Meaningful public engagement with science
Effective science communication requires us to design public engagement approaches that matter to the communities we want to reach. This can be especially challenging in environments where there is a lack of trust between community partners and science institutions.
Working directly with community partners to co-create engagement programming can be a way to effectively increase trust between scientists and non-scientists and to bring mutual benefit to communities. This workshop focuses on designing effective public engagement approaches that center the audience’s needs and prioritize co-creation of content with non-scientist partners, including those in the arts.
Specific workshop plans are listed below, and I am always happy to refine workshops to fit the needs of your group.
Workshops
I have provided popular workshop options below, but am able to tailor workshops to the needs of your group. All workshops can also include coaching sessions to support the implementation of participants’ approaches after the workshop.
Meaningful public engagement
1 hour
In this introductory workshop, I will focus on how to effectively design community-centered public engagement programming. Participants will leave with a practical of understanding of:
(1) How to consider what communities want and need when designing public engagement with science.
(2) How to draw on their own experience and creativity to create engaging science communication.
(3) How to effectively implement public engagement strategies to achieve mutual goals.
Engaging publics with science through co-creation
2, 3 or 4 hours
In this more in-depth workshop, I will draw on my experience working with community partners, combined with current theory, to equip participants with the tools to engage publics with science in ways that are highly relevant to communities and achieve mutual goals.
Participants will leave with their own toolkit or public engagement plan, in addition to a practical of understanding of:
(1) Barriers to public trust and engagement in science.
(2) Principles of co-creation and being a good community broker.
(3) How to draw on their own experience and creativity to create engaging science communication.
(4) How to effectively implement and tailor public engagement strategies for your audience and goals.
(5) Measuring impact and evaluation.
Public engagement with science through the arts
1 or 2 hours
The arts are powerful tools to engage publics with complex topics due to their ability to generate both individual reflection and community experience. This workshop will draw on lessons from my work co-creating partnerships with artists and arts organizations to generate curiosity and wonder around science through the arts.
Participants will leave with a practical of understanding of:
(1) How to adopt an asset-based approach to working with partners in diverse fields.
(2) How to center relationship-building, development and testing.
(3) How to effectively implement creativity and co-creation in your own public engagement work.