Models & Programs - Community Science Initiative

The following models and programs provide a window into Dialogue & Deliberation, a set of methods for engaging community members and policymakers to identify or refine community priorities and support decision making around difficult or complex science and technology topics. These examples are drawn from both within and outside of the science center and museum field.

Models of Dialogue & Deliberation

The use of Dialogue & Deliberation is well established in civic engagement and participatory democracy spaces, and many models and frameworks already exist for how to design and implement these types of programs. Additionally, science engagement professionals have developed frameworks for public dialogue aimed at a science engagement context. We have highlighted here a few examples of models and frameworks that science centers and museum professionals can use for inspiration and adapt to their local contexts.

AAAS Theory of Change for Public Engagement with Science

The American Association for the Advancement of Science’s (AAAS) Theory of Change for Public Engagement with Science synthesizes findings from a variety of public-engagement initiatives and literature and presents a concise case for meeting the articulated vision for public engagement. 

The OECD Evaluation Guidelines for Representative Deliberative Processes

These guidelines from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) provide a detailed framework for institutions who seek to strengthen their deliberative processes, and in doing so, improve their relationships with community members.

CARE Resources for Advancing Indigenous Data Governance

The CARE Principles for Advancing Indigenous Data Governance are a set of guiding principles that aim to promote Indigenous self-determination in the realm of data production, storage, dissemination, and use.

AAAS Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion (DoSER)

AAAS DoSER is a program encompassing several long-term projects to build community between religious leaders and scientists, and a library of resources on ethical issues in science and religion.

Exploring the Roots: The Evolution of Civic and Community Science

Written by Shannon Dosemagen, the co-founder and executive director of Public lab, this article presents a brief history of the evolution of the current nomenclature surrounding scientific work in communities.

The Open Innovation in Science research field: collaborative conceptualization approach

This article compiles knowledge from scholars across various scientific disciplines, and presents a novel framework for Open Innovation in Science (OIS).

Everyday Democracy

Everyday Democracy is an organization that supports groups who want to build multiracial democracies in their local communities. They provide resources and technical assistance including training, coaching, and racial equity tools that can help develop place-based engagement for community-driven solutions.

Science Together: Co-Creating Science Education with a Temporary Homeless Shelter

This article details the primary lessons learned by the Museum of Life and Science (MLS) and Families Moving Forward (FMF) in their partnership to co-create informal science education programming with families experiencing homelessness in Durham County, North Carolina.

RVAir

Science Museum of Virginia is working with community members in Richmond to collect local air quality data and create solutions to their local environmental health challenges.

Examples of Programs and Initiatives

Browse this inspiring set of program examples to learn more about Dialogue & Deliberation in practice at the local, national, and global scale.

AAAS Theory of Change for Public Engagement with Science

The OECD Evaluation Guidelines for Representative Deliberative Processes

CARE Resources for Advancing Indigenous Data Governance

AAAS Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion (DoSER)

AAAS DoSER is a program encompassing several long-term projects to build community between religious leaders and scientists, and a library of resources on ethical issues in science and religion.

Exploring the Roots: The Evolution of Civic and Community Science

The Open Innovation in Science research field: collaborative conceptualization approach

This article compiles knowledge from scholars across various scientific disciplines, and presents a novel framework for Open Innovation in Science (OIS).

Everyday Democracy

Science Together: Co-Creating Science Education with a Temporary Homeless Shelter

RVAir

Science Museum of Virginia is working with community members in Richmond to collect local air quality data and create solutions to their local environmental health challenges.

Throwing Shade in RVA

In Richmond, VA, the GroundworkRVA Green Team explores the drivers of urban heat islands (paved, dark surfaces) and their solutions such as green infrastructure like native plants, using infrared cameras and thermometers.

Civic Engagement Scorecard

A rating tool that lets the public provide input about different kinds of meetings, processes, town halls, festivals, and online activities.

Taking the Conversation Virtual: A Primer on Moderating Online Discussions

Foundational practices for translating your knowledge of in-person discussions on community issues to the virtual world.