URGE Pod Outcomes for the AGU EPSP Section

We formed an URGE pod for the AGU EPSP section of AGU to explore ways to promote safety, inclusivity, and accessibility for all members of the surface processes community, thereby promoting increased diversity of our membership. As the only AGU section that formed a pod, we hope our experiences and insights can provide a roadmap for other sections and science organizations. Our members agreed that scientific societies are important for community and career building and thus the section and its members have a responsibility to address non-inclusive systems in the research community. We studied section representation, dynamics, procedures and documentation and found that the processes of committee member selection, committee function and awardee selection could be more clearly communicated to the general community, better explained in written resources, and more equitable. We agreed to be proactive and aspirational in implementing change through new structures and initiatives, and recommend the creation of a new DEI committee that interfaces regularly with other EPSP committees. In building URGE deliverables, we determined that evaluating the effectiveness of new and recommended DEI initiatives will require AGU demographic data to be broken down by section. AGUs current policy on wrongdoing and harassment also leaves our section with limited resources to address microaggressions and under-representation in EPSP sessions at the Fall Meeting and in section events. Our recommendations include establishing transparent guidelines on how to join and be involved with the community, a welcoming and mentorship program for new members, committee selection and function, and increasing transparency and inclusivity around nominations and evaluation rubrics, especially for women, people of color and traditionally undervalued academic work, e.g., community building. We took steps to increase inclusion and accessibility in our section by updating the EPSP website with more clear and up-to-date resources for our members and committees. Finally, we recommend the new DEI committee prioritize developing and utilizing improved avenues for soliciting community feedback.