The Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC), in partnership with the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) and through the support of IF/THEN®, an initiative of Lyda Hill Philanthropies, invites organizations and individuals to join the IF/THEN® Champions Network, a United States-based community of ASTC science centers, allied members, and individuals committed to advancing gender equity in their institutions via the IF/THEN® Collection.
Join the growing network committed to inspiring the next generation of girls and women innovators in STEM.
We are activating a vibrant network of museums, institutions, and individuals united in their commitment to support gender equity within the field.
As part of a movement of public libraries, zoos, aquariums, public gardens, and other cultural institutions across the United States, members will provide each other with mutual support, champion the overarching goals of the IF/THEN® Initiative, and act as a resource for the broader informal learning community.
Membership that Matters
No-cost memberships are open to all US-based ASTC science centers and museums, allied members, and individual professionals who are dedicated to advancing gender equity in STEM. Whether you’re an educator, a professional in a STEM field, or an institution committed to making a difference, we welcome you to join.
|
Membership Level |
Who should join? |
|
Individual |
This membership level is for educators, exhibit developers, and others who support the IF/THEN® initiative but may not be housed within an organization, or who have not yet obtained an organizational commitment. Individuals do not need to belong to an ASTC member organization or be in the United States to join. |
|
Organizational |
This membership level is for ASTC-member organizations in the United States, including museums, science centers, and allied members, and, in addition to this membership form, requires an organizational commitment. Network members are each expected to access approximately $15,000 in program benefits and offerings, reinforcing each member’s commitment to gender equity at their respective institutions. Step 1. Complete the Membership Form |
Preview the membership form questions here. Memberships will be processed every two weeks.
For membership questions, email Emily Early, Senior Program Manager, National Girls Collaborative Project, at eearly@ngcproject.org.
All members receive these benefits:
- Become part of a network committed to actualizing change
- Invitations to quarterly educational webinars on advancing gender equity in STEM, designed collaboratively with members, based on your stated needs and interests
- Access to regular email communications highlighting IF/THEN® Collection resources, network updates, grant opportunities, etc.
- Access to a suite of resources, including a social media toolkit, talking points for advancing gender equity in STEM, and other communications support to develop publicity materials to increase visitorship and impact related to network efforts
- Opportunities to serve as guest network speakers and writers for blogposts, social media, and other forums
All members commit to:
- Amplifying Network activities and messaging throughout your individual or organizational networks
- Attending a minimum of 50% of IF/THEN® webinars from date of joining the network
- Contributing to stories and blogs as requested (no more than once per year)
- Participating in annual data collection activities (i.e. survey, interviews) to review services and activities, collect impact stories, and to inform continued network growth
- If not already an organizational member and if applicable, share about the network with organizational leadership and encourage organizational membership
Organizational Members
Organizations receive additional benefits and make a formal commitment to the IF/THEN® Champions Network.
Benefits include:
- Welcome package featuring IF/THEN® posters, pop-up banners, and more
- Personalized guidance through an introductory consultation session to examine organizational strengths and areas for growth in advancing gender equity in STEM
- Opportunities to apply for:
- Travel, accommodations, and registration scholarships for an IF/THEN® pre-conference session at ASTC’s 2024 and 2025 conference
- IF/THEN® Collection exhibit content including mini-grant funds to design-your-own project or exhibit materials, white-label exhibits utilizing the IF/THEN® Project Library, kits with hands-on interactive displays recreating the work of the IF/THEN® Ambassadors, and more
- Stipends to support installation and maintenance of IF/THEN® exhibits
- Stipends to support programming and events featuring IF/THEN® content
- Additional opportunities as they arise
Commitments include:
- Displaying and leveraging IF/THEN® Collection materials with your audiences, visitorship, and broader communities. This may include holding events, displaying exhibits, and embedding Collection content into other areas of museum operations.
- Attending an introductory consultation session to set organizational goals
- Sharing about the IF/THEN® Champions Network membership and learning opportunities internally and with other organizations, as appropriate
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! We recognize that employees may change museums or careers, and welcome individual members regardless of their current institution’s status.
If signing up for organizational membership, any staff member can complete the membership form but note that your organization will also need to complete a commitment form (see more below).
Think of it like a pledge. This high-level commitment from your organization acknowledges the specific requirements that accompany organizational membership. An authorized official from your organization must sign the organizational commitment form to gain access to our full suite of organizational resources and benefits. The link to the commitment form can also be found at the end of the membership form if you select that you’re filling it out as an “Organizational Member”.
Any authorized organizational representative, like a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Organizational Officer (COO), President, Executive Director, Board Chair, or the equivalent can complete the organizational commitment form. Check with your organization if it’s not clear who is able to provide this level of commitment.
Since membership requires time commitments from an organization’s employees, (to join webinars, attend the introductory consultation session, and work toward organizational goals, etc.), we want to be sure this is understood and supported at a high level.
