About Us

Through immersive art-science learning experiences, Side by Side supports young women's* voices in co-authoring transformative, positive narratives to story a new way out of the climate crisis. This initiative leads young people through a series of activities combining biological observation and research with performance-based puppetry, vocal & physical exploration to develop these narratives, and increase a sense of belonging in STEM learning communities and as a part of the natural world.

*Anyone who identifies as a women, sometimes or always, regardless of gender assigned at birth or who feels they would benefit from a female-focused approach.

We support young women* in co-authoring a way beyond the climate crisis through art-science connections, rich interspecies friendships, a sense of belonging in the natural world & in STEM learning communities, and by sparking constructive hope for the future.

 

  1. Cultivate a sense of belonging

  2. Utilize embodied learning

  3. Explore a Side by Side approach (art-science, adults-youth, humans as part of nature)

  4. Inspire constructive hope

  5. Provide a public platform for youth voices

We believe in:

  • The importance of fostering a sense of belonging in the natural world and in STEM learning communities.

  • Equity and inclusion are integral to achieving environmental preservation and a survivable future.

  • Telling new stories through new storytellers.

  • Multiple pathways of knowing.

  • Disrupting hierarchies and current ways of being through interdisciplinary approaches.

  • Extending friendship to other species through interspecies solidarity.

  • In a future that is looking up!

Our statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Action and Interspeciality

Side by Side seeks to create a sense of belonging and community in STEM through challenging oppressive systems and placing a focus on women and gender diverse individuals who have been minoritized.

Side by Side focuses on uplifting individuals who have been marginalized on the basis of gender, race, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, and economic status, among others, as well as their intersections. 

Side by Side builds a culture of belonging and engagement among fellows, near peer mentors, and project leadership through equitable pay and collaborative creation of project structures, norms, and art/science experiences. 

Side by Side focuses on re-integrating humankind with the natural world through art/science exhibits that tell new climate stories authored by those who have been overlooked.