Our community Charter

Revised: January 2020

ParticipantsWho We Are
SciComm Trainers Network participants are individuals and organizations who:

  • Train or aspire to train scientists in communication and engagement skills,
  • Study science communication training,
  • Fund science communication training.

PurposeWhy We Exist
The SciComm Trainers Network cultivates a community of individuals and organizations who are committed to advancing science communication training that builds scientists’ capacity to engage diverse audiences and strengthen relationships across society.

PrioritiesWhat We Do
The SciComm Trainers Network aims to explore the following priority areas to advance and amplify science communication training:

  • Cultivate Community — connect, recognize, validate, advocate for, and support each other by engaging in network activities including convenings, peer mentorship, and our online communication system.
  • Professionalize the Field — collaborate to share evidence-based practices, improve efficiency, and measure impact; establish clear quality and information sharing standards; connect research and practice; and build resources and institutional support for science communication training; advancing institutional change; ensuring there is equitability for the people in this field.
  • Broaden Participation — expand opportunities and access points for current and aspiring science communication trainers; map, categorize, and communicate the various offerings across the field; and increase diversity and inclusivity among trainers and trainees; developing inclusive practices and language.

Network priorities will always address our purpose, but specific priority areas may shift as our network evolves.

PrinciplesHow We Work
Network participants agree to prioritize and practice the following guiding principles in our collective work:

  • Inspiring Community — Participants build connections and cultivate trusting, positive relationships that enrich and enliven all participants’ work and support the wellbeing of everyone in the network.
  • Equitable Inclusion — Participants create an empowering network that seeks out and elevates a wide variety of perspectives, experiences, and identities, especially those that have historically been underrepresented. This includes ensuring equitable access to the opportunities provided by the network.
  • Respectful Collaboration — Participants advance our common purpose while respecting ownership and livelihoods, including boundaries around proprietary information, intellectual property, and business practices.
  • Accountability — Participants hold themselves and each other to ways of working that advance the quality and professionalism of the field, particularly through effective and reflective conduct and communication.