Educating the public - your thoughts and opinions please

[Paul Mc]

Having been on this forum a lot in the past and actively seeing the general publics response to various orchid events, I have discovered what appears to be a general disconnect. I've seen and heard from many that friends/family do not understand the Orchid Folk, nor the events held. Of course, this observation is general in nature and the reasons for not understanding are numerous.

So here is a general question that I would like to hear your experience and thoughts on: "If you were to educate the general public, friends or family on why orchids are important to us, what would be your talking points and reasoning?"

Let me give one possible experience/example. A Society holds an Orchid Auction and some general public were observing. Before they left, the commentary was akin to "All of this over a plant?!" Personally, there are two things that would pop into my mind: 1.) It is a plant, but an Orchid specifically so why choose the general word "plant", 2.) These are plants you will not find at your big box stores. The general question I asked would seek to address the possible disconnect and educate the general public on our perceived importance of the Orchid and the event.

I hope that was clear. If you have questions, please let me know so I can clarify a bit. Mainly, I just want to know what your experience and opinions would be when it comes to general education.

Thanks in advance!


Paul McMahon
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