points of Unity and Group Agreements Theory of Change We believe that the transformational power of storytelling is one of the greatest tools that we can use to accelerate climate action at scale Our work serves as a pathway for climate storytellers organizers and the broader storytelling ecosystem moving away from centering ourselves to disrupting unjust power structures and ensuring that both organizers and storytellers have the resources access and capacity to do the work We build bridges foster collaboration and seek to be a trusted hub and thought partner for climate storytellers and organizers recognizing our privilege and power bringing innovation and opportunity to the overall ecosystem and ensuring that we are contributing to an equitable intersectional and multidisciplinary approach to addressing the climate crisis through the power of storytelling Points of Unity Points of Unity are our shared values beliefs methods and means They guide our climate work reflect who we are and what we believe in and inform our decision making Our process was inspired by the great work of our friends at AORTA We ground our work and ourselves by listening We are committed to intentional relationship building both new and long term to nurture a network of individuals organizations storytellers and other stakeholders cocollaborating in building an ecosystem of solutions to the climate crisis We appreciate that this involves constant work at the individual organizational and structural level 14 C lim ate A Pro gram of E xp osure Lab s W inter 2020 202 1

We follow the Jemez Principles of Democratic Organizing in all that we do We encourage our team our partners and all relationships to show up with their whole selves We nurture intergenerational practices we value intimacy depth and trust and we believe care for self others and community is crucial to a more sustainable world We stand in alliance with struggles that uphold collective liberation and cooperation and recognize that those struggles can be intersectional We believe that individuals organizations and ecosystems can be transformed We assume our own power and privilege and maintain our humility We believe in the importance of leadership and prioritize the development of leaders among youth communities most impacted by the climate crisis and intentionally targeted communities in all levels of our work We spend our time building bridges rather than closing doors We value resource sharing and are committed to contributing to a fair and just ecosystem by directly linking resources and capacity building with the communities that need them most We move at the speed of trust and honor that there is always enough time for the right work Group Agreements Group Agreements are intended to clarify our role in community spaces and meetings and allow room for holistic participation Depending on the group meeting and overall purpose these agreements can be built on and adapted for meaningful use Make space take space Be mindful of how you use your time your power and privilege Be brave Lean into tensions that can lead to growth learning and clarity Approach questions and thinking with curiosity and disrupt harm without apology Throw glitter not shade Share your truth using yes and I and treat others with care Focus on the behavior not the person Aim for accountability Be present Your attention is a gift what you pay attention to grows 15 16 C lim ate A Pro gram of E xp osure Lab s W inter 2020 202 1

looking ahead As we consolidate our climate programming under one cohesive vision and theory of change our work will continue to grow and evolve to best serve the movement Here is a snapshot into our current and growing offerings S T ORY T EL L ER PAT H WAY Exposure Labs has a unique role with the ability to collaborate with climate storytellers organizers and other stakeholders along both the film production and impact journey Our team is developing a framework to illustrate clear pathways for climate storytellers organizers and the broader ecosystem to engage with our work across all of our existing climate programs Organizations Bring learnings from the field to the Lab to inform and strengthen climate stories Films Exposure to new climate stories to be used by the field Exposures to new climate stories Share learnings and resources Can You Hear Us Leveraging knowledge from CSL to share Extended support for impact campaigns Leverage ELABS impact experience to share learnings and support other storytellers Exposure to new climate stories One on Ones 18 C lim ate A Pro gram of E xp osure Lab s W inter 2020 202 1

a CLIMATE S TORY L AB Climate Story Lab is a series of interventions designed by Exposure Labs and Doc Society with a laser focus determination to accelerate effective climate communication at the regional level The first two iterations were held in New York in 2019 and London in 2020 Hoping to learn from past successes and failures in climate narratives the Labs showcased selections of new storytelling projects that aimed to reach and engage diverse audiences This model is a deliberately highly interdisciplinary and adaptable approach combining a carefully curated range of people interested in the same challenge how to communicate the climate crisis more effectively and move communities to action The model seeks to deliberately examine stories and unpack who is telling the story how are we telling it who is funding it and how does the story get shared The first two iterations of the lab have convened climate storytellers working across all creative mediums including fiction non fiction podcasts poetry plays in conversation with climate scientists advocacy organizations social scientists political strategists faith leaders cultural curators journalists grassroots and youth campaigners 19 We need a biodiversity of stories and storytellers as diverse as the ecosystems we seek to save Michael Premo Storyline Media Informed by the latest insights on public attitudes this intersectional group discusses how best to inspire citizens and mobilize communities in the target region Theory is put into practice as storyteller teams and climate organizing groups are each given the opportunity to strategize their work with the room challenging their own creative ideas as well as developing more robust campaigns for both sides The immediate goal is that all participants are strengthened a number of the creative projects are dramatically accelerated and new creative and strategic collaborations are manifested As part of an ongoing intention to make the Climate Story Lab model accessible and adaptable to different contexts the Climate Story Lab Toolbox was created which includes a library of videos from experts discussion prompts and resources to help guide gatherings The Toolbox will grow over the next year To build on our existing relationships and commitment to building capacity for climate storytelling in the South we are planning a Climate Story Lab US South tentatively scheduled for April 2021 We have secured partnerships with regional stakeholders New Orleans Film Society and the Southeast Climate and Energy Network SCEN 2 0 C lim ate A Pro gram of E xp osure Lab s W inter 2020 202 1

