A Multi-Pronged Approach to Engaging the Public Towards Advocacy and Shaping San Diego — Jen Whitelaw, PR Professional and former C-3 President

In this episode, Kate sat down with our very own Jen Whitelaw, PR professional and former C-3 President. Jen first shares her career path from English studies to public relations and urban planning. She discusses a few of her favorite tools for reaching the public about important topics like density and sustainability through her work with organizations like C-3. Jen highlights some successful strategies for engaging diverse audiences, emphasizing the power of the public to influence how our city gets shaped. She explains why it’s so important to engage the public and younger generations in advocacy work around land use issues and shaping San Diego’s future, and discusses two documentary films that brought important conversations to the community.

Timestamps:

[2:33] How Jen’s formative years living on Del Mar Mesa shaped her appreciation for conservation.

[3:13] A glimpse at Jen’s career history and the influence that Jen’s mom’s architectural career had on her own vision.

[4:08] Jen’s experience working at the San Diego Film Commission.

[5:47] How Jen’s interest in marketing and public relations originated.

[7:24] Why Jen expanded her career path to urban planning and land planning, and the impact of interpreting and facilitating communication between the industry and the media.

[9:23] A few of Jen’s favorite tools to engage the public and community groups on land use issues.

[11:41] The power of the public when it comes to advocacy.

[14:31] How social media can facilitate conversation and action between the public and policymakers.

[15:31] The City of Villages plan.

[18:38] Was there a failure within San Diego to get the public on board?

[20:26] The impetus for making “Designing for the Future” and how they distributed the film.

[24:26] “San Diego Canyonlands”.

[27:41] The importance of developing responsibly while keeping the San Diego charm.

[29:03] Synthesizing the works for a modern audience.

[30:05] How Jen discovered and became involved with C-3.

[31:05] Who should C-3 be engaging in advocacy work?

[33:27] Overcoming the obstacles and challenges of working with more diverse audiences.

[35:11] The rise of public common spaces.

[36:14] C-3’s influence on the practice of urban planning and development in San Diego.

[38:22] Adapting C-3’s structure and programming to meet modern challenges.

About C-3

Even before the California Coastal Commission or Environmental Protection Agency existed, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) was the environmental conscience of San Diego. Since that time, in part due to C-3’s leadership in education, advocacy, and empowerment, a plethora of organizations have developed throughout San Diego County. These organizations specifically focus on promoting progressive values in architecture, urban design, land-use governance, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, climate change resilience, and social justice. As the field of allies has grown, C-3’s role has evolved to provide a platform that promotes creating civic community.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org

Jen Whitelaw LinkedIn

Quotes:

• “To be able to communicate effectively through writing, I can’t emphasize it enough, for someone who wants to go into that field (PR), it’s really, really important.” — Jen [7:09]

• “I think that curiosity has been a theme throughout my life. I really enjoy learning about things.”  — Jen [8:46]

• “If you want to accomplish something, first, you need to make sure that people understand the subject.” — Jen [11:55]

• “Everyone wants to be heard. When people have a voice in something and feel like they’re being heard and helping to shape something, they are almost inherently on board.” — Jen [12:45]

• “Fear is such a powerful motivator and unfortunately, there’s not a lot of innovation that usually comes out of fear, it’s more of a wall.” — Jen [19:30]

• “You've got to involve the younger generations because they're going to be the decision-makers coming up, and that’s such a unique opportunity and a special opportunity.” — Jen [25:30]

• “There's power in not knowing what you can’t do yet, and you surprise yourself because you just go and do it.” — Jen [32:43]

• “[C-3’s] a really important platform for giving voice to voices that aren't always part of the discussion, and aren't always well funded.” — Jen [36:29]