Broadcasting Resilience: Developing Wildfire Readiness Through Student-Driven Radio Programs

Abstract

This paper introduces an innovative educational initiative focused on producing a community radio program to enhance students' understanding of wildfires. It creates an open dialogue platform for students to share ideas and concerns about wildfire preparedness, promoting an inclusive and participatory learning environment. A key component of this educational approach is establishing a 'readiness' framework to equip students with the necessary competencies to converse thoughtfully and effectively about the multifaceted narratives, dilemmas, and tensions inherent in dealing with significant wildfires. The project also emphasizes the importance of risk communication, aiming to improve students' abilities to convey information about wildfire risks clearly and accurately, catering to diverse audience needs. This approach is vital for enabling students to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions before, during, and after wildfire events, thus integrating scientific understanding and practical communication skills to foster proactive community engagement.