Chapter 1: The Evolution of Scientific Participation

Since 2008, I've been sharing my experiences working alongside citizen scientists. This term gained popularity, replacing my preferred phrase, "pro-am collaboration." The shift away from pro-am (professional-amateur) was motivated by many feeling that the label "amateur" diminished the significant contributions they were making to our understanding of both the universe and our shared environment.

Historically, we referred to individuals as gentle-person scientists—wealthy patrons who funded equipment that many academics could not afford. The 1800s saw advancements in technology and growing acknowledgment of contributions from unexpected sources, such as farmers collecting weather data during the Revolutionary War, or Mary Anning in England, a fossil collector worth a Google search. The collection of flora and fauna, exemplified by figures like Audubon, highlighted the diverse contributions to science. As recognition expanded in the 1800s, the term "amateur" became more accepted, although it still left some feeling uneasy.

Section 1.1: The Challenge of Terminology

Unfortunately, the term "citizen science" wasn't thoroughly vetted, and in today's context, the word "citizen" can have negative connotations. With many refugees and immigrants striving to create new lives, some lack citizenship altogether, making the term feel exclusive. Just as the phrase "manned space flight" unintentionally discouraged young girls from aspiring to be astronauts, "Citizen Science" can lead some to believe that projects I and others have initiated are not accessible to non-citizens.

This was never our intention.

Subsection 1.1.1: A New Vision for Inclusivity

I simply wish to engage in science with everyone—be it fellow humans or even intelligent ravens, which would be fascinating! I aim to cultivate a joyful vocabulary that celebrates all the dedicated volunteers and students contributing amazing work.

I’m not sure if it’s an improvement, but I’m choosing to refer to our collaborative effort as a community of science, with those contributing to our exploration labeled as "Community Scientists." That includes me, you, and everyone involved. Together, we form a community of scientists.

Chapter 2: Moving Forward Together