Before I was born, many science centres and museums grew out of a need to get information out to the public that they did not have access to. In the information age, what does that role become?

This is a challenge I’ve heard people discussing at conferences, as they struggle to ensure we are a vital community resource.

In this project, we’ve talked internally about the science centre making a difference; about being a player in creating social change. We may see this potential, but do others? Are community members seeing us this way?

This past week, I was supporting Katherine as she put together some of the exhibit ideas for a potential Sex, Sexuality, and Reproduction area in the Human Body space. On Wednesday night, we hosted Sexual Health Educators to review some of these ideas, and provide feedback to the team. These quotes from the educators highlight 2 things. First off, this is a content area where the information is NOT getting to the public, and brings us back to playing the same role as science centres in their inception. Secondly, this was the first time I’ve heard a community member tell us this work will lead to social change.

“The questions you people are asking here are not commonly asked” -Alberta Sexual Health Educator

“What you are doing here is going to lead to social change. I’m so excited! I can really see the potential.” – Calgary Sexual Health Educator

-carly

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