For Members, By Members — streaming live to explorers worldwide.
We’re back with another edition of Dispatches from the Field, a new digital program designed to bring The Explorers Club community closer—wherever you are. Whether you can’t always make it to in-person events or want more ways to connect with the TEC network, Dispatches bridges that gap by highlighting the incredible work of our Members.
It’s a space to meet fellow explorers, learn from leading field scientists, and make the connections needed for your next great expedition. Each session kicks off with a 10-minute talk from a Featured Speaker, streamed live to the public on explorers.org and our YouTube channel.
This will be followed by Campfire sessions—intimate, Members-Only breakout groups where you can connect, share ideas, and build relationships.
These are Dispatches from the Field — a program for explorers, by explorers.
Members Only. Online Only.
Email TEC HQ at dispatches@explorers.org
Kim Frank FN’18 is an award-winning writer whose new book, Elephants in the Hourglass, a Journey of Reckoning and Hope Along the Himalaya (Pegasus, NY) is now available. Her work has been published in The Explorers Journal, Sidetracked, Oceanographic, Earth Island Journal, American Literary Review, SVPN Magazine, where she served as editor, and more. Her multi-media project “Asian Elephants: From Conflict to Coexistence” includes articles, multiple talks, podcasts, interviews, and writing/directing/producing the upcoming documentary, Where the Forest Roars. Other projects include the books Born to Ice with National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen and Amaze with SeaLegacy founder Cristina Mittermeier. She is a Fellow of The Explorers Club and the Royal Geographical Society, with a Master of Fine Arts from the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College and a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice.
To learn more about Kim Frank, visit kimfrankwriter.com.
Kim Frank will present Into the Unknown: The Art of Expedition Storytelling:
Exploration is about venturing into unknown and sharing what you’ve learned. The most compelling stories from the field bring together diverse cultures, scientific discoveries, and and personal journeys, resonating with a broader audience. Drawing from my experiences documenting the human-elephant conflict in India, I’ll share how expedition storytelling can inspire action and deepen our connection with each other and the natural world.
WHAT MEMBERS ARE SAYING ABOUT DISPATCHES:
“The newly instituted Dispatches delivered on its goal of introducing exciting exploration field work in a very relatable format. The small group breakout rooms provided an intimate Explorers Club bar/hallway-like venue to run into and get to know fellow members and their exciting explorations. I encourage everyone to join the next Dispatches session.” - Tom Dietz, PhD. FN’20, Vice Chair, Northern California Chapter
“Dispatches are a great way to learn about an inspiring expedition. But even more, to bring the amazing connections with other club members into your daily life. I had amazing conversations with members I had never met in my first Dispatches chat room, which have since led to calls and coffees. Dispatches was like a mini hit of ECAD and I left the hour with a huge grin on my face! I totally walked away with a contact high!” - Julianne Gauron, MN’21, New England Chapter
"Dispatches from the Field are THE BEST new addition to the TEC experience. Featuring tales of adventure from member speakers plus time to commune and network, these virtual sessions fly by — and as soon as they wrap, I find myself jonesing for more. Whether you live near HQ or you're on the other side of the planet, do yourself a favor: tune in for the next one." - Rachel Rudwall, FN’19, Pacific Northwest Chapter