Deadline: November 15, 2019
If you are eager to elevate your abilities as a leader, think big and gain the skills needed to make your vision a reality, communicate across difference, build resilience to sustain your leadership for the long haul, and be a part of a thriving and supportive network of peers, apply to the COMPASS Scientist Sentinels: Civic Engagement & Leadership Program 2020.
This 9-month leadership program kicks off with an in-person retreat from April 13-16, 2020 near Seattle, WA focused on strategic science communication, engagement with decision makers (from civic leaders to policymakers), and leadership. At the retreat, the 15 scientists selected for this cohort will set and refine their goals for civic engagement, practice new communication and leadership skills, learn new pathways for engagement, and become part of an inspiring and lasting network of mutually supportive peers.
Goal
- Build a network of empowered, mutually supportive science leaders who are motivated and prepared to engage with decision makers, from civic leaders to policy makers, and who inspire their colleagues to do so as well.
- Help participants identify their purpose and goals for communication and civic engagement.
- Provide participants with the skills, tools, and knowledge they need to reach their communication and civic engagement goals.
- Empower scientists to work with their communities to support evidence-based decision-making at the local level and beyond.
Benefits
- A 3.5-day retreat in science communication, policy engagement, and leadership with world-class trainers that will provide you with the knowledge, tools, and support you need to help you realize your civic engagement goals;
- Membership in a cohort of motivated, inspirational environmental scientists who are eager to support each other in making the world a better place;
- Coaching, peer support, and additional training opportunities to support you in your development as a scientist leader;
- Guidance on how to identify opportunities to engage and navigators who can help you gain access to discussions where your research is relevant;
- Confidence in your abilities and the support of your network, and connection to your purpose and goals.
Other details
- Successful applicants, in addition to participating in the retreat, will receive accommodation for 3 nights at Seabeck Conference Center in Seabeck, Washington. All meals during the retreat will be covered. Participants are asked to cover their travel expenses to the Seattle area if possible; however, travel funds are available if needed—please don’t let the cost of traveling to Seattle keep you from applying!
- In addition to the retreat, the program will include ongoing learning and support through pre- and post-retreat webinars, peer group coaching sessions, and individual coaching.
Eligibility
- All natural and social scientists currently residing in the U.S. whose work is focused at the intersection of the environment and society are eligible to apply.
- Applications from scientists and researchers from any affiliation (academic, government [tribal, local, state, or federal], NGO, industry, etc.) and career stage are welcome.
Application
To apply, please fill out the online form with the following:
- Contact info
- Academic credentials and affiliation
- Brief bio (one paragraph) including research topics and your previous engagement experience or outreach efforts
- 2 references (please provide two references able to speak to why you would be a good fit for this program, and have them share their thoughts via this brief form)
- Resume or short CV (include as link, if available online, or please email as an attachment to [email protected] with the subject header: 2020 Sentinels— Your Last Name).
- Responses to the following short-answer questions:
- What do you hope to gain from this program?
- How would you put to use the skills you gain and the network you build through this program? How will you better connect/support/engage after the fellowship, and what would be your goal in doing so?
- Please briefly share a significant experience you’ve had engaging in policy/public outreach/other efforts to strengthen the role of science in society.
For more information, see FAQ or visit COMPASS.
