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Serve your community. Working or volunteering in local government can be a rewarding path for those who want to make a difference in their communities. As a volunteer, community leader, elected representative, or government staff, you can bring your science-informed perspective to local decision-making. Effective service requires relationship-building and empathy for your neighbors.

Related Content

Article - Apr 12, 2020
‘Running for office takes a lot of guts’: 314 Action and the case for electing scientists to local government

314 Action works to elect those with STEM backgrounds and pro-science agendas to local, state, and federal office. Alums have changed not just the dialogue around STEM issues, but, once elected, have also brought expertise and rigor to solve problems ranging from raising the minimum wage to minimizing veteran homelessness.

Article - Mar 8, 2020
Scientific Citizenship Initiative

The Scientific Citizenship Initiative (SCI), based in Boston, Massachusetts, aims to make science “more socially responsive and responsible” by expanding STEM student training in leadership, communication, and ethics, and developing fellowships for scientists to serve in their communities.

Article - Feb 4, 2020
Apply for a Local Policy Fellowship

Our latest playbook guide aims to help you apply for local science and technology policy fellowships for policies. We share resources to help identify, prepare to apply, and interview for the right fellowship for you.

Article - Dec 8, 2019
MOST Policy Initiative: A Midwestern Take on Science Policy

The MOST Policy Initiative connects Missouri scientists and policymakers during the development of new legislation. The initiative also runs the Missouri Science and Technology Policy Fellows Program, placing Ph.D.-level scientists in the Missouri General Assembly. Director Rachel Owen recently spoke to ESAL about MOST and its importance in Midwestern politics.

Article - May 26, 2019
Applying Systems Knowledge to a School Board

Henry (Hal) Cardwell, who earned a Ph.D. in geography and environmental engineering from Johns Hopkins University, has always been interested in systems. He recently finished a 3-year term as an elected school board official in the City of Alexandria, VA, applying this interest to a school district with 15,000 students.

Article - May 12, 2019
Can Local Government Be ‘Delightful?’ Yes, Says New Urban Mechanics

Nigel Jacob, a Ph.D. computer scientist, co-chairs the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics (MONUM) where he oversees local initiatives and innovative projects in Boston's mayoral office. Jacob spoke to ESAL about how MONUM brings an entrepreneurial spirit to Boston’s local bureaucracy.

Article - Mar 24, 2019
Making a Difference on a School Board

Philip (Bo) Hammer, a Ph.D. in physics, has an abiding interest in applying his expertise to science policy and education. Outside of his day job with the American Institute of Physics, he previously served two elected terms on a local school board in New Jersey.

Article - Mar 10, 2019
Fellowship Sparks Local Progress Toward Climate Resilience

The CivicSpark fellowship program has engaged over 200 fellows and some 35,000 California residents on projects concerning sea level rise, affordable housing, climate action planning, and sustainable transportation. Scheuer told ESAL about the program’s new “resilience” focus as they prepare to select their latest cohort of fellows.

Article - Dec 23, 2018
Developing Climate Policy on a Municipal Advisory Board

Robert G. Kennedy III, PE, has long viewed civic engagement and technical expertise as balanced components in a well-rounded career. Since 2008, he has served on the Environmental Quality Advisory Board for Oak Ridge, Tennessee and is currently the board’s chair.

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