Reclaiming SciComm: Inclusive approaches to grad student training

Evelyn Valdez-Ward, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, Nichole Bennett, University of Texas-Austin, Robert N. Ulrich, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, Tamara Marcus, Department of Earth Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, Linh Anh Cat, Cabrillo National Monument, National Park Service, San Diego, CA and Kathleen K. Treseder, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA

Background/Question/Methods
The increasing diversity of scientists requires science communication and policy training that accounts for the challenges marginalized groups face. Founded in 2018, Reclaiming STEM addresses the need for science communication and policy training spaces for people who identify as marginalized groups: BIPOC, first-generation, disabled, LGBTQIA+, undocumented, etc. We train scientists to learn how to communicate their science at the intersection of research and social justice. For our programming, we seek and invite only scientists from historically marginalized backgrounds to present interactive and innovative workshops. Our aim is for attendees to not only gain skills but also to be able to identify with and envision themselves in science communication and science policy spaces. Through this workshop, we have built a new community for marginalized scientists to use their research to advocate for their science and communities. The overwhelming response to this workshop has demonstrated the clear need in the scientific community for space to discuss diversity, inclusion, justice, and advocacy in STEM.
Results/Conclusions
We present our Reclaiming STEM workshop model, present the main themes and key takeaways from the past three years of the ReclaimingSTEM workshops, and share lessons we have learned and attendee reflections. Participants will be led through a series of ways to rethink their training approaches for their own initiatives as we provide recommendations for how to create diverse, safe, and inclusive training spaces.