Nonnie Oldham – The Wordsmith

Nonnie Oldham empowers climate action through the precise and deliberate power of words. She crafts compelling narratives for individuals and organisations, helping them find their authentic voice and communicate their climate message with impact. Her love for the environment, nurtured by an Australian upbringing amidst bush and beach, was challenged by a university summer job in an open-cut coal mine. This stark exposure to environmental disregard ignited a passion for public policy, setting her on a path to use her writing skills to effect meaningful change. Nonnie's journey isn't about becoming a generic 'writer'; it's about mastering the art of wordsmithing, wielding language as a tool to build a world where clear communication bridges the gap between intention and action.

Networking for Change

The true power of words extends far beyond the confines of formal documents; it thrives in the vibrant ecosystem of human connection. Building relationships and fostering a sense of community are not mere add-ons, but fundamental pillars of effective climate action. Nonnie understands that a casual conversation can be the spark that ignites a transformative partnership. These informal interactions, the seemingly small exchanges of ideas, are as vital as any meticulously crafted report, because they cultivate the fertile ground where collective action takes root. As Nonnie highlights, it's crucial to recognise the power of everyday interactions. "Don't discount the day-to-day stuff you do as an individual," she urges. "When you're interacting with like-minded people, you're building the pillars of a mutually supportive network. You might see shifts in understanding that have far-reaching consequences, or even a complete career change."

Crafting the Narrative

Nonnie's unsettling experience at the coal mine instilled a profound understanding: clear communication is the often-overlooked key to unlocking widespread climate action. While complex scientific data and dense policy documents are undeniably crucial, they frequently fail to resonate with a broader audience. This is where her unique skillset comes into play. With the focus of a seasoned professional, she dedicates herself to understanding the topic and making it more intelligible to the non-expert. "Often it's complicated, or a little bit obscure or uncommon," she explains, "so I work to make it easier to read and understand, so that it's more accessible to any reader." In doing so, she transforms jargon-laden documents into compelling narratives. This helps to bridge the chasm between science or policy and public awareness, ensuring that the urgency of climate action isn't lost in translation.

Collaboration and Refinement

For Nonnie, powerful communication is rarely a solitary endeavour. It's a collaborative dance, a process of guiding, shaping and refining each message with those she serves, ensuring that diverse voices are not only heard but amplified. This deeply held belief in collective action underscores her approach. She empowers others – startups, charities, government agencies – to find their voice. Nonnie puts it succinctly, explaining that the goal is to help people "choose the words they want to use to sell themselves, tailoring their message so they can target the different sectors that need to hear it most." Her expertise lies not just in writing, but in facilitating a process where every voice contributes to a more powerful, unified message.

Reflective Advocate

Nonnie's commitment transcends the immediate demands of individual projects. This pause, amidst the quiet strength of nature, is not an escape, but a source of fuel. Gazing out from the wooden footbridge, she finds clarity and renewed purpose. The flowing water below mirrors the constant flow of challenges and opportunities within the climate movement, reminding her of the urgent need for clear, consistent communication. It's from these moments of reflection that she draws the strength to be, as she describes, "one of the support crew for people who have vision and drive." She envisions herself as "one of their wingmen," not just crafting words, but actively helping them to "really understand their purpose and their goals" and, crucially, translate those goals into actionable strategies. In her work, reflective pauses like this one serve as vital connection points between understanding and action.

Words in the Wild

The tools of a wordsmith are not confined to an office. A simple notebook, a pen, a connection to the natural world – these can be all that's needed to craft a message that resonates with power and purpose. Nonnie's work demonstrates that effective communication, fuelled by passion and a deep understanding of the issues, can emerge from anywhere. The tranquility of nature can be just as conducive to impactful work as the most high-tech office space. Where might your unique skills find their most potent expression? Perhaps, like Nonnie, you'll discover that "every little bit counts," and that the most profound impact begins, as she says, with "simply being an individual and being passionate about it." What seemingly small action might you take today, to contribute your voice to the chorus?

For the rest of the stories in the Humans of Sydney Climate Action series, visit Robin Wyatt's website.

And check out Nonnie's website for all your wordsmithing needs.