Humans have emerged from simple beginnings in evolutionary time, to become one of the foremost forces affecting ecosystem structure and function. Evidence compiled mostly over the past several decades shows how widespread this influence is with anthropogenic processes creating novel habitats, causing mass species extinctions, degrading the function of many ecosystems, and impacting climatic trajectories (Ceballos and Ehrlich 2002; Cohen 1995; Eldredge 1998 Ellis and Ramankutty 2008; Hughes et al. 1997; MEA 2005; IPCC 2007; Wilson 1993). Our relatively recent ecological understanding has also shown how fragile and dependent human systems (economic, social, and health) are upon the rest of the natural world (MEA 2006, Pearce and Moran 1994, Tol 2002). Given the overwhelming implications of this evidence, ecologists must consider the responsibility of taking their findings beyond the academic realm into disciplines and communities with mediums for communication they may have not previously considered. Translating this knowledge, and interweaving it with traditional and local ecological knowledge, into direct action through conservation initiatives, sustainability, education, and community efforts, or into doing research of how best to accomplish these goals, is what we have termed action-oriented ecology. Diverse approaches and people involved in tackling ecological issues add great strength to conservation efforts (Manolis et al. 2008). By bringing together environmental activists, community organizers, indigenous scholars, artists, educators, and scientists, we hope to foster a dialogue that will broaden, contextualize, and promote the creativity of all the participants in search of a common goal – a sustainable and “cooler” planet. Speakers briefly present their work and participate in a panel discussion with the following questions: Why is it important to do community outreach and applied ecology? How can we encourage participatory research that turns findings into action? Ending with a final discussion where participants will be given question cards to answer: How can we move towards a more action-oriented-ecology? These will be presented as a collective poster in the meeting. A summary of case studies and a list of action items will be compiled in a publication. Greater involvement of ecologists with diverse ecological knowledge holders can enhance the understanding and application of ecological concepts, ensuring that scientific rigor and community and political action are brought to bear on our current challenges. Uniting disciplines and merging mediums of communication will help us formulate new resource management strategies and political tools to tackle some of the greatest challenges ever to face our species.