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Engineers & Scientists Acting Locally (ESAL) is dedicated to helping professionals with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) backgrounds engage and contribute to their local government and communities. We believe that many of the critical problems we face can be meaningfully tackled through decisions and actions at the local level. One of the things we’ve learned through surveying engineers and scientists is that the first step is often the hardest: how do you begin?

In our new Postcards series, learn from the experiences of engineers and scientists who have taken that first step and found ways to connect with and improve their community, through activities such as:

• Attending a city council or state legislature session
• Attending a public meeting (e.g. local planning board)
• Making a public comment (e.g. at a city council meeting)
• Applying for a local board or commission
• Learning about a local policy
• Meeting with a council member or state representative
• Meeting with a city or state staff member

By sharing their experiences, we hope to help demystify local government and inspire you to take the first step yourself.