b C U LT U R E S H I F T E R FILM IN THE FIELD Increasing Public Awareness Build relationships with new audiences and communities that are not already part of the conversation In 2019 we launched Film in the Field our new program that goes beyond our own productions to connect film and storytelling to the grassroots efforts of organizers around the country Energize your base with issue education training and kick off campaigns for canvassing events or other key moments in your organizing We believe that the power of storytelling is an underutilized tool to address the climate crisis touching audiences where logic cannot sparking new perspectives transforming hearts and inspiring action By leveraging an expanded community of climate storytellers combined with the knowledge and experience of climate organizations Film in the Field can help build political will at the speed and scale we need to preserve our world for future generations Partner with cultural institutions and leverage an unexpected base to your organizing goals In September 2020 we partnered with the Southeast Climate Energy Network to support the use of climate storytelling to mobilize new audiences drive climate action and create lasting change Through a Request for Proposal process this partnership aims to use film screenings drawn from Exposure Labs Film in the Field Library of films and resources and innovative organizing models to reach new audiences building an engagement journey that will guide these audiences towards specific actions that advance respective goals Impact will be measured through metrics designed around the following models or established by organizations based on the goals of their proposals PRESSURE BUILDER Increasing Public Engagement Drive legislator accountability by inviting them to your event or including them in your call to action Challenge prominent skeptics by leveraging audience reactions with a public call to action M O V E M E N T B U I L D E R Fostering collaboration Ignite deep thinking with key stakeholders by creating an intentional space for planning and visioning Build the movement and nurture allyship by bringing different groups and their bases together in solidarity Film in the Field has given our members the opportunity to explore firsthand the connection between storytelling and impact Sara Ochoa SCEN This project kicks off our long term commitment and effort to use climate storytelling to grow the climate movement and to create additive models for both storytellers and organizers to do the work 21 2 2 C lim ate A Pro gram of E xp osure Lab s W inter 2020 202 1

c CAN YOU HEAR US Youth led movements have been growing across the globe expanding to a range of issues from climate change to gun violence to racial inequality Their voices are loud and clear They are now looking to the rest of the world to listen and more importantly act Building on this momentum the Can You Hear Us campaign s vision is to accelerate local climate action by uplifting the momentum and voices of youth climate activists around the world through the power of film d 1 ON 1S In the spirit of collaboration community and mutual learning the Exposure Labs team reserves time each week for conversations with filmmakers and impact producers on feedback potential collaborations connections and questions on specific areas of our expertise 1 on 1s are available to anyone currently working in the film and or impact space 1 on 1s were designed with the following values in mind Service oriented The campaign will initially be based around the release of I Am Greta a feature length documentary providing an intimate look at Greta Thunberg s journey to becoming a globally recognized activist B Reel Films the Swedish production company behind the film have been by her side from the start including sailing with her across the Atlantic in time for the UN Climate Week in September 2019 I Am Greta will premiere in the U S on Hulu on November 13 2020 We ve partnered with YEA Impact to lead the campaign forward We acknowledge that the global media has dedicated a significant amount of coverage to Greta often forgoing spotlighting the work of those who have been elevating the need for climate justice for generations Inspired by Greta s leadership to pass the mic to fellow activists we hope to leverage this film s ability to reach those beyond the environmental choir and connect those audiences to the work of youth activists across the globe 23 Exposure Labs is in a position where we can leverage our experience and expertise in service of the broader community without expecting anything in return Inclusive We want to democratize access to industry professionals and expertise by eliminating a gatekeeper Anyone can sign up for 1 on 1s and speak to someone on our team based on their interests and needs rather than an internally set criteria Optional We recognize this still takes capacity ELABS team members can opt into the program and choose how much time they make available for 1 on 1s If our generation wants to win a government that cares about COVID 19 and climate change we need stories The work of climate storytellers is to anchor this massive crisis in real life Jeremy Ornstein Storytelling Strategist Sunrise Movement 24 C lim ate A Pro gram of E xp osure Lab s W inter 2020 202 1

