Desert Dialogues

PATHWAY 1: FROM PLACE TO PRACTICE

Participants learn how to design and facilitate multi-day, place-based experiences where families explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) through the lens of their own lives and landscapes. In these experiences, families gather around shared meals, take part in field experiences, and engage in hands-on activities to share stories, build relationships, and develop a deeper understanding of place, one another, and themselves. Participants also learn how museums can work alongside local partners to co-create programs rooted in local knowledge, environments, and traditions. 

PATHWAY 2: HIGH DESERT PROJECT

Participants learn how to design and facilitate multi-event experiences for small groups focused on important local issues. In these experiences, community members come together around shared meals, field trips, and structured dialogue to build understanding of complex issues and respect for different perspectives around these issues. Participants also learn how to use shared experiences to bring together people who might not otherwise interact, fostering meaningful dialogue and supporting collective responsibility for issues impacting the region.

What You’ll Do

Who Should Apply

We’re looking for teams of 2-3 people that include: 

• One to two staff members who facilitate programs from a museum or other informal learning organization (nature center, science center, historic site, parks cultural center, etc.) and  
• One representative from a community partner, which may include staff from community organizations (culturally specific nonprofit, library, 4-H, after-school program, local/state agency, etc.), Elders, knowledge keepers, or consultants/advisors 

CHOOSING YOUR COMMUNITY PARTNER

For the High Desert Project pathway: This community partner will serve as an advisor for helping to construct your event series and your approach to these community conversations. This individual or organization should be a “community connector”—someone who has connections with a variety of groups within the community and can provide insights into different perspectives on issues and can connect you to individuals who can share their perspectives during the event series or become participants.

For the From Place to Practice pathway: This community partner will help co-create the family workshop series alongside you. This individual or organization may bring a variety of assets to the collaboration, such as knowledge of local families and community needs; expertise in cultural traditions, local history, or place-based skills; connections to other resources and opportunities in the region; or content expertise in areas like STEAM, storytelling, outdoor education, or traditional practices. They can help ensure the program is rooted in community strengths and responsive to local interests.

New partnerships are welcome! You don’t need to work together prior to the program. 

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be located in a rural community in the West (CA, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, or WY). 

• Must have executive approval from museum leadership and commitment from community partner. 

What’s Included 

FREE TO PARTICIPATE, WITH FINANCIAL SUPPORT

• All travel expenses covered (lodging, meals, transportation to Bend).
• $2,500 grant to support your community program.
• Access to expertise, resources, and a regional network.

YOUR ORGANIZATION’S CONTRIBUTION

• Staff time for participation (approximately 3-4 hours/month per team member plus travel time) 
• A portion of the local costs, which can include in-kind support, for implementing your community program (venue, materials, refreshments, etc.). Please reach out for more details. 

Questions? 

Contact Christina Cid

Director of Strategic Projects, High Desert Museum

541-382-4754, ext. 233

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, grant 21MP-257631-OMS-25.