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Resources

This page contains documents developed or recommended by Thriving Earth Exchange to support project teams, or others interested in community science. Check back often as we continue to build this library!

 

Thriving Earth Exchange Community Science Resources

Document Description
Overcoming the Challenges of Co-creation An overview of the challenges of co-creation and some of the successful strategies that have been used to overcome those challenges. Link
How to Create Great Images Follow these simple steps and the next time you have to explain your project or give a presentation, you’ll be armed with some eye-catching visuals to give the great impression your work deserves. Link
Community Science Guidance for Scientists A compilation of resources selected or developed by Thriving Earth Exchange to help scientists get started doing community science and engage successfully with communities. Link
How to Develop an Elevator Pitch A short guide to developing a successful and flexible elevator pitch about your community science. Link
Media Toolkit This resource developed by Segal Communications has tips for interviews, press releases, identifying newsworthy angles and more. Link
Community Science Principles, Practices and Actions Based upon an NSF funded-workshop that brought together over 200 people to synthesize overarching principles and practices of effective and ethical community science along with practical actions that individuals, institutions and funders can take. Link
Is it Community Science? An interactive classroom activity exploring the boundaries and purpose of community science. This activity presents students with brief descriptions of a scenario and asks them to determine if it fits within the definition of community science. Link
Ten Tips for Listening This blog shares some ideas, coming from our experience with Thriving Earth Exchange projects and from watching people who listen well. Link
16 out of 100 Tips for a Career in Community Science Former AGU Vice President of Community Science, Raj Pandya, shares his tips for pursuing a career in community science. Link
Mapping Your Networks This twist on a power mapping worksheet helps you think through the expertise you need, relationships you already have, and where to get started in recruiting participation. Link

Recommended Readings and External Resources

Document Source Description
Community-Driven Research in the Anthropocene Raj Pandya A paper published around the time TEX started which outlines approaches we apply and why TEX and community science are necessary. Link
A How-to Guide for Coproduction of Actionable Science Beier, Paul, et al., Conservation letters  A paper about boundary spanning which focuses on climate change. Link
Community-based Participatory Research: Policy Recommendations for Promoting a Partnership Approach in Health Research Israel, Barbara A., et al. Education for Health  A set of recommendations for Community Based Participatory Research Link
Salience, Credibility, Legitimacy and Boundaries: Linking Research, Assessment and Decision Making Cash, David, et al., John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University  A foundational paper about boundary spanning science. Link
Scientist-Community Partnerships: A Scientist’s Guide to Successful Collaboration Union of Concerned Scientists Center for Science and Democracy A guide that explains some of the benefits and challenges of community partnerships and offers specific advice for finding partnership opportunities, building relationships with community groups, and overcoming barriers to successful collaboration. Click here for a related worksheet. Link
Active Listening Karie Tennant; Ashley Long; Tammy J. Toney-Butler. A short article about active listening created for NIH. While it is focused on medical settings, the suggestions and frameworks are useful for any interaction. Link
Meaningful Collaborations: A Workbook for Community Leaders, Educators, and Advocates Working with Science Solutions Independent Community-based Organizations (“The ICBOs”) and The Cornell Lab or Ornithology A workbook for community-based organizations and community leaders. This workbook is a product of research conducted by the ICBOs and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology over three years, focused on how to create equitable partnerships between community-based organizations in underrepresented communities and informal science institutions. Link
Partnerships for Impact: A Workbook for Informal Science Educators and Outreach Specialists Working with Diverse Communities Independent Community-based Organizations (“The ICBOs”) and The Cornell Lab or Ornithology A workbook for scientists, science educators and outreach specialists. This workbook is a product of research conducted by the ICBOs and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology over three years, focused on how to create equitable partnerships between community-based organizations in underrepresented communities and informal science institutions. Link
Jargon and How to Avoid It AGU Sharing Science Ways to identify and avoid jargon, words or phrases that loses or change meaning when used with people who aren’t in your field Link
Community Science Exchange Resource Hub Community Science Exchange A set of resources and toolkits for doing community science. Link

Case Studies

Document Description
Creating clean air using passionfruit vines AGU’s Thriving Earth Exchange helps the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles understand the link between air quality and water management. Case study written by Bill Richards with Team Three. Link

Community Science-Informed Local Policy: A Case Study in Pinole Creek Litter Assessment

A community science project was conducted in Pinole California to assess trash in Pinole Creek and propose policies for mitigation. The community surveyed trash in the creek and collected data in collaboration with a scientist. The community recommended several policies and actions to the Pinole City Council which were welcomed for advancement by the City Council. By Win CowgerItzel GomezNorma Martinez-RubinAnn MoriartyTodd HarwellLisa Anich Link
Creating an interactive tool
to build awareness
AGU’s Thriving Earth Exchange maps the extent of the Tar Creek Superfund Site in Ottawa County, Oklahoma, to alert local authorities and residents of the risks of increased flooding. Case study written by Bill Richards with Team Three. Link
Boosting resilience to mitigate climate change AGU’s Thriving Earth Exchange helps Kentucky residents work toward hazard preparedness. Case study written by Bill Richards with Team Three. Link
Creating a living shoreline for community resilience AGU’s Thriving Earth Exchange helps American Venice preserve and persevere amid changing conditions. Case study written by Bill Richards with Team Three. Link
Empowering residents to take control in facing wildfire risk Building a proactive, informed, and prepared community was the goal for mitigating and reducing wildfire risk in Carmel Valley. Case study written by Bill Richards with Team Three. Link
Protecting community interests and planning for future needs AGU’s Thriving Earth Exchange helps concerned residents near Oklahoma’s Kiamichi River collect data for better water management decisions. Case study written by Bill Richards with Team Three. Link
Defining wellbeing one dimension at a time AGU’s Thriving Earth Exchange facilitates a values-based approach to the San Juan Basin’s threats and opportunities. Case study written by Bill Richards with Team Three. Link
We’re Beyond Being Studied Thriving Earth Exchange learnings from New Orleans communities. Link

 

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