Background:
The geosciences provide valuable knowledge and tools that can be applied to a wide range of community issues, including air and water quality; geologic hazards; the provision of energy, water, and mineral resources; climate and weather impacts; and the construction and maintenance of infrastructure. Geoscientists are commonly keen to see this science put into action, but there are many factors that affect how geoscience is perceived and used in community decision-making. Communities vary tremendously in size, location, culture, history, resources, governance, priorities, and needs. Effective engagement strategies take account of this diversity and employ a range of approaches to support communities and individual decision-makers with science that they can trust, understand, and use.

In this webinar, experts in geoscience communication, education, and engagement discuss a variety of different techniques, media, and principles for more effective communication and collaboration between community leaders, decision makers, and geoscientists. Particular attention is paid to three types of engagement: facilitating community-led solutions by connecting community leaders with geoscientists; incorporating community issues into college-level geoscience curricula; and using online platforms to provide geoscience information, resources, access to expertise, and opportunities for communities facing similar issues to share their experiences.

Our speakers are:

• Raj Pandya, Ph.D., Director, Thriving Earth Exchange, American Geophysical Union | Slides | Video
• Natasha Udu-gama, Ph.D., Senior Specialist, Thriving Earth Exchange, American Geophysical Union | Slides | Video
• Sarah Fortner, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Geology & Environmental Science, Wittenberg University | Slides | Video
• Cassaundra Rose, Ph.D., Program Manager, Policy and Critical Issues, American Geosciences Institute | Slides | Video

Thank you to our media partners, the American Geophysical Union, American Institute of Professional Geologists, Association of Women Geoscientists, Council on Undergraduate Research, National Association of Geoscience Teachers, National Association of State Boards of Geology, and the Soil Science Society of America.

Resources to learn more:

•  View this webinar's Question & Answer session
• Thriving Earth Exchange website
• Teaching materials: Community and Political Engagement in the Geosciences, Sarah Fortner, Wittenberg University

Search the Geological Surveys Database for reports and factsheets about geoscience in communities.