Title:
Astronomy for Diversity and Inclusion: Building Networks, Best Practices, and a Roadmap to Action for Change

Abstract:
Everybody has the right to enjoy and experience the Universe, and nobody should be left behind. Even with this "motto" currently being echoed by more and more science outreach groups across the globe, there are still many people that don't have the opportunity to engage with astronomy.


Here we will share the process of building a national community working on inclusive astronomy in Japan, starting with the Universal Design Working Group in Astronomy in 2006, three editions of the Universal Design (UD) symposia (in 2010, 2013, and 2016) at NAOJ Mitaka headquarters, to finally bridging the international community in 2016. In addition to the symposia, we will discuss how these measures impact our activities and shape the institution in which you work (e.g. audio guides at Mitaka Visitors' Area, tactile telescope models created with a 3D printer, etc).

In 2019, November 12 to 15, the NAOJ will host the first IAU symposium on Astronomy for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. This symposium is a natural extension of the actions begun with past UD symposia and intends to be a roadmap to action, highlighting the role diversity and inclusion play in producing better science, contribute for competitiveness and innovation and to focus on specific steps leading to change on the field. This symposium is aimed at all astronomy professionals that wish to bring inclusiveness to their research and diversity to their teams, practices, work environments and institutions. With the same inclusive and open approach that permeates all dialogues of our actions, we wish to invite everyone to join the project and contribute in their unique way.