Changing Food Systems: Communicating Negative Impacts of Industrial Animal Agriculture

Turning the tide from exploitive, industrial systems to agroecological ones

As feeding the world and caring for the environment feel increasingly at odds with each other, it’s crucial to elevate the voices of experts who explore how we can do both. Now more than ever, we need leaders who can effectively communicate a path forward and who can push for systemic change. The innovative, new COMPASS Changing Food Systems program offers the opportunity for researchers in the field of industrial animal farming in developing countries to grow their communication skills and forge a path for strategic, enduring change in this emerging field.

Program participants will build valuable skills and have access to a variety of tools and support that will help them achieve their goals. Through 1:1 virtual coaching and group programming, they will develop a customized plan to pursue strategic change with the support of COMPASS facilitators. This intensive, individualized support can launch participants from thinking about an idea to making it happen.

The COMPASS Changing Food Systems program welcomes applicants from across the globe, from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, at different career stages, and with different goals. Program participants will have one thing in common: a commitment to turning the tide from exploitive, industrial systems to agroecological ones that prioritize the wellbeing of people, animals, and environment.

Through this program, participants will amplify the impact of their work and reimagine food production as just, sustainable, and compassionate to create a thriving future for all.

About the Program

Program Overview

Over the course of this virtual program, we will help you build your technical communication skills and cultivate strategic thinking that leads to real change. The COMPASS Changing Food Systems program is rooted in the idea that dedicated, strategic coaching by trained experts can inspire thoughtful, effective action. In addition to individualized coaching sessions, you will have the opportunity to connect with other participants during skill-building events and online social gatherings.

  • Strategic Communication: Learn to effectively frame and share their message, engage in meaningful, productive dialogue, and productively navigate differences
  • Science for Society:Develop pathways for your work to better serve society, including identifying levers of change, cultivating networks, and engaging in meaningful collaborations
  • Meaningful Relationships: Build mutually supportive connections with fellow participants as you do the hard work to make your vision a reality

Program Schedule

For the success of the program and each individual, participants are expected to attend the key events outlined below:

  • Group kickoff call and introduction session
    • Meet fellow participants
    • Outline the program content and structure
    • Walk participants through introductory goal-setting for the program (and beyond)
  • 3 hour Virtual Message Box workshop (we will offer multiple sessions in order to accommodate participant schedules and locations)
  • Coaching with COMPASS facilitators. You can expect to receive at least 10 hours of 1:1, synchronous coaching, as well as asynchronous feedback.
  • Small group collaborative sessions based on shared research topics and/or goals
  • (Optional) Participation in COMPASS open enrollment workshops focused on a variety of communication topics

Eligibility

We are committed to crafting a cohort that is inclusive of myriad disciplines, identities, perspectives, and ways of knowing. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and fields of study, including Indigenous knowledge, social science, and biophysical science, within the industrial animal production space. We also acknowledge the value of on-the-ground experience and encourage folks working in applied, practitioner positions to apply. Given the limited number of seats available in this program, we will prioritize applicants who do not have access to these coaching or skill-building opportunities in their current role.

We will use the following criteria to evaluate applications:

  • Relevant: To be eligible for this program, your work must study industrial livestock systems on land or marine food systems like aquaculture and blue food, and explore alternative, sustainable practices in low- and middle-income countries. Your work may address issues in industrial farms and aquaculture production systems, such as:
    • disease spread and biosecurity 
    • the use of antimicrobials 
    • resulting environmental pollution (air, land, water) 
    • greenhouse gas emissions 
    • farm animal welfare and veterinary concerns 
    • working conditions of humans employed in these facilities 
    • supply and investment drivers in global aquaculture production systems
  • Committed: You should be prepared and excited to invest time and energy in the whole program. Please review the program schedule above to assess the time commitment for this program and your ability to participate.
  • Goal-oriented: You are thinking about how your work connects to the larger picture of sustainable and just animal production and have a strong sense about what you want to work toward.
  • Values-aligned: You value the well-being of people, animals, and nature and approach your work with compassion, respect for other perspectives, and an openness to learn and grow and generously support the growth of others.