The Sundance Film Festival Sundance Institute Media Impact Funders Sundance Gathering Media Impact Funders Hopes and Fears in a COVID World Other Belonging Institute More in Common The New Climate Narratives Hip Hop Caucus Uniontown Screening with Rep Brawley Conservation Voters of South Carolina Environmental Film Festival DC Environmental Film Festival e MOVEMENT BUILDING In honor of our values and our ongoing commitment to ensure that we are contributing to an equitable intersectional and multidisciplinary approach to addressing the climate crisis our team has invested time and resources into movement building opportunities to grow the work inform our role across the field Over the course of 2020 we participated in the following movement moments Un Documenting Storytelling Through the Undocumented Lens Firelight Media Black Indigenous People of Color Surviving Predominantly White Institutions artEquity Digital Impact Screenings Resource Guide Together Films Transitioning to Social Distance Organizing Social Movement Technologies Break Out A Roundtable on COVID 19 and the Narrative Moment ReFrame MobLabs Community Call Mobilisation Labs SCEN Environmental Justice FRESH Energy Working Groups the Southeast Climate Energy Network The Storytellers Guide to Changing Our World Culture Surge Allied Media Conference Allied Media Project CAL Research Experimentation 8 Climate Advocacy Lab Arm in Arm National Kick Off Call Arm in Arm USCAN Culture The Engine to Protect Democracy Culture Surge Beyond Resilience After the Call Out Towards Equity Equality and Racial Justice Firelight Media Netroots Nation Netroots Blackstar Film Festival Blackstar How We Won 100 Climate Advocacy Lab and Climate and Energy Funders Group Community Deep Dive Hearken PIVOT Creating Successful Online Conferences BCDC Ideas SCEN Virtual Convening the Southeast Climate Energy Network DOC NYC PRO Immersive Social Impact When the World is Inside DOC NYC Lessons for Rebellion People s Forum Communicating in these times Clean Energy COVID Racial Justice 100 Network Introducing the THRIVE Agenda People s Action Good Pitch Local Philadelphia Good Pitch Local Doc Society Crafting Powerful Climate Narratives Climate Advocacy Lab Story Leads to Action Working Films and The School of Good Citizenship Getting Real International Documentary Association Climate Story Lab Berlin Human Rights Film Festival Berlin This Film Kills Fascism Peace is Loud and The Future of Film is Female Unbreathable The Fight for Healthy Air Premiere and Live Discussion American University School of Communication Surveillance Pandemic A Conversation with Naomi Klein and Edward Snowden Mijente Planet Prescription Film Premier and Clean Air Conversation Mothers and Others for Clean Air From Wildfire Crisis to Community Resiliency Charting a Just Transition PowerShift Network Good Pitch Texas Good Pitch Local Doc Society Civic Science Lessons from Research Implications for MIF s Learning Agenda Media Impact Funders New Orleans Film Festival New Orleans Film Society Our Village Ford Foundation Meeting the Moment Building a More Resilient Nation Progressive Caucus Action Fund Beyond Resilience The Black Gaze Firelight Media From the Ground Up Global Gathering for Climate Justice COP 26 Coalition WOW Global Festival Women of the World Festival Culture Surge Network Celebration Harness CAL Equity Justice Peer Learning Circle Climate Advocacy Lab New Climate Narratives In a World of Racial Injustice and a Global Pandemic Producers Guild of America SCEN Virtual Convening the Southeast Climate Energy Network IFP Distribution Lab Independent Filmmakers Project indicates events where we presented full list here 25 26 C lim ate A Pro gram of E xp osure Lab s W inter 2020 202 1

acknowledgements We would like to acknowledge and thank our Exposure Labs team our leadership circle and the generous support of our sponsors Exposure Labs is the impact and production company behind Chasing Ice Chasing Coral and The Social Dilemma We use stories to change the world We believe that stories are the most powerful catalyst to build empathy shape culture foster social justice and shift systems From inception to impact we develop stories to address big societal challenges and to help move us towards lasting collective solutions Exposure LLC PO Box 18930 Boulder CO 80308 info exposurelabs com www exposurelabs com 27