The NSF-funded LEAPS: RCN: ROOT & SHOOT (Rooting Out Oppression Together and SHaring Our Outcomes Transparently) aims to transform plant science to become more equitable and inclusive. Part of this mission involves building strong connections with organizations that support people of marginalized identities, particularly members of SACNAS and MANRRS. To Read more…
R&S RCN Blog Post: Reflections on NDiSTEM By Imeña Valdes I was invited by Root & Shoot RCN to attend the National Diversity in STEM Conference (NDiSTEM) organized by the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) that was held in San Juan, Puerto Rico during Read more…
The ROOT & SHOOT RCN has a limited number of travel awards to support attendance at conferences hosted by the RCN members. We will share more information about the RCN travel awards soon. In the meantime, have a look at some of the opportunities that lie ahead. Note that some Read more…
Inclusive Conferences Working Group Background The ROOT & SHOOT RCN has formed a Working Group to generate an RCN-wide system that develops and implements practices and policies that promote a safe and inclusive conference environment. Acknowledging a history of inequitable practices at such gatherings, the Working Group’s effort will intentionally Read more…
Report from ROOT & SHOOT workshop “Equity assessment of ASPB/CSPB activities and processes” held at Plant Biology 2022, Portland, Oregon, July 11, 2022 Professional societies, scientific conferences and journals are intended to serve all in the community equitably, but do they? In this workshop, participants were invited to reflect on Read more…
ROOT & SHOOT – OVERVIEW AND PROGRESS TO DATE February 2021 – September 2021 In February 2021, the NSF released a Dear Colleague Letter (https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2021/nsf21049/nsf21049.jsp) “LEAding cultural change through Professional Societies (LEAPS) of Biology” with a request for proposals with a focus on leveraging the influence of professional societies to Read more…
The ROOT & SHOOT Steering Committee (SC) met on Thurs., June 2, 2022 to get to know one another better, set norms for interacting respectfully, and be comfortable with discomfort in order to do community-driven change together. As pre-work, each SC member was tasked with spending 1-2 minutes writing out Read more…
The ROOT & SHOOT Steering Committee met on Wed., May 4, 2022 to: Reflect on the events from the April Retreat (Public Event; RCN Leaders Conversations; Movement Consulting Training; Experts Committee Conversations) Obtain feedback for Conference Improvement Working Group recruitment Discuss the SACNAS/MANRRS travel and membership awards Brainstorm materials for Read more…
On April 12 and 14, the ROOT & SHOOT RCN held two, hour-long virtual conversations about equity in plant science. These sessions were open to the public. A brief overview of the ROOT & SHOOT RCN was given, after which participants were able to self-select into breakout rooms based on Read more…
Culture change in the biological sciences is an urgent priority; it is foundational to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the discipline. Culture change will require broad, sustained, and innovative approaches to drive and sustain meaningful and lasting changes. Professional societies are uniquely positioned to help facilitate culture change in Read more…