VOICES OF INTEGRATING CULTURE IN THE EARTH SCIENCES

Voices of Integrating Culture in the Earth Sciences (VOICES) is a collaborative project focused on examining key areas of student engagement related to personal identity, feelings of belonging, history of place, and sense of security. Led by scholars who are from communities commonly underrepresented in the geosciences, VOICES implements creative strategies within a social behavioral framework to dismantle persistent barriers in the recruitment, retention, and representation of different racial, ethnic, and cultural groups, including intersectional identities and those with disabilities. Through virtual and in-person workshops, the VOICES project is applying and inclusive practices designed to overcome historical and systemic barriers to participation. Recognizing the unique talents and contributions of diverse individuals in geoscience, listening to their voices, and acknowledging their experiences fosters greater awareness, increases cultural knowledge, and inspires best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sciences. By incorporating the four primary elements of VOICES: identity, belonging, place, and security, programs can increase engagement by championing and advocating for the complete inclusion of students of color and valuing their personal identity, sense of belonging, individual connection to a place, and their sense of security.