The Science Rising Challenge Fund was created to help support nonpartisan projects that focus on elevating the role of science in the decision-making processes of our democracy. Below are the individuals and organizations, their projects, and how they plan on engaging their communities leading up to the 2020 election.
Learn more about the Science Rising Challenge Fund.
Sci4NY, Local Policy Engagement for the National Good
Ahead of the 2020 presidential election, Sci4NY is working to catalyze conversations on the intersection between current national and local science policy issues. To draw people into this experience, Sci4NY will work closely with local artists from different backgrounds and places in New York City to create science policy (SciPol) art for discussion. For updates, follow Sci4NY on Twitter.
Youth Environmental Activists! Minnesota (YEA! MN), Say “yea” to YEA! MN
YEA! MN will host workshops that help inform young people on environmental issues in their community and ways to take action. The webinar series will help participants gain a better understanding of ways to take action in legislation, build relationships with those engaged in activism and advocacy, and teach others. For updates, make sure to follow YEA! MN on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
University of Cincinnati Science Policy Group, STEM Awareness Through the 2020 Election
University of Cincinnati’s Science Policy group aims to engage potential voters about their power in voting and advance science so that young voters will be more likely to vote and leverage their voice in political discussion. This project is focused on using social media as a platform for voter engagement by creating a PSA video on the role of science in voter equity and providing voter resources and information about the upcoming election. For updates, follow UCSciPol on Twitter.
Megan Newsome, STEMocracy 101
STEMocracy 101 is a podcast focused on filling the gap STEM students face that hinders their civic participation by providing a resource that ties public policy and ethics to STEM fields. The podcast episodes will center on intriguing stories about the connections between civics and science while shining light on the ways STEM professionals can effect change for their communities. For updates, follow creator Megan Newsome on Twitter.
The Northeastern Section Younger Chemists Committee (NSYCC), The Chemistry of Voting: Making Your Voice Heard
NSYCC of the American Chemical Society will provide a platform for young chemists to become involved in governmental affairs. By hosting a workshop series that features seminars and group discussions, participants will be guided on how to vote in upcoming elections, discuss the impact that policies have on the chemistry community, and organize meetings with local representatives. Learn more about this workshop and follow NSYCC on Twitter.
March For Science New York (M4SNY), Vote For Science
M4SNY seeks to increase voter turnout in New York City, focusing on communities with historically low turnout and emphasize on the need to elect public officials committed to science-based policy grounded in social justice. Follow M4SNY on Twitter and check out the weekly online panel series that offers a non-partisan discussion on different topics which features a science/policy expert on the issue being discussed and a NYC-based community organizer working in the field.