BACK TO BASICS: LEVERAGING EDI EFFORTS THROUGH TRUST, INTENTIONALITY AND STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS

In light of recent social movements, STEM disciplines across the globe are focusing on developing "EDI action plans", yet many are missing the keys to success: strategic relationships built on trust and intentionality. As awareness of systemic and institutional injustices and inequities has risen, so too has the mistrust and misunderstanding between and among groups who claim to have common goals and objectives. We must take the time to go back to basics and focus first on building relationships grounded in trust with clearly-stated intentions and rules of engagement. Without strong foundations, "EDI action plans" will fail as interest and efforts fade along with the changing media cycle. Just as the future leaders of geoscience must be trained in effective science communication, they must also be trained on how to build strategic relationships with individuals at all levels within academia and beyond, in order to effectuate true and lasting change within systems and institutions.