Local governments often rely on community based organizations to implement policies. Volunteering with entities such as food banks, homeless shelters, and local advocacy groups is a rewarding way to make an impact and also learn more about your community.
By Robin Mays The Coastal and Estuarine Ecology Lab (CEELAB) was founded in 1997 at the University of Central Florida (UCF) with a focus on the ecology of coastal and estuarine ecosystems, conservation biology, and restoration. CEELAB, along with collaborators and partners such as the Marine Discovery Center, the National Park Service, and several Florida […]
ESAL spoke with Natalie Celmo, senior project engineer, and Ellie Carley, senior program coordinator, to learn how they support underserved groups through the Community Engineering Corps. The Community Engineering Corps provides pro-bono engineering and technical assistance in partnership with communities in need.
Biophysicist Leah Cairns was a voter protection volunteer in the 2020 election as part of a "ballot curing" team in North Carolina. She shares her thoughts on how engaging locally can help fight voter suppression.
ESAL volunteer Rachel Burckhardt is a microbiologist and science communicator in Bethesda, Maryland. She wrote about volunteering as a poll worker for the first time in the 2020 election, amid extra precautions due to COVID-19.
The AGU's Thriving Earth Exchange program connects communities with scientists to develop community science programs tackling natural hazards, resources, and climate change. These projects are driven by the philosophy that all communities should have access to science.
Ian Simon serves as an elected commissioner of his Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC), part of a unique system that gives voice to neighborhoods across D.C. Simon talked to ESAL about translating his federal policy experience to tackle local housing, education, and business issues.
U.S. Digital Response (USDR) is an all-volunteer movement established to fill the technology gap for local governments battling the COVID-19 crisis. ESAL interviewed Yung, the CEO of USDR, about their continuing efforts to assist governments across state and municipal jurisdictions.
Jim Treglio is a retired materials scientist who mobilized a Community Emergency Response Team program in San Diego. Treglio shared his experience using his technical background to work with the local fire department and how scientists can contribute to community response efforts.
Holly Williams believes outreach experiences are the perfect way to cut your teeth on community engagement. She has volunteered at the California Academy of Sciences as a science educator for nearly two years now. In this month's Story, she describes how she leveraged her STEM background in small ways and still made a big impact.
