NEWSLETTER

February 18, 2021

        

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It’s official, the dates for the CASC 2021 virtual conference are set and soon we’ll be announcing the Call for Session Proposals.

We missed you last year, but we're planning on making it up with a 3 day single stream lineup of sessions around 4 sub-themes inspired by our overall conference theme: Future Imperfect.

SAVE THE DATE!

June 1 to 4, 2020 : A future imperfect is grounded in less perfection and more authenticity; where risk, experimentation, failure, and resiliency can be portals to discovery and innovation. In the past year, the science centre and science museum sector has faced disruption and has had the courage to evolve  – to explore new ways of engaging our audiences, to acknowledge and work towards breaking down systemic barriers, and to play a vital role in supporting people across Canada during a global pandemic. A future imperfect embraces change and makes room for growth.

The CASC 2021 Future Imperfect virtual conference will explore the following sub-themes:

  • Trust in the misinformation age

  • Mind the digital gap 

  • Navigating and supporting organizational change  

  • Citizen science and innovation

Join our 2021 Conference Program Committee!

We are in search of  fifteen (15) volunteers from across our membership to join our 2021 Conference Program Committee.

Purpose: Oversee the selection of the conference sessions.

Responsibilities:

  • Review session proposals
  • Evaluate sessions using the assessment matrix 
  • Act as a "mentor" to assist session proponents with tailoring their presentation as directed by the committee. 

Term: 3-month term (March through May.)

More details can be found in the committees terms of reference by clicking here.

Send us your expression of interest!

Deadline to apply: February 25, 2021 
APPLY HERE

Association Updates

> Join the CASC TEAM - We're Hiring!

The core function of the Membership Recruitment – Intern is to identify and recruit new CASC members while representing and advocating the role of the Association to existing and prospective members. 
The Canadian Association of Science Centres is seeking an experienced, proactive, and creative Communications and Social Media Manager to oversee strategy, production and delivery of digital content across all our channels, for the #ScienceUpFirst Initiative.

> Celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth and #BlackInSTEM

In celebration and recognition of Black History Month CASC member science centres/museums are using their platforms to amplify Black voices in STEM and in their communities. Here are just a few:

Many are also using social media to amplify Black voices in STEM. Here are just a few. Visit our Twitter page to see others. 

Below are a few events and resources that may also interest you. 


Throughout history, Black people have made remarkable contributions to scientific progress. North America continues to prosper immensely from these contributions and yet significant barriers still stand to their being fully welcomed and included in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

>>> If you have not yet engaged in anti-black racism work, we’d like to help you get started.  In June, in response to the universal outcry associated with anti-Black racism we compiled this list of resources - Feel free to circulate it with your colleagues and with your peers.

    > #ScienceUpFirst: Join the Movement!

    CASC is proud to be a partner in the #ScienceUpFirst: Together Against Misinformation initiative! Our goal is to help stop the spread of misinformation around COVID-19 and we’re so proud that our network and members can play a key role in this effort.

    TOGETHER, let's make following science-informed facts a trend! 

    Here are 3 easy steps to be part of the #ScienceUpFirst movement:

    • Follow us on Twitter,Instagram, and Facebook @ScienceUpFirst

    • Share expert-vetted posts with your networks, members, friends, and followers. 

    • Join the conversation by sharing science-based content using #ScienceUpFirst.

    Visit www.scienceupfirst.com for more information and to learn how you can sign up to do more. 

    > CASC Member Skill Sharing Webinar Series

    The CASC Membership: Education and Programs Community of Practice (CoP) is excited to announce the planning of upcoming CASC member skill sharing webinars. These webinars will be exclusive to all CASC members and will touch on a variety of topics addressing public programming and engagement. 

    Upcoming Webinar: February 26, 2021, 1-2:30 PM EST

    Broadcast Brilliance: how to use free OBS Studio software to deliver online programs 

    OBS ( Open Broadcaster Software )  is being used by many CASC members as a way to seamlessly and professionally deliver multi-camera and multi-asset presentations. In this skill-share session we’ll share some examples, and then dig into how we do it and how we’ve solved common hiccups. We’ll finish with breakout sessions that walk you through how to set OBS up and give you time to practice with support. 

