Oceanography | September 2021
FROM THE TOS JEDI COMMITTEE
THE BIENNIAL Ocean Sciences Meeting (OSM) is the most
extensive opportunity for members of the global ocean sci-
ences community to come together to share knowledge, net-
work, build and strengthen collaborations, and grow ideas. In
addition to sharing progress in research, technology, and edu-
cation, these meetings are a valuable opportunity to advance
diversity and inclusivity in the ocean sciences community. OSM
2020 featured several successful events and sessions with these
themes, and reflection on them since then has been valuable
for guiding further diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts
at our home institutions and for planning future conferences
(Behl et al., 2021, in this issue; Le Bras, 2021).
OSM 2022 (February 27 to March 4, 2022) will be the first
hybrid meeting for this conference, featuring in-person events
held in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, while also offering a robust vir-
tual participation component. The OSM 2022 theme is “Come
Together and Connect.” Hawaiian culture places great emphasis
on the importance of bringing people together to form a cohe-
sive unit that is stronger than any single individual. The word
pilina in the Hawaiian language means connection, relationship,
and association, as the seeds of the native pili grass are joined
and mature together. In light of this theme, as well as the global
movement to dismantle barriers to the participation of under-
represented groups, OSM 2022 will feature a series of events to
educate, support, and empower a diverse and inclusive ocean sci-
ence community. Although the meeting program is still devel-
oping, the titles below provide a preview of some of the JEDI-
themed programs being planned for this exciting week.
ESTABLISHING A SPACE FOR WOMEN OF COLOR
IN OCEAN SCIENCES (VIRTUAL WORKSHOP)
Women of Color (WOC) are statistically more likely to expe-
rience microaggressions, disrespect, mansplaining, white fragil-
ity, and cultural misappropriation in the workplace. Compared
to their male counterparts, WOC are 45% more likely to leave
STEM jobs. This virtual WOCshopTM (workshops developed
and conducted by WOC) aims to combat these issues by pro-
viding solutions-oriented, hands-on training to address bias and
social oppression. Join in to participate in dynamic groups and
individual exercises, hear true anecdotes by WOC in the field,
and learn how to create inclusive and equitable workplaces that
JEDI Events and Programming for OSM 2022
By Erin L. Meyer-Gutbrod
welcome diverse perspectives for the future of ocean sciences.
Participants in this WOCshop will leave with tools in hand to
become active, effective bystanders empowered to establish A
WOC Space at their respective workplaces. This WOCshop is
for everyone who would like to increase the quality of experi-
ences and the presence of WOC in ocean sciences!
SPEAKING UP: HOW BYSTANDERS CAN CHANGE
THE CONVERSATION IN STEM
Ever wondered “Why didn’t I say something?” after witnessing
bias? Deciding whether and how to respond to bias is compli-
cated. Attendees will learn about what motivates people to speak
up, the challenges faced when doing so, and strategies for effective
responding. PowerPlay Interactive Development’s team of impro-
visational actors will provide scenarios for discussion and prac-
ticing intervention. This workshop is sponsored by a grant from
the Sloan Foundation to support evaluation of bystander inter-
vention workshops. Registrants for this workshop are expected to
complete online survey materials before and after participation.
Presenter/Co-Facilitator: Stephanie A. Goodwin, PhD, President,
Incluxion Works Inc. Co-Facilitator: David Kaye, MFA, Founder/
Artistic Director, PowerPlay Interactive Development, University
of New Hampshire.
JEDI TOWN HALL
The Oceanography Society Justice, Equity, Diversity, and
Inclusion committee will host a town hall to share news about
TOS efforts to broaden participation in its membership and
solicit feedback from the community. This will be interactive
event where in-person and virtual participants can share ideas
and help shape priorities for future JEDI initiatives. Information
collected during the town hall will be shared with TOS members
following the event via the TOS JEDI web page (https://tos.org/
diversity) and a synthesis of the community feedback published
in Oceanography.
STUDENT AND EARLY CAREER WORKSHOP
For OSM 2022, the annual full day Sunday workshop will include
sessions that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives,
environmental justice, and mental health. It will also provide the
opportunity for students and early career scientists to meet and