ASTC is proud to be one of many organizations utilizing, promoting, and building capacity for community science. Below is information about partner networks and related resources that can further support your community science efforts.
Association for Advancing Participatory Sciences
The Association for Advancing Participatory Sciences (AAPS) is a member-driven organization that connects people from a wide range of experiences around one shared purpose: advancing knowledge through research done by, for, and with members of the public. AAPS embraces many related approaches and traditions, including citizen science, community science, volunteer monitoring, and more. Freely available resources include the Data Ethics in the Participatory Sciences Toolkit, as well as other tools for researchers and practitioners. A paid membership (with tiered rates designed for inclusivity) offers additional resources, such as access to working groups. Learn more and join.
Community Science Exchange
The Community Science Exchange is a platform led by a coalition of partners that elevates, shares, and expands the reach of science performed by, for, and with communities. Affiliated with—but broader than—the Thriving Earth Exchange, the Community Science Exchange centers around the Hub, a multimedia resource center for anyone involved with community science to share their work, offer their insight, and learn from others. The exchange also publishes the open-access scholarly journal Community Science in partnership with its sister journal, Citizen Science: Theory and Practice. Learn more and contribute.
National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation
The National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD) is a membership network of more than 700 individuals and organizations that works to help communities hold more productive dialogues in order to tackle today’s most pressing challenges. Founded in 2002 as a coalition of 50 organizations, NCDD was created to address the clear need for collaboration and learning about Dialogue & Deliberation among practitioners across different disciplines.
The resulting organization and Community of Practice continues to work across four pillars: 1) maintain a resource center of discussion guides, methods, evaluation tools, articles, videos and more; 2) develop new resources to educate the public and others about about Dialogue & Deliberation work; 3) develop a vibrant community of practice; and 4) serve as a facilitative leader and convener. Learn more and join.
National Informal STEM Education Network
The National Informal STEM Education (NISE) Network is a community of thousands of informal science educators and scientists across the U.S. who share resources, ideas, and experiences. The network is active in developing models for engaging the public in current science and technology topics spearheading design and research around public forums and science cafes. Anyone who takes part in NISE Network activities and uses its free resources is considered a member! NISE Network project teams create resources and coordinate activities nationally and regionally, while partner organizations implement project activities locally, generating new ideas and learning. Learn how to get involved.
North American Association of Environmental Education (NAAEE): eePro Community
NAAEE’s mission is to accelerate environmental literacy and civic engagement to create a more sustainable future. Anyone can join eePRO—NAAEE’s free online global community of environmental education professionals—where you can connect with others, discuss specific topics, participate in professional development opportunities, and find and post resources, events, and jobs. NAAEE has a number of offerings that may be of interest to community science practitioners, such as their Civics and Environmental Change Fellowship; Environmental Issues Forums; and ee360 initiative which produced the Community Engagement Guidelines for Excellence. Learn more and join.
Public Lab
Public Lab is a self-described “DIY environmental science community” that serves as a platform for community science practitioners working on environmental issues to document their work, share tools for monitoring and advocacy, and network. The Public Lab community is open and free for everyone, and Public Lab community members can add their own project page to document their methods and share expertise. Public Lab also hosts regular engagement events to discuss environmental issues, present research, discuss advocacy methodology, and develop resources. Learn more and join.
Thriving Earth Exchange
The American Geophysical Union’s Thriving Earth Exchange (TEX) program supports community science by helping match communities with resources, project managers, and experts to address their pressing concerns related to natural resources, hazards, and climate change. TEX Community Science Fellows receive cohort-based professional development and support to facilitate a 12- to 18-month-long project in partnership with a local community.
Past fellows include staff at ASTC member organizations [link], who collaborated with community partners on projects related to flood resilience, urban gardening, air quality and more. The TEX website contains information about current and past community science projects, as well as a library of practical tools for practitioners, including a guide to community mapping and tips for making community science a career. Learn more and join.
