Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Understanding Perceptions of Success

Is it possible for an Informal Science Education (ISE) program to feel successful in its attempts to work with an underserved community only to realize that the community thought it was a failure? Theoretically, we all know... [ view full abstract ]

Is it possible for an Informal Science Education (ISE) program to feel successful in its attempts to work with an underserved community only to realize that the community thought it was a failure? Theoretically, we all know that creating inclusive programs is necessary and, perhaps, we have a vague understanding of how to go about it. However, “best practices” for improving equity, diversity, and inclusion can break down quickly when we begin to implement projects. In many cases we don’t really know what success or failure mean; definitions vary depending on your perspective.

Why have ISE institutions not made significant advances in the field of citizen science in fostering diversity, equity and inclusion? Is it because we lack understanding of inclusive approaches? Do we understand good practices but lack cultural competence to put them in place? Do we simply lack the funds, resources, and/or commitment to get the job done? Is it a lack of will? Or is something else entirely going on? Exploring the implementation of accepted practices within context is key to understanding community perspectives, realities, and unspoken measures of success.

Through true stories we will explore perceptions of success and failure by both ISE institutions attempting to work with underserved communities and by the communities themselves. We’ll share first-hand experiences that highlight stark differences in perspectives. The stories will illustrate how the best intentions can break down quickly and how ‘best practices’ can become meaningless when implementing projects.

These stories are the basis for a newly funded NSF grant: Examining Contextual Factors that Influence the Implementation of Projects Designed to Improve Cultural Diversity in Informal STEM Programming. The grant, a collaboration among the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, ASTC, and Garibay Group, will explore practice and implementation of informal learning programs in communities with culturally diverse communities.