NEWSLETTER

November 13, 2020

        

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CASC continues to advocate for the science centre and science museum sector. We are committed to providing our members with the most up-to-date information to help organizations navigate a changing landscape. 

COVID-19 Recovery & Updates

> Government Announcements

In case you missed it... 

Association Updates

> Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Accessibility: CASC Membership Consultation

As a national membership association, we are committed to advancing diversity, inclusion, equity and accessibility (DIEA).

As part of our DIEA work, CASC recently conducted a survey of our members to better understand where they are in their own personal DIEA learning journey, if they’ve received corporate DIEA training, and how our members perceive CASC in terms of being an inclusive organization.

We also conducted a DIEA Member Consultation session on Oct. 29, 2020, where our goals were to listen, gather feedback, and generate ideas in terms of better understanding how CASC can support our members - those facing systemic barriers and those working to break those barriers.

Thank you to all participants. We’ve summarized the results of these activities here. This information and feedback is critical as we work towards a Full DIEA Framework for learning, accountability and change.

 > Your 2021 Membership Renewal

It's that time of year! Membership with CASC is from January 1 to December 31 each year. Very soon bundle administrators will receive a notice to renew their organizations membership for 2021.

Your membership matters. Your support of the CASC, through your membership, helps us better advocate on behalf of Canada’s science engagement community. Being connected makes us stronger as a community.

It's also time to have a look at the current Reciprocal Agreement to be sure that your organizations listing reflects your current offerings. If you are a full member and would like to participate in the Reciprocal Agreement, please contact Tina at leduc@casc-accs.com.

Thank you for your membership with the Canadian Association of Science Centres.

Not a member? Join today!

> Introducing New Membership Levels for 2021  

We’re excited to announce that we have revamped our membership structures to be more inclusive of our diverse sector. 

SCIENCE CENTRE/MUSEUM MEMBERS

Science Centre/Museum members, located in Canada and open to the public on a regular schedule, identify primarily as:

  • a science or technology centre or museum, a planetarium, aquarium, zoo, insectarium, makerspace, or a similar organization devoted, at least in part, to the public understanding and appreciation of science and technology and
  • are incorporated as a non-profit or for profit organization, or similar institution administered by colleges/universities, federal, provincial, territorial, Indigenous, or local government agencies.

***New Additions***

AFFILIATE MEMBERS

Affiliate Members shall be:

  • Non-profit or for profit organizations—or federal, provincial, territorial, Indigenous, or local government agencies—that support the purpose of the CASC and share its focus on the public understanding and appreciation of science and technology, but that are not and do not operate science centers or museums.
  • Independent contractors and consultants
  • Emerging science centres/museums

***New to CASC***

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

Individual Members shall be individuals, such as students, retirees, or professionals, who support the purpose of the CASC and share its focus on the public understanding and appreciation of science and technology. They may or may not be employees of a Science Centre/Museum Member or Affiliate Member organization. Individual Members include Honorary Patrons designated through the CASCADE award process. An Honorary Patron is a lifetime status.

Click here, for more information and a listing of all the benefits of a CASC membership.

> Welcome to our Newest Member

Royal City Science is a collective of science educators and enthusiasts who are on a mission to build a science centre, offering a uniquely Guelph twist on the typical science centre experience. The UN’s 17 sustainable development goals will influence everything we do – from building design and operation, staff/volunteer hiring and training, to thematic undercurrents of exhibits and programming. Visitors will learn about exciting developments in biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geology, mathematics, and physics, as expected, but all presented with connections to the issues of greatest urgency in our world. Join us in building Guelph’s science playground!

> Connecting our Members

Video Discussion Groups: As we all continue to navigate this rapidly-evolving global situation, CASC is here to help, support, and connect our community during these challenging times. Please contact us at info@casc-accs.com if you have ideas for how we can further support your organization.

