Biologists: Help Us Help You Become More Effective Advocates for Biology
AIBS Public Policy Office Training Initiatives
"The public thinks science is good and we need lots of it" -- I don't disagree with Dan Greenberg on this point.
"The scientific community’s government wish list is small and tidy: Send more money, minimize regulations affecting research, and show us respect" -- nor do I disagree with the core arguments of this, his somewhat puckish point.
But there's many a slip twixt cup and lip as one goes from generalities to specifics. Scientists need to keep in mind that while broad public support for science is necessary for the success of the scientific enterprise, it rests on what the general public and their elected representatives at federal, state, and local levels think science is and is not. Constant explanation and reminding are necessary lest things drift off-course. The merits of scientific arguments do not speak for themselves. As one extreme example of how off-course things can get, this fall we have the alarming situation of Gov. Sarah Palin, a candidate for Vice-President of the U.S., being a proponent of young earth creationism, which holds that the earth is less than 7,000 years old and that humans once walked with dinosaurs.
Success also rests on recognizing that the public funding legislators approve does not go toward an amorphous activity simply called "science"; rather, it is allocated among specific disciplinary areas of science, specific programs, and specific funding agencies -- each of which must be its own best advocate to receive support. If biologists and biological organizations are going to be heard in this crowded and cacophonous arena where interests jostle for public attention, policy impact, and funding support, we need to have a clear message, sharp elbows, and the smarts to stick together while pursuing alliances with other scientists.
One great way for biologists to work together is through the AIBS Public Policy Office's training programs. Staffed by professionals with years of experience working with scientists, law-makers, and opinion shapers, the AIBS Public Policy Office provides public presentations and small-group training programs that help scientists and educators become effective advocates for science.
A one-hour talk exploring a current science policy issue is usually available on relatively short notice. Themes for these talks include such issues as the politics and policy of evolution education, federal funding trends for scientific research and development, or an overview of on-going science policy issues. These one-hour presentations provide the basic information required to understand the debate surrounding an issue, along with practical steps on how to engage in the public policy discourse.
The AIBS Public Policy Office also offers two-hour and longer interactive workshops for AIBS member organizations, academic departments, or similar organizations. These workshops afford participants the opportunity to interact with the instructor and others in the course. Participants learn basic skills and knowledge that will help them work productively with policymakers, administrators, news reporters, or the public. Depending upon the interests and composition of the sponsoring organization, these workshops can be designed to include a mix of advocacy and media training. Participants receive a tool-kit of quick reference materials (e.g. a Congressional Directory, and the AIBS publication, Communicating Science: A Primer for Working with the Media).