The Power of Words, Images, and Representation: Using Science Communication for Social Justice in STEM

Abstract:

Geoscience communicators have a particular responsibility to promote an ethical, diverse, inclusive culture across the geosciences, while consciously increasing access to geoscience information to all sectors of the public. Outreach materials, videos, blogs, and podcasts are some of the ways that we present scientists in action, career opportunities in the geosciences, “what a scientist looks like,” and ultimately who society perceives to be “fit” for these fields. Due to the lack of representation in the geosciences, we must be mindful of the way we present geoscience and the people we show doing it. We must provide opportunities for people to share their stories, and amplify the voices of the historically underrepresented people in these fields to change the perception of who a geoscientist is and who can participate in geoscience. Similarly, we must ensure that we present all aspects of geoscience work, including data collection or acquisition that may or may not be field-based, data analysis in the lab or on a computer, experimental work, collaboration, and presentation, and also careers that critically contribute to science such as engineers, technicians, project managers, etc.

Increasing access and engagement in the geosciences cannot be addressed with any simple or singular solution, and media and outreach efforts alone will not create the geoscience culture we desire. In order to foster an ethical, diverse, and inclusive culture across the geosciences, institutions must create the structures and support systems needed to retain the broader workforce we aim to attract. Yet we internalize what we see, read, and hear, and our communication choices are one very important factor affecting not only our science community but also our access to the public. We can and must start to make thoughtful, meaningful changes in who presents information, what we present, and how we present it. We will share some ideas and examples of how to produce media to engage with diverse audiences, tips for amplifying the voices of diverse scientists on social media and in mass media, and developing rote educational materials explicitly created using a justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility lens.