Cuts and threats to science funding and science-based decisionmaking don’t only impact STEM professionals; they impact our families and communities. Scientists can be powerful messengers to communicate these impacts to the public and to decision makers–once they have the right framework. This workshop will present the public narrative storytelling framework that students and scientists can use to share their personal story with decision makers to help advocate for protecting science at the local, state, or federal level. 

Together, ESAL, the Union of Concerned Scientists, and featured panelists will explore the components of crafting an effective public narrative for policy advocacy. Participants will hear directly from scientists and science communicators who have effectively woven stories into their policy engagement efforts. Workshop facilitators will share prompts and questions that participants can use to shape and adapt their own stories depending on their audience. There will be time for individuals to work on their narrative and share with others to get feedback. Workshop presenters will share ways for participants to bring their narrative into upcoming science policy opportunities, including ways they can get involved with the Union of Concerned Scientists and Engineers and Scientists Acting Locally.