Scientists could play a vital role in ensuring equitable and science-based policy solutions to the most pressing challenges facing us today, but often they are not trained or empowered to transform their concerns into actions.
In this series of skills-building training webinars, the Union of Concerned Scientists will provide practical steps that scientists and experts can take to get involved in policy advocacy.
These virtual trainings will showcase a range of ways that experts can promote evidence-based methods and findings to influence policymaking, regulation, and other societal decisionmaking practices to serve the public good. Throughout the series, Science Network members will be provided opportunities to determine what their role as a scientist advocate looks like. Training attendees will also be connected with opportunities to take action on UCS campaigns, to put their skills into action.
You are invited to sign up for as many free, virtual training webinars as you’re interested in. If you cannot attend the live training, a recording will be provided afterward.
Upcoming trainings
Science Advocacy 101
Date: Thursday, May 23
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m. ET
This training will highlight the critical role scientists play in informing policy and government decisions, describe different ways scientists can inform and advocate for equitable, science-based policy, and help attendees find opportunities to engage in science policy that align with the roles or approach they’re interested in.
How to Make Science a Priority for Candidates
Date: Thursday, July 25
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m. ET
As candidates hit the campaign trail, there is an opportunity to get them on the record about their stance on science-related issues, and how they’ll use science to inform their decisions once they’re in office. This training will cover how to identify opportunities to engage with candidates in a nonpartisan way, and how to get them on the record so we can hold them accountable if they’re elected.
Countering Disinformation Leading Up to the Election
Date: Thursday, September 26
Time: 3:00–4:30 p.m. ET* (note the 90-minute length, to ensure time for discussion)
We know that disinformation around voting and critical election-related issues will increase as we get closer to the general election. This training will cover best practices for countering disinformation, how to develop counter-narratives, and pitfalls to avoid when engaging with audiences around disinformation.
Post-Election Debrief: Opportunities for Science Advocacy
Date: Thursday, November 21 Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m. ET
Part update, part action-planning session, this training will provide an overview of the post-election landscape for critical science-related issues, as well as highlighting upcoming opportunities where we need scientist voices to speak out.
Protecting Scientists Engaging in Advocacy
Date: Thursday, January 16
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m. ET
This training will provide tangible guidance for how scientists who are engaging in advocacy can assess and mitigate the risks to their reputation, know your rights, and recognize common fear tactics for silencing science.