NEWSLETTER

June 18, 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. 

This month we are are especially grateful to our members in their ongoing efforts to celebrate and acknowledge: 

  • Black people in STEM,

  • Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, and 

  • LGBTQ2+ Pride Month.

These are opportunities to highlight the incredible contributions of diverse perspectives in STEM and to raise awareness of the need for more work to dismantle and fight systemic discrimination of Black, Indigneous, and LGBTQ2+ people.

Association Updates

> Working to end Systemic Racism in our Sector

On June 2, 2020 in response to the universal outcry associated with anti-Black racism , CASC released a statement addressing Systemic Racism and the Need for Inclusive Science Engagement. 

Such statements are necessary, but they are not sufficient. As an Association we know we need to do better to further educate ourselves and understand our responsibility in educating our members. Our staff and Board members have met and are ready to take action so that we are in a position to release an Inclusivity Diversity, Equity and Accessibility work-plan at our AGM in the Fall.

Please reach out to Tina at leduc@casc-accs.com for more information or to get involved.

If you have not yet engaged in anti-racism work, now's the time. Feel free to circulate this document with your colleagues and with your peers.

> Nine Recipients at the First Ever Virtual CASCADE Awards

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic the Canadian Association of Science Centers brought their Annual CASCADE Awards celebration to the digital world! On Thursday, May 28, 2020, in a time of social distancing, over 190 informal science engagement professionals and supporters connected over ZOOM to celebrate their sector and reconnect their community. 

Click to watch the recorded compilation video of the full event.

Click to view the 2020 Individual CASCADE Award recipients.

Click to view the 2020 Institutional Award winners.

The virtual event was made possible through the generous support of:

Presenting Sponsor: NSERC

Promoter: Rideau Hall Foundation

Advocate: steamlabs

Supporters:  Little Ray’s Nature Center, Bestlight Media

Next year's CASCADE Awards is planned for an in-person gathering during the 2021 Annual CASC Conference in Ottawa ON. hosted by Ingenium: Canada's Museums of Science and Innovation & Ontario Science Centre.

> At Home With CASC

As most Canadian science centres and museums are closed to the public temporarily, many are working tirelessly to provide quality science-at-home activities, kits, videos, and resources to their audiences. Click here for a calendar and catalogue of online events and scheduled programming.

COVID-19 Recovery & Updates

> Government Announcements

Canadian Heritage Support: June 18 update - The first component of Phase 2 of the COVID-19 Emergency Fund for Heritage Organizations. This component provides $53 million in support to organizations with heritage collections through the emergency component of the Museums Assistance Program. More information about the next component of Phase 2 will be announced shortly.

Enabling Accessibility Fund: The Government of Canada has announced applications are open for the Enabling Accessibility Fund which aims to create more opportunities for persons with disabilities to take part in community activities, programs and services, or to access employment.

  • Workplace project applications must aim at removing barriers and increasing accessibility and/or safety in facilities where persons with disabilities work or could work in the future.

Safe Restart Agreement: In early June, the federal government announced that they are ready to contribute $14 billion to provinces and territories for a safe restart, known as the Safe Restart Agreement. This includes more PPE for healthcare workers and businesses, ensuring children and seniors are protected, paid sick leave for workers with no benefits, and support for municipalities and transit.

> Resources

> 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: Sharing Summer Camp Strategies Part 3

Friday, June 19, 2020 11:00 AM EST

Led by a group of Education and Programming staff  from CASC member institutions this meeting addresses new challenges and opportunities with school programming and camps. 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.

Topic: CASC CEO Discussion 

Friday, June 19, 2020 2:00 PM EST

CASC will continue coordinating 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

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Next issue: Aug. 4

If you have an item of interest for the newsletter please contact info@casc-accs.com.

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