Field Inclusive Social Field Safety Workshop  

In-person, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Auditorium

Where: Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (virtual options available) 

When: Immediately following the VATWS meeting on March 21st , and will adjourn by 2 pm ET 

Cost: Free, but please register (anytime before the workshop starts). Lunch will be included for all participants. All workshop costs are covered by the VATWS IDEA Committee at no cost to participants.   

Who should consider attending? 

Students, Professionals, PIs, Advisors, Supervisors, Institutions, Universities, and Organizations who employ, have, or support marginalized and historically excluded individuals who professionally work outdoors. In the workshop, we will shed light on multiple scenarios and discuss ways you, as an employer or supporter, can approach the right solutions and make sure you are creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. 

What information will be covered? 

The history of minorities in the outdoors, group brainstorming activities, and group discussions about solutions to common social field safety scenarios that could impact certain groups of individuals. 

What will the format be like? 

The workshop will be about 2 hours, including lunch. Within this time, VATWS IDEA Committee members (trained by the FI Team) will facilitate group conversations and discussions about various real–life social field safety scenarios put together by the FI Team. These discussions will aim to bring awareness to common things that could happen to workers in the field and, more specifically, the extra layer of safety that needs to be created for minorities. 

What will participants take away? 

A handout summarizing workshop materials to help participants put what they learn into practice. This workshop has also been approved for 1.5 CEUs in Category I of the Certified Wildlife Biologist®/Professional Development Certificate Program through The Wildlife Society.