Citizen Science Association

WHO WE ARE - The Citizen Science Association (CSA) is a member-driven organization that connects people from a wide range of experiences around one shared purpose: advancing knowledge through research and monitoring done by, for, and with members of the public. Citizen science – the most recognizable term for this practice – is expanding the reach, relevance, and impact of science in almost every area of inquiry; in the field and online; through local and global efforts. With increased attention to citizen science, CSA brings depth to how citizen science is understood both as public engagement and as research, and shines a light on the integrity and complexity of the practice. OUR CORE SERVICES - Biennial conference; Peer-reviewed & Open Source journal: Citizen Science: Theory and Practice; Skills-based webinars; Field-building Working Groups; Monthly newsletters; Discussion Listserv. WHO WE SERVE - We connect over 6,000 people who design, lead, manage, and study citizen science to exchange knowledge, identify shared concerns, and advance innovative work. Multidisciplinary and multidimensional by nature, citizen science depends on connections to foster synergies, highlight practices that strengthen these efforts, and accelerate the pace of improvement. We partner with sister organizations on other continents to engage a global conversation, but focus our convening and communication efforts towards a North American audience. We work to build strategic alliances with other societies (of disciplines and practices) to keep expectations for citizen science appropriately high. Association members directly support our work to advance the field of citizen science. Members build their professional network and shape the future of the field by contributing to working groups and by voting on key decisions about direction, priorities, and leadership for the association. A number of organizations and institutions support the Citizen Science Association through annual memberships. Each of these members also has the opportunity to offer an educational webinar annually. Members and non-members alike can sign up to receive updates through a monthly newsletter, and are welcome to join a discussion listserv for sharing questions, ideas, innovations, and announcements among peers in this field.