Topic: Education & Programs Discussion
Friday, November 13, 2020 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET

Led by a group of Education and Programming staff  from CASC member institutions this meeting addresses new challenges and opportunities with public and school programming. Invitations are sent via email. Please contact leduc@casc-accs.com if you did not receive an invitation and would like to join. Open to all CASC Members. 

Have you joined our Community of Practice? With the generous support of the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC), CASC has established a forum as a private space for the Education and Programming staff of CASC member institutions to engage with others, pose questions and share resources. Invitations are sent via email. Please contact leduc@casc-accs.com if you did not receive an invitation and would like to join. Open to all CASC Members.


Topic: CASC CEO Discussion 

Friday, November 20, 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET

CASC continues to coordinate a "CASC COVID-19 Response Discussion" for CASC Member CEOs and Executive Directors to address advocacy efforts, re-opening issues, long-term plans, etc. Invitations are sent via email. Please contact mader@casc-accs.com if you did not receive an invitation and would like to join. Open to all CASC Members.

News & Opportunities

COLLABORATORS & FRIENDS

  • Virtual 2020 TIAC Tourism Congress: November 17 & 18, 2020. Two days of thought-provoking content, insights and ideas to help rebuild the visitor economy and navigate the new tourism landscape. Registration is free.
  • University of Alberta launches free online science literacy courseHow do we tell the difference between sensationalized statistics and a real scientific study? Learn how to spot sound science with Claire Scavuzzo and Rachel Buehl in this new, five-week Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the University of Alberta, Faculty of Science, hosted on Coursera.
    • Learners will hear from:
      • Timothy Caulfield, Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy and star of Netflix’s “A User’s Guide to Cheating Death” on pseudoscience;
      • Cree Elder Kokum Rose Wabasca on how traditional knowledge is used in Indigenous practices;
      • Métis Elder Elmer Ghostkeeper on how Indigenous knowledge informs scientific discovery;
      • Dr. David Rast, scientist and psychology expert, on uncertainty and decision making

FUNDING & GRANTS

  • Ontario Trillium Foundation: Resilient Communities Fund 

    The Resilient Communities Fund supports the non-profit sector recover and rebuild from the impacts emerging from COVID-19 so they can effectively meet the needs of communities across Ontario. Request amount: From $5,000 to $150,000 for 1 year. Deadline: Dec. 2, 2020.
  • Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) refurbishes donated digital devices and distributes them to schools, libraries, nonprofit organizations, Indigenous communities, and low-income individuals across Canada. Refurbished devices available through this program include desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Applications may be submitted to the local CFS+ Affiliate at any time.
  • National Geographic: COVID-19 Remote Learning Emergency Fund for Educators supports individual educators, or an individual educator working in collaboration with other educators or National Geographic Explorers, to design instructional resources that help educators effectively teach in remote or hybrid learning environments. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $8,000 are provided in the subject areas of science, social studies, and geography. Applications may be submitted until further notice. 
  • The Molson Foundation Support for Arts, Education, and Health Initiatives Across Canada The Molson Foundation brings together community organizations and institutions from across Canada to shape innovation and create lasting change for the benefit of society. Areas of interest include education, health, and arts and humanities. The Foundation usually provides organizations with either seed funding, or one-payment grants. Registered charities and qualified donees are eligible to apply. There is no specific deadline for submission of grant applications.
  • Thomas Sill Foundation provides grants to improve the quality of life throughout Manitoba. The Foundation’s areas of interest include: 1) arts and culture; 2) heritage, including architecture and museums; 3) education, including students at risk and municipal libraries; 4) environment, including water issues; 5) health, including palliative care and mental illness; and 6) responses to community, including community well-being, poverty, women’s shelters, daycares, and mentally and physically challenged people. Grants are awarded for capital, operating, or project costs. Registered charities are eligible to apply. There are no application deadlines.  

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The Canadian Association of Science Centres is a registered charity 

(# 87543 9861 RR001). 

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