About
At OEDP, we believe that better data stewardship approaches are needed to unlock the benefits of community-generated environmental data. We also believe that we can build and learn better approaches in collaboration with one another.
The Data Stewardship Learning Circle invites a cohort of environmental data stewards and community scientists to come together to tackle real data governance challenges. Members of the cohort learn practical strategies and test new tools alongside peers facing similar questions about how to protect, manage, and amplify the impact of community-generated data.
Through seven virtual sessions, we will develop your data stewardship instincts and build a data stewardship toolkit full of tools and workflows that can be applied to real-world data challenges.
We are looking for individuals who are:
- involved in environmental or climate justice,
- generating or using data, and
- working on projects in the United States.
What to Expect
In a cohort of 15-20 Learning Circle participants, we’ll meet for seven 1.5-hour virtual sessions, including: one introductory session to shape our learning agenda together, five co-learning sessions (a mix of training, peer discussion, and co-design activities) to build our toolkit, and one closing session to synthesize learnings and chart data paths forward.
Each learning session will be centered on a different environmental data stewardship theme:
- Values and data ownership
- Governance structures
- Data sharing and partnership
- Data security and privacy
- Advocacy and storytelling
You'll help shape outputs that serve both your work and the broader field, including how-to guides, adaptable resources and templates, and brief case studies highlighting your work.
Throughout the year, you’ll develop your data stewardship instincts and apply them, alongside tools and workflows, directly to your own environmental justice or community science work.
2026 Learning Circle Dates
All sessions will be held virtually at 10:00 am PT.
Intro Circle: April 21, 2026
Session 1: May 12, 2026
Session 2: June 16, 2026
Session 3: July 14, 2026
Session 4: August 11, 2026
Session 5: October 13, 2026
Synthesis Circle: November 10, 2026
From these sessions, we will collectively build a toolkit to share the learnings beyond your cohort’s circle.
In recognition of the time and energy you’re contributing to the Learning Circle, we will provide each participant with a $400 stipend.
Expectations of Learning Circle Members
- Capacity/commitment: We expect that participants will be able to attend at least 6 of the 7 sessions, complete light pre/post tasks for each session, and are eager to share their learnings within their respective organizations.
- Community ownership/engagement: We have a preference for participants whose work or organizations have local/regional focus and sustained engagement (i.e., conversations, services, programs) with community members in the United States.
- Clarity of impact: Participants should have at least 1-2 main questions/challenges that align with Circle curriculum that can be examined in the session format (i.e., questions that go beyond desk research that would benefit from skill-building, shared resources, or collaborative exploration).
- Data/technical literacy: Participants are expected to have a baseline level of data and technical literacy that allows them to engage with and apply stewardship concepts. The sessions will not cover training in skills such as cloud data management or specific programming languages.
- Values alignment: Participants should align with OEDP’s values of collaboration, accountability, and openness. See more on our values here.
Apply!
Applications are due March 29, 2026 via this form. Participants will be notified of their acceptance via email by April 3, 2026.
FAQ
What types of projects are a good fit?
We encourage you to apply if you’re working on a project focused on environmental or climate justice that involves collecting, managing, or using community-generated data.
Why only participants in the United States?
For our pilot Learning Circle, we are working domestically to ensure easier scheduling and a higher likelihood of impact. We are based in the United States and our organizers have the most experience here.
What if I can only attend 5 of the sessions?
We strongly prefer participants who can attend at least 6 of the 7 sessions to ensure continuity and trust within the cohort. If you anticipate missing more than one session, this may not be the right year to apply. You could also consider attending one of our Data Drop-Ins.
What if I have an emergency and can’t attend a session unexpectedly?
We understand that emergencies happen. If you need to miss a session, let us know as soon as possible. We’ll share key materials and summaries so you can stay connected to the cohort’s work.
What if I need to talk to the organizers or Learning Circle members between sessions?
Participants will have access to a Learning Circle Slack channel for connecting between sessions. Additionally, OEDP hosts Data Drop-Ins every two weeks where you can book a 30-minute time slot to talk through any data or Circle-related topics with session organizers.
Do participants receive anything upon successful completion?
In addition to a $400 stipend, sent upon completion of the circle, participants will receive a certificate of completion, digital badge to share on LinkedIn, and access to the co-created toolkit and shared resources developed during the Learning Circle.
Is there a financial cost to participation?
There is no cost to participate. In recognition of your time and contributions, participants will receive a $400 stipend.
How much time should I expect to commit outside of sessions?
Participants should expect light preparation and follow-up work between sessions (approximately 2-3 hours per session), focused on applying tools to their own projects.
Are sessions recorded?
To encourage open conversation, sessions will not be publicly shared. We may share summaries or selected materials with participant consent.
