AMPLIFYING VOICES FOR INTEGRATING CULTURE IN THE EARTH SCIENCES (VOICES)

The representation of various ethnic and cultural groups, and people with disabilities in the Earth sciences is critically low demonstrating an urgent need for new and innovative approaches to increase diversity. The Voices of Integrating Cultures in the Earth Sciences (VOICES) is a collaborative project focused on identifying new pathways to dismantle persistent barriers in the recruitment, retention, and representation of different racial, ethnic and cultural groups, including the intersectionality of those with disabilities. VOICES invokes the power of disaggregated stories and individual cultural identities that persevere despite the traditional expectations, values, and methods of teaching and learning Earth science. VOICES addresses four primary elements: Identity, Belonging, Place, and Security of which each element reflects different contexts within Earth science education (e.g., field and classroom learning environments, and career development) for groups of diverse students, faculty and professionals. Using a mixture of social behavioral approaches including surveys, focus groups, and thematic workshops, VOICES will focus on the interrelationship of identity, belonging, place and security through the lens of those who are commonly underrepresented in the Earth sciences. The outcome of this novel and highly interdisciplinary approach will foster: 1) a more culturally robust science community through broadening the awareness of cultural and intersectional knowledge across multiple underrepresented groups, 2) the establishment of a national diversity champions network, and 3) the design and deployment of best culturally inclusive practices for welcoming all students and scientists from groups underrepresented in the Earth sciences to foster greater awareness of cultural knowledge and best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Earth sciences, with implications of reaching a broader segment of the STEM community.