The Annual Members Meeting (AMM) took place virtually on November 27, 2020. It seems long ago, but here we are at the beginning of 2021 ready for action, not just ideas!
In the coming weeks, we will share updates and invitations to participate in topics identified at the meeting and through our research project, Broadening Horizons (more info on this research below). You can find these updates in the newsletter (sign up if you aren’t already receiving it) and on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, as well as on our Action Committees Information Hub.
What happened at the AMM?
(Audio recording and materials).
- We welcomed a new Board Chair, Robert van den Hoogen (St.FX) and three new Board members: Andrea Burgess (UNBSJ), Eddie Francis (PEIBioAlliance) and Kelly Schnare (#RAH2050).
- We shared our 2020 Year in Review and an update on strategic planning activities
- We shared findings from the Broadening Horizons research project (more below)
- We held breakout groups to generate actions based on that project, and
- Interactive discussion “Beyond the Binary: Increasing Connectedness and Inclusivity” led by Cynthia Sweeny, founder and CEO SimplyGoodForm
Broadening Horizons, STEM Community Research Project
Results from Broadening Horizons, our research project asking Atlantic Canadian faculty about their experiences in the post-secondary STEM community, were presented and discussed.
The purpose of this research was to learn about the needs and interests of faculty not currently served by the programs Science Atlantic delivers and how we might be able to serve the broader academic community.
Participants broke into discussion groups and brainstormed ways to:
- create a more inclusive post-secondary STEM community
- expand the reach of our committees through the introduction of “Divisions”
- support new faculty in Atlantic Canada
- explore mentoring opportunities
Please watch this video and view our breakout room handouts to learn more. Handouts:
- Theme I Handout – How to Support New Faculty
- Theme II Handout – How to Improve Faculty Experience
- Theme III Handout – How to Broaden our Divisions
Get Involved!
In the coming months, we will be calling for participants to continue the work from the Annual Members meeting and our research project. Your participation will serve to strengthen the organization, expand our reach, and deliver our mission to connect science education and research in Atlantic Canada. These opportunities are open to all: current and former faculty, students and grads, and members of the broader community.
Action Committees information hub.: This is your hub for information related to the Broadening Horizons projects and the working groups that will transform ideas into actions.