Within NSPN, different members and chapters have a wide range of interests in how to engage in the 2020 election. Therefore, several outreach tracks are available for groups to choose to pursue either in collaboration with other groups and in partnership with other organizations, including the Union of Concerned Scientists, Science Debate, Duke SciPol, Wiki Education, and the Journal or Science, Policy, and Governance. Consider reviewing these options before you register your meta-review.
Public Outreach Track
When the public hears of a new topic in a speech, debate, or family dinner, how do they learn more about it? A large portion will likely find themselves browsing online open-access information. NSPN groups will contribute to improving the quality and accessibility of science policy content leading up to the 2020 elections through these partnerships:
Help improve the quality of STEM Wikipedia pages relevant to the policy concerns of legislative candidates along with Wiki Education. The goal is to develop the policy considerations section, or even create a new “___ US Policy Consideration” page! Groups will have the opportunity receive training on effective Wikipedia editing, hosting Wikipedia edit-a-thons, and improving online science communication skills.
Application Deadline: August 1
Groups will work closely with Duke SciPol.org staff to choose a topic and develop “explainers”, which are documents that disseminate accurate, stimulating, and accessible science and technology policy about complex issues to the general public. This track may also include additional opportunities to generate secondary products (a one-page fact sheet, press release, op-ed, two-minute “explainer” video, etc.).
No deadline for this track
Check out the full Public Outreach Track descriptions!
Policy Outreach Track
As a network of early career scientists, it is vital that we develop skills and contribute perspectives on policy matters that can help shape public dialogue. This requires composing policy suggestions and supporting scientific priorities through outreach and engagement. The following partnerships are available for NSPN groups to publish and participate in science policy arenas leading up to the 2020 elections:
NSPN groups will work collaboratively to compose a policy white-paper to be published in the Journal of Science Policy and Governance on a STEM topic relevant to the 2020 election. While any topic is eligible, JSPG is specifically interested in papers relating to:
1. State level policy fellowships for scientists
2. Local and regional change options for graduate STEM education
Submission Deadline: May 31st
Since 2008, every presidential candidate has answered Science Debate‘s science and technology Q&A. To expand these efforts in 2020, NSPN groups will partner with Science Debate to coordinate outreach and advocacy campaigns for state level candidates to participate in a STEM policy forum on your campus or in your neighborhood! Pursuit of additional local organization partnerships is essential to this track.
Application Deadline: Rolling through December 2019
Check out the full Policy Outreach Track descriptions!
Advocacy Track
Advocating for the value science and technology as a policy priority is essential to ensure that these issues are at the forefront of 2020 candidates, their staff, and their constituents. This may take the form of written thought pieces, or other media outreach.
In collaboration with the Union of Concerned Scientists’ Science Rising Initiative, groups are invited to plan and publish a series of parallel Op-Eds targeted towards local newspapers and media outlets. The focus will be on the importance of a certain STEM topic to a regional constituency (and why candidates should be taking a stance on it).
Application Deadline: ASAP
Download full track description.
Ready to start your group’s 2020 Election Initiative project?