Human Dimensions: Communication and Engagement, Where Ecology and Human Dimensions Meet

Abstract

In that small circle of people, we identified deep expertise in skills and approaches including nonprofit management, coalition building, outdoor education, art–science integration, science journalism, and citizen science programs. Survey results informed the initial Section priorities: communication skill‐building workshops at ESA annual meetings; collaborations between ESA members and professional science communicators such as writers, journalists, illustrators, photographers, and videographers; mentoring and networking support; and connecting ESA members to SciComm jobs. Today, Section priorities also reflect the essential role that engagement efforts play in diversifying the face of STEM, engendering public support for science, and expanding the use of science in civic and political decision‐making. [...]communication skill‐building (priority 1) and science communication collaborations (priority 2) remain central foci of the section. ESA has several effective mentorship programs in place. [...]to support priority 3, we have invested in encouraging our members to volunteer for existing mentorship programs while emphasizing their capacity and interest in communication and engagement.