    Panelists: 
    • Brian Anderson, Director of Performance and Fun Times, Science World
    • Kate Henderson, Manager of School Engagement, Science World
    • Katelyn Tovey, Assistant Manager Education and Conservation, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
    • Kiki Kirkpatrick, Coordinator Super Science Club, Science World
    • Martin Boucher,  Multimedia Technician, J. Armand Bombardier Foundation ( Oui, je parle français. )

    If you are interested in sharing your skills with your CASC colleagues, send an email to Tina Leduc at leduc@casc-accs.com
    REGISTER HERE

    > Upcoming Member Discussions

    Topic: COVID-19 Recovery 

    Date: Friday, February 19, 2021, 1:00 – 2:00 PM EST

    Location: ZOOM

    Who should attend? CASC Member CEOs and Executive Directors

    Invitations are sent via email. Please contact mader@casc-accs.com if you would like to be added to the invitation list.


    Topic: School and Public Programming

    Date: Friday, March 12, 2021, 1:00 – 2:00 PM EST

    Location: ZOOM

    Who should attend? Education and Programming staff from CASC member institutions.

    Invitations are sent via email. Please contact leduc@casc-accs.com if you would like to be added to the invitation list.

    > 2021 Reciprocal Admissions Agreement is now available

    As the country continues to move into various stages of reopening, so are Canadian science centres and museums.

    The CASC Member Reciprocal Agreement entitles science centre and museum membership holders (i.e. families and individuals) General Admission (at no additional cost) when they visit other participating institutions across Canada. In order to benefit from the reciprocal admission agreement at a participating science centre or museum, the consumer must live more than 150km ('as the crow flies') from the centre they wish to visit. Not all CASC members participate in the Reciprocal Agreement. 

    Have a look here to see who is participating in 2021.

    Before visiting in person, we suggest you visit their website or give them a call to find out their current status and offerings. Many still continue to serve their communities by offering educational programming, resources and materials online. Follow them on social media for a steady stream of ideas for exploring science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) engagement.  

    News & Opportunities

    COLLABORATORS & FRIENDS

      FUNDING & GRANTS

      National

      • Vaccine Confidence Funding Announcement The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) are pleased to provide preliminary information on an upcoming launch of a special $2.25 million funding opportunity to support activities that promote vaccine confidence in Canada. Applicants may request up to $50,000 in funding for a one-year period. The deadline for applications is slated for early April. A complete program description with details on how to apply will be posted in early March on the NSERC website.
      • Hydro One: Community Fund Support is provided to Canadian registered charities and nonprofit organizations addressing one or more of the following areas: improving community physical or emotional safety, supporting well-being and inclusion through community programming, and standing up for cultural diversity in their communities through programs, services, and funding. Grants of up to $25,000 are provided. Application Deadline: February 19, 2021
      • Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund: COVID-19 Relief Grant: COVID-19 Relief Grants support the core operational costs of local, grassroots, species conservation organizations which are struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and as a result face personnel or financial constraints in conducting species conservation work in 2021. Grants ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 are provided. Application Deadline: February 28, 2021
      • BDC: Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program Guarantee: Through the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) Guarantee program, businesses heavily impacted by COVID-19 can access guaranteed, low-interest loans of $25,000 to $1 million to cover operational cash flow needs. Application Deadline: June 30, 2021
      • Pfizer Canada Corporate Giving Program Pfizer Canada supports health and science education programs, disease awareness initiatives, the scientific and academic community, and projects that could have a potential impact on reducing healthcare costs. Grants and product donations are provided. Application Deadline: none

      Regional

      • Mental Health Research Canada: British Columbia COVID-19 Call for Proposals: Mental Health Research Canada has issued a call for proposals that aims to better understand how COVID-19 impacts the mental health of families and caregivers of children with special needs in British Columbia, and to identify evidence-based, promising programs and practices to mitigate these impacts. Application Deadline: February 28, 2021
      • Province of Manitoba: Manitoba Bridge Grant: The Manitoba Bridge Grant provides a $10,000 grant to eligible Manitoba businesses and organizations that are required to fully close their premises to the public as a result of Manitoba COVID-19 Prevention Orders. Application Deadline: March 31, 2021
      • Charles H. Ivey Foundation: The Foundation will consider innovative projects in Southern Ontario to assist youth at risk, aged 13 to 25, in the areas of education, healthcare, social services, arts and culture, and the environment. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000 over one to three years are provided. Application Deadline: March 1, 2021

          Missed the last issue? Visit our archives and stay-up-to date!

          OUR MISSION

          CASC empowers a national network of organizations who champion Science and Innovation by making science approachable, relevant, and accessible.

          OUR VISION

          Canada has a thriving science and innovation culture of engaged citizens.

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