BE A VOICE FOR WILDERNESS

The National Wilderness Coalition's Voices for Wilderness project collects stories, experiences and perspectives about why wilderness and wild places matter.

We invite you to share your story in the format that feels most comfortable to you: video, voice recording or written response.

You can respond to one or more of the questions below. You do not need to answer everything.

A few honest, specific sentences or a short recording is wonderful.

Video testimonials are especially powerful because they help others hear your voice, see your connection and feel your love for wilderness.

If you are comfortable submitting a video, we strongly encourage it. A simple smartphone recording is perfect. To make this easy, you’ll find clear prompts and simple recording tips below.

Your contact information will not be shared publicly. You will have a chance later in the form to tell us how you want to be identified on the Voices for Wilderness website and materials.

You can share your voice in writing, voice recording, or video recording. Select how you would like to respond below to see instructions and prompts.

You can respond in the language of your choosing. If you respond in a language other than English, will will share an English translation alongside your original response. 

Video Recording Responses

Please start your recording by stating your name, then respond to at least one of the questions below in the language of your choice.

You do not need to answer all of the questions. Responses may be edited for brevity and clarity.

Recording tips:

• Use a smartphone. No professional equipment is needed.
• Record vertically. Please orient your camera in portrait mode.
• Choose a quiet location. Try to avoid background noise like wind, traffic, music or loud conversations.
• Use natural light if possible. Face a window or record outside in soft, even light. Avoid standing with a bright window or sun directly behind you.
• Frame yourself clearly. Position your camera so your head and torso are centered in the frame.
• Speak clearly and naturally. You do not need to memorize anything or sound polished. We want to hear your real voice and story. It's totally fine to repeat words or start over. 
• Keep it brief. A response of 1 to 3 minutes is great. That said, if you have a lot to say, keep going! 

Questions to cover in your video:

1. Why does wilderness matter to you?
2. Why does wilderness matter to your community? (You can think of "community" in many ways: people who live near you, people who share your identity, people who have similar hobbies or interests, etc.)
3. Tell us about a special experience you have had in wilderness.
4. What are your hopes for the future of wilderness?

Written Responses

You can answer as many of the questions below as you would like in the language of your choice. You do not need to answer all of the questions. Your progress will not be saved, so you may want to draft your responses in a separate document. Responses may be edited for brevity and clarity. 

Voice Recording Responses

Please pick a quiet location to record. Use the voice memo application on your smartphone or download the Voice Recorder & Audio Editor app for Apple or Android.

Start your recording by stating your name, then respond to at least one of the questions below in the language of your choice. You do not need to answer all of the questions. Responses may be edited for brevity and clarity.

• Why does wilderness matter to you? 
• Why does wilderness matter to your community? (You can think of "community" in many ways: people who live near you, people who share your identity, people who have similar hobbies or interests, etc.)
• Tell us about a special experience you have had in wilderness.
• What are your hopes for the future of wilderness? 

Save your audio file as MP3. 

We invite you to share any additional information that helps people reading your story understand who you are, including any organizations you are affiliated with as well as any aspects of your identity that shape your connection to wilderness and wild places. 

Examples: 

- Amanda Newman, coordinator of the National Wilderness Coalition (New York City)

- Juan, community organizer, hiker, and parent (Phoenix, AZ)

- Anonymous (Little Rock, AR)

These OPTIONAL questions help us make sure a diverse range of voices are represented in the project. The information will NOT be shared with your story on the website or in materials.