The following are not required for successful applications:

  • You do not have to have participated in any previous COMPASS events.
  • You do not need to currently reside in a low- and middle-income country (though we strongly encourage applicants from these countries to apply).
  • We honor many ways of learning and knowing. To that end, you do not need to have a doctorate or master’s degree to be selected. Relevant experience and its application will be considered in lieu of a graduate degree.
  • You do not have to be currently conducting research to be selected, however we are seeking people whose current, primary professional role is research- or Indigenous knowledge-informed, which could include doing research or synthesis, communicating knowledge, or building collaborations.

How to Apply

Applications are currently open and will close on May 22, 2025. Final selections will be made by mid-June 2025.

To apply, please complete this application form. You will need to include:

  • Responses to short-answer & multiple-choice questions that help us learn more about you, your work, and what you hope to gain from this program. Prompts and questions include:
    1. In one sentence, what is the general focus of your work?
    2. In what location(s) does your research take place?
    3. Describe your work and how it relates to shifting food production practices around the world.
    4. Why is this program the right opportunity for you at this moment?
    5. What do you hope to accomplish by participating in this program? How will it benefit your work?
    6. Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself – your identity, background or unique perspective – that has not been covered above? If so, please share it here. This question is optional. We encourage you to use this space to share more about you as a person, if you choose, versus additional detail about your work.
  • Resume or short CV (file upload)
  • References from two individuals who can speak to why you would be a good fit for this program. We ask that you please share this form with your references and have them complete it by the application deadline. Your application will still be considered if your references have not been received by this date.
Apply by May 22, 2025

Even though I have a communications background, it’s a challenge to analyze your own narrative. The story is often complex, but time is limited, and audiences can be impatient. COMPASS not only helped me improve my content but also helped shape it in ways that people could understand and connect with.

~ Dr. Raisa Pina, PhD candidate in Anthropology from the University of Brasília, Brazil

Working with COMPASS has been unlike any other professional training that I’ve participated in. It’s been really refreshing and wonderful. I feel like I am making progress every time we have a meeting. COMPASS has been so helpful with everything from helping me craft a message from scratch to giving me the confidence to know that it's worth putting in the work.

~ Dr. Jennifer Pollack, Larry D. McKinney Endowed Chair for Coastal Conservation & Restoration

I feel so lucky to have been trained with such care to use my voice where it might make a difference.

~ Dr. Meade Krosby, Senior Scientist with the UW Climate Impacts Group

About Us

The COMPASS Changing Food Systems: Communicating Negative Impacts of Industrial Animal Agriculture program is designed and facilitated by COMPASS staff. This program is funded through private donations and philanthropic contributions.

Learn more about COMPASS.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is there a cost to participate if I’m selected?

No. 

Do I need to have a doctorate or master’s degree?

No. Relevant experience, from all backgrounds and fields of study, and its application will be considered in lieu of a graduate degree. We also acknowledge the value of on-the-ground experience and encourage folks working in applied, practitioner positions to apply.

What if I'm trained as a scientist, but not currently doing research?

We are seeking people whose current, primary professional role is science- or Indigenous knowledge-informed, which could include doing scientific research or synthesis, communicating science, building collaborations where science is a strong component, etc. It is not necessary to be currently conducting research.

Can I apply if I study aquaculture and fisheries?

Yes, aquaculture and fisheries research is welcome in this program, as long as it’s focused on industrial production and alternatives.

Does my work need to focus on low- and middle-income countries?

Yes, your work needs to focus on shifting industrial livestock production in low- and middle-income countries (as defined by the World Bank), but you do not need to currently reside in that country.

Do I need to live in the U.S. to be eligible?

No, you do not need to live or work in the U.S. to be eligible. While you do not need to reside in a low- and middle-income country, we do encourage applicants from or who work in Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa to apply.