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List of Working Groups
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THE WASHINGTON CHARTER
FOR COMMUNICATING ASTRONOMY WITH THE PUBLIC
The Statement of the “Communicating Astronomy
to the Public” Conference (October 1-3, 2003)
CHARGE
As our world grows ever more complex and the pace of scientific
discovery and technological change quickens, the global community
of professional astronomers needs to communicate more effectively
with the public. Astronomy enriches our culture, nourishes a
scientific outlook in society, and addresses important questions
about humanity's place in the universe. It contributes to areas
of immediate practicality, including industry, medicine, and
security, and it introduces young people to quantitative reasoning
and attracts them to scientific and technical careers. Sharing
what we learn about the universe is an investment in our fellow
citizens, our institutions, and our future. Individuals and
organizations that conduct astronomical research – especially
those receiving public funding for this research – have
a compelling obligation to communicate their results and efforts
with the public for the benefit of all.
PRINCIPLES OF ACTION
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Mandate and fund public outreach and communication
in all projects and grant programs;
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Develop infrastructure and linkages to
assist with the organization and dissemination of outreach
results (including information, materials, etc.);
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Continuously emphasize the importance
of such efforts to project and research managers;
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Recognize public outreach and communication
plans and efforts through proposal selection criteria and
decisions and annual performance awards; and,
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Encourage international collaboration
on public outreach and communication activities.
Professional Astronomical Societies Should:
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Strongly endorse standards for public
outreach and communication;
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Assemble best practices, formats, and
tools that will aid in effective public outreach and communication;
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Work to promote professional respect
and recognition of public outreach and communication;
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Make public outreach and communication
a visible and integral part of the activities and operations
of the respective societies; and,
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Encourage greater linkages with successful
ongoing efforts of amateur astronomy groups and others.
Universities, Laboratories, Research Organizations, and
Other Institutions Should:
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Declare public outreach and communication
a clear priority for all departments and personnel;
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Actively recognize public outreach and
communication efforts when making decisions on hiring, tenure,
compensation, and awards;
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Provide appropriate institutional support
(e.g., funding, infrastructure, personnel, training, etc.)
to enable and assist with public outreach and communication
efforts;
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Collaborate with funding agencies and
other support organizations to help ensure that public outreach
and communication efforts are efficient and have the greatest
possible impact;
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Develop appropriate formal public outreach
and communication training for all researchers; and,
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Integrate communication training (e.g.,
writing, speaking, etc.) into the academic courses of study
for the next generation of researchers.
Individual Researchers Should:
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Actively participate – directly
or indirectly – in communicating the results and benefits
of astronomical research directly to the public;
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Convey the importance of public outreach
and communication to all team members; and,
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Instill this sense of responsibility
in the next generation of researchers.
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