Mission and Vision

Contact:  Theresa Torrent-Ellis (Theresa.Torrent-Ellis[at]maine.gov)

The Networking Committee had originally spoke about developing a NEOSEC website, but in the face of questions regarding audience, etc., determined that it will be better to take one more step back, and identify the tools that NEOSEC members would find useful for improved networking. To do this, Beth and Suzy are reviewing membership surveys previously conducted (e.g., by the National COSEE Network, the Museum of Science’s Communities of Practice initiative, and the December NEOSEC evaluation survey), and will develop a survey monkey questionnaire including follow-up via telephone. 

The survey is for NEOSEC members; no other audiences at this point.  The subcommittee anticipates tracking responses by institution, specifically to prioritize possible values and services that could be offered by NEOSEC – for example, a joint calendar, peer reviewed materials, opportunities for collaboration, and/or an online map showing Collaborative members.

With regard to funding for improved networking, Suzy described research conducted by UNH’s Troy Hartley, a marine scientist turned social scientist who looks at how people communicate across networks.  He has looked at wetland scientist-policy maker connections, for example, and could do the same for connections between scientists and educators.  He has indicated that he may be interested in working with us, perhaps to pursue a grant, or use his data to help shape our own proposal.   The potential collaboration with social scientists at JFK school is stalled at this point for several reasons. 

Summit Subcommittee Report                                

Contact:  Pam DiBona (pdibona[at]neaq.org)

Participants reviewed proposed conference parameters:

Date: To encourage attendance on a weekday, we will offer reimbursement for substitutes for the first 20 teachers to register.   Fridays November 7 and 14 are not available at UMB; they have offered Monday dates (October 20, November 10) as alternatives.  Mondays are difficult for teachers in particular, and November 10 is a holiday in RI.

Location: UMass Boston does not seem to be an option at this point.  Bob suggested other meeting areas on the campus, but those are unlikely to be available on a weekday.  Participants offered alternatives:

Abramson Center in Portland?  That venue will not draw as many people, far for CT people, no commuter rail options.  While it is not a bad idea to hold the event in different places to broaden audiences, Gail recommended keeping it in Boston because we’re a young organization and need to make it as easy as possible for people to attend.

New England Aquarium?  Only the IMAX Theatre can accommodate 150 to 200, but they really can’t close it to visitors for a day.  Can accommodate only 50 people otherwise...

Northeastern U?  Tracy will look into that.

Other universities, esp. where members are based?  Pam will investigate any options there.

More traditional hotel/conference venues?  Concern about increased cost expressed.

Audience all agreed that 150 to 200 attendees is a reasonable goal.

Format: similar to 2006.  Pam mentioned that COSEE Ocean Learning Communities reported on an interesting meeting format that we might want to fold into our own; she is awaiting a copy of their agenda to share with the group.

Follow-up:  to facilitate ongoing connections with attendees, the subcommittee recommends holding a spring 2009 “happening” with concurrent events around the region – perhaps to coincide with World Oceans Day on June 8th?  Gail and Pam noted that this could be a well-covered media event, if we have similar activities happening across the region; local press especially love that type of story.

A possibility is to have member institutions lead participants in collecting near-shore data using a protocol developed for the Census of Marine Life project. Suzy will determine whether we can host a “train the trainer” session for using the near-shore biodiversity protocol this year.

Other options to consider: 

Events at public visitor sites

Cow Island (ME) Ocean Literacy Trail field trip

Keynote Speaker: TBD, should be a scientist able to make connection w/educators, well-known enough to be a draw for our audience, and able to address the role of the ocean in NE climate change.  Pam will follow up with Berrien Moore and Cameron Wake (in that order) once a date is determined.

All agreed that with regard to decisionmaking around the event details, the subcommittee should send a proposal for the date and venue to the larger group via email for quick-turnaround response.

May Meeting                                                

Contact regarding agenda:  Gail Scowcroft (gailscow[at]gso.uri.edu)

Contact regarding logistics:  Pam DiBona (pdibona[at]neaq.org)

May 16, Seacoast Science Center, 11am to 5pm

Pam will work with Wendy and Perrin to identify options for lodging and a group dinner.

At that meeting, each member organization should bring no more than seven slides that describe “How my organization is promoting Ocean Literacy.” The goal is to learn more about what members do day-to-day, so the assignment should be interpreted broadly!

Other agenda items:

Summit format and agenda

Suzy will invite Troy Hartley to come talk about his partnership research.

Elect next chairperson-elect.

New Business

Pam reported that NEOSEC is ahead of the pack in terms of successful collaborations, judging by the presentations at the recent Oceans ‘08 (the biennial joint meeting of the American Geophysical Union, the American Society for Limnology and Oceanography, The Ocean Society, and the Estuarine Research Federation).