ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN GEOSCIENTISTS: HELPING WOMEN TO PERSIST IN THE GEOSCIENCES THROUGH THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The Association for Women Geoscientists (AWG) is an international organization devoted to encouraging participation and enhancing the professional advancement of women in geosciences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, AWG’s dedication to this mission has been crucial because careers of women geoscientists suffered disproportionately compared to men, due in part to greater childcare and domestic responsibilities.

AWG is organized into 7 regions that include multiple local chapters and at-large members. Throughout the pandemic, AWG has worked to support women both at the level of the international organization and through activities of individual chapters. Recognizing that the pandemic created economic hardship for some members, the AWG Board of Directors modified the membership fee policy. AWG also enthusiastically embraced the benefits of offering online platforms for our member events. The Distinguished Lecturer program, which brings outstanding female speakers to campuses and chapters, switched to interactive remote delivery, increasing attendance and accessibility. We also supported women through online mentoring, networking, webinars, and social media and newsletter communications.

Many AWG chapters, which normally support participants via professional development, networking opportunities, social activities, and field trips, have struggled to maintain activities during COVID restrictions. AWG has worked to advise our chapters through quarterly chapter calls where chapters share successes and challenges; we created COVID-related guidelines for chapter activities, and we worked with individual chapters that were struggling.

Some chapters have flourished despite COVID challenges. Two new chapters formed in the North-Central Region. In the Southeast, chapters hosted antiracism discussion groups, resume workshops, bystander intervention training, and career panels. For example, the Southeastern Bluegrass Chapter established an interview series with successful female scientists of diverse backgrounds to provide insights into career opportunities and the joys and challenges women may experience during their careers. Chapters found the online formats increased accessibility and enabled participation of interested persons from all over the world.