Are you interested in promoting dialogue about science with a broader spectrum of individuals and communities? A 2019 Pew survey indicates that 72% of Americans identify with a religion. In our “Engaging People of Faith” workshop, AAAS facilitators lead participants through an overview of why culture and worldview, which include spirituality and faith, are important considerations for science engagement. We present strategies and best practices for effective and inclusive dialogue about science topics. The workshop includes moderated discussions and a small-group exercise responding to a challenging scenario. Though the focus is on dialogue with people and communities of faith, the workshop content highlights important principles for effective science education and engagement more broadly.

You can request to host the workshop for your organization or institution, or attend a workshop at a scientific society meeting if you are a registered attendee. Click the following links for more information:

The “Engaging People of Faith” workshop is a collaboration between the AAAS Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion program and the AAAS Center for Public Engagement with Science and Technology.  The workshop is a professional development opportunity for scientists, communicators, educators, students, and other STEM professionals.

Participants will:

1. REVIEW key fundamentals for science communication and engagement;
2. LEARN why dialogue with religious/spiritual people and communities is an important dimension of effective and inclusive public science engagement;
3. DISCUSS potential difficulties in engagement on science issues with people and communities of faith;
4. UNDERSTAND social science perspectives on science engagement and faith;
5. APPLY approaches for effective engagement on challenging questions